Ingredient
Beta-Glucan
A hydrating and calming polysaccharide found naturally in oats and mushrooms that soothes inflammation and helps skin hold onto moisture. Research suggests it may hydrate as effectively as — or more than — hyaluronic acid at equivalent concentrations. A standout for reactive, sensitized, or post-procedure skin. Effective from 0.4%, with most serums using 1–5%.
Ingredient
Suitable for
Sensitive and reactive skin — delivers meaningful hydration alongside calming effects, with no risk of irritation — one of the few ingredients that does both.
Also suitable for sensitive skin, dry skin, redness-prone skin and mature skin.
Ingredient
Ingredient combination
Combinations that work
- Hyaluronic AcidHydrating
Hyaluronic acid hydrates the surface immediately; beta-glucan forms a soothing film that slows the loss. Research suggests beta-glucan holds water at least as well as hyaluronic acid, and calms while it does it.
- NiacinamideRepairing
Beta-glucan calms the inflammatory signal, niacinamide rebuilds what the inflammation cost. A pairing for reactive skin that cannot yet tolerate stronger actives.
- RetinolTolerance
Applied before retinol, beta-glucan reduces the dryness and stinging of the adjustment weeks without forming a layer that blocks it. Useful for skin that wants retinol results but reacts easily.
Combinations to avoid
Beta-Glucan has no documented conflicts with anything else in this library. It can sit anywhere in a routine.
Routine
Routines with Beta-Glucan
Routines featuring this ingredient are coming soon.