Each year, it feels like we reach the zenith of skincare ingredients. First, there was hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that felt like trying to speak Latin—now, it s one of the must-have hydrators. Then, the snowball of niacinamide, snail mucin, retinol, –nal and –noid, not to mention the incredible things coming out of research and development hubs in Japan and Korea. In 2026, we’re not only au fait with these ingredients, but we also know how to layer and sandwich them onto our faces.
Naturally, with all this buzz, some ingredients can slip under the radar‚ included in formulations but never the star. Beta-glucan fits this bill perfectly. But it’s absolutely worth paying attention to.
What is beta-glucan?
“Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide [that’s a carbohydrate, to novices] derived from sources such as oats, mushrooms and certain yeasts,” explains aesthetic doctor and founder of the eponymous clinic Dr. David Jack. “In skincare, it works primarily as a biological soother: a molecule that interacts with receptors on immune cells in the skin, helping to modulate inflammation and support repair. Think of it as a very calm, very competent first responder that puts out microscopic fires before they turn into visible redness or irritation.”
If you like to put your skincare ingredients into mental buckets, think of beta-glucan as you would ectoin, ceramides, and allantoin—all soothing, inflammation-calming gems.
Is beta-glucan good for the skin barrier?
Yes. Beta-glucan is well-documented to possess calming and barrier-support properties, consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips affirms. “It can be especially useful for skin that is easily irritated or prone to redness, including conditions such as rosacea, eczema and contact dermatitis,” he goes on to say.
Beta-glucan has a positive effect on the skin barrier because of its humectant properties. A humectant is a type of molecule that draws water towards itself. It helps lock moisture into the skin (and prevent further water loss), which can help the skin barrier calm down and begin the reparative process.
Is beta-glucan a good moisturizer?
Again, yes. “Beta glucan is ideal for all skin types, but it’s particularly well-suited for those with dry, dehydrated skin,” Allies Of Skin founder Nicolas Travis describes. The reason for its top moisturizing marks is that not only does it draw hydration into the skin, but it creates a superficial protective film to help stop water from escaping back out.
“Clinically, you see plumper, less reactive skin [after using beta glucan], which is why it’s become so popular in post-procedural products and formulas for sensitive skin,” finishes Dr. Jack.
What skin types or concerns is beta-glucan best suited for?
As we’ve said, all skin types can benefit from beta-glucan. However, those with dry, dehydrated, and slightly lackluster skin are likely to see more of an immediate benefit. Dr. Jack lists it as being particularly suited for anyone with:
- Sensitivity
- Rosacea-prone skin
- A compromised barrier function
- Irritation caused by active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C
Can I use beta-glucan and retinol together?
Absolutely. Because of its soothing nature, beta-glucan works brilliantly alongside a retinoid, as well as vitamin C and exfoliating acids. “Its calming properties can offset some of the dryness and irritation these active ingredients may cause,” says Dr. Phillips. “By maintaining skin comfort and improving barrier function, beta-glucan actually allows for you to use these ingredients more consistently [with less irritation].”
Dr Jack recommends combining beta-glucan with hyaluronic acid to create a hydration powerhouse. “Hyaluronic acid hydrates immediately, while beta-glucan reinforces resilience and water retention over time,” he explains. So, rather than ponder if beta-glucan is better than hyaluronic acid, harness both of their attributes for a short and long-term moisture solution.
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