Beta-Glucan

Best

Antioxidant

Beta-Glucan at a glance

  • Naturally derived from yeast, fungi, seaweed, or oats
  • Often used as a skin-soothing agent/redness-minimizing ingredient
  • Delivers beneficial antioxidant and moisturising properties
  • Studies indicate beta-glucan can help reduce the look of wrinkle depth and address other signs of ageing
  • Proven track record of safety

Beta-Glucan description

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide (complex sugar) that can be derived from various natural sources such as yeast, fungi, seaweed, or oats. It is commonly included in skin care products as a soothing agent and is considered an excellent ingredient for minimising redness and other signs of sensitive skin. Beta-glucan also offers antioxidant properties and has been shown to help visibly minimise signs of ageing/sun damage (including reducing the look of wrinkle depth and rough, uneven tone). Certain sources of beta-glucan also offer film-forming moisturising properties. In early research, it was hypothesized that beta-glucan’s high molecular weight would inhibit it from penetrating skin, thereby limiting its benefits to just the surface, but in more recent studies, beta-glucan has been proven to permeate skin by passing between cells. In 2012, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed beta-glucan as safe in cosmetic formulations in the present practices of use at a 1% max concentration.

Beta-Glucan references

  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2018, pages 1,101-1,107
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2017, pages 1-48
  • Phytotherapy Research, February 2014, pages 159-166
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-52
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, February 2007, pages 167-170
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2005, page 292

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.