Beta-Glucan: Benefits, Best Korean Picks & What to Know

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide (a sugar-based molecule) found in oats, yeast and mushrooms. Beta glucan for skin is valued for a hydrating, soft and comfortable feel, and it's commonly found in toners, essences and creams for dry or sensitive-feeling skin. A beta glucan serum is the easiest way to add it, and beta glucan skincare is often paired with centella, panthenol and ceramides. On labels, look for "Beta-Glucan" or "Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan." As with any new product, patch test first.

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1.21M+
Avg rating
4.31
Hydration
99% positive
among 340,929 reviews mentioning it
reviews mention soothing
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Reviews of products containing Beta-Glucan · Updated Oct 12, 2026 (UTC)

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Benefits of Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide found in oats, yeast and mushrooms. In skincare, beta glucan skin benefits center on hydration and a soft, comfortable feel, which is why it's a common pick for dry or sensitive-feeling skin. Its light, slightly silky feel suits watery toners, essences and serums, so a beta glucan serum fits as an early layer before moisturizer. It pairs well with centella, panthenol and ceramides. As with any new product, patch test first.

Tip

Skin still feels dry?

Apply a beta-glucan toner or essence on damp skin, then lock it in with a ceramide or hyaluronic acid moisturizer.

Top Products with Beta-Glucan

Most ReviewedHighest Rated
AllEssences/Ampoules/SerumsFace MoisturizersSheet MasksTonersEmulsionsCleansing FoamHand CreamSunscreen/Sunscreen LotionEye TreatmentsBody Lotions
  1. Dr.GR.E.D BLEMISH Clear Soothing Cream
    4.3943,189
  2. ROUNDLAB1025 Dokdo Lotion
    4.3127,116
  3. TorridenDIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cream
    4.6126,136
  4. SKINFOODCarrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
    4.4721,077
    • Beta-Glucan
  5. ROUNDLAB1025 Dokdo Cleanser
    4.3619,213
    • Beta-Glucan
  6. SIDMOOLGREENTEA PEELING GEL
    4.4316,133
How we rank

Real Reviews

All Skin TypesDryCombinationNormalOilyDehydrated Oily
All AgesTeens20s30s40s+

Ratings

4.31

  • 54
    5
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Reviews (1,216,802)

Reviews of products containing Beta-Glucan

  • ESTHE'LIVE

    ACNE SPOT CLEAR

    ESTHE'LIVE ACNE SPOT CLEAR
    Read full reviewView product

    hn*****

    20sDehydrated Oily Skin

    Pros

    I bought this because I heard it was good for acne-prone skin. I don't get a ton of breakouts, but when I do, they're hard to manage, so I got this to use whenever my skin looks like it's about to break out and gets red. I applied it to some spots that just came up, and it has a slight tingling sensation and smells like acetone. It absorbs really quickly, so I apply this first and then layer my toner and other skincare products on top. After using it for a few days, the redness has calmed down a bit. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so I can easily throw it in my bag and take it with me.

  • Siabarrier

    Bio Repair Ampoule

    Siabarrier Bio Repair Ampoule
    Read full reviewView product

    gk***********

    20sDehydrated Oily Skin

    Pros

    The way it absorbs and how well it spreads are both top-notch. First of all, the product itself looks absolutely gorgeous. Even though I have combination dehydrated skin, there's zero stickiness to it. It feels like milk or something, and I really love it. Seriously the best.

  • S.NATURE

    Aqua Squalane Serum

    S.NATURE Aqua Squalane Serum
    Read full reviewView product

    sk*****

    20sDehydrated Oily Skin

    Pros

    I've been repurchasing this serum multiple times now. Since I have super sensitive skin, I break out immediately if something doesn't work for me, but this one is so gentle and suits my skin perfectly that I only use this.

Beta-Glucan for Your Concern

  • Dry Skin

    A hydrating favorite in toners and essences. Apply on damp skin, then seal with a ceramide moisturizer.

  • Sensitive Skin

    Valued for a gentle, soothing feel in simple, minimal routines. Pairs well with centella and panthenol.

  • Rough-Feeling Skin

    Chosen for a soft, silky feel in watery toners and essences. Use as an early layer before serum and cream.

  • Combination Skin

    A lightweight hydrating layer that suits combination skin. Often paired with niacinamide or centella.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does beta glucan do for sensitive skin?

Beta glucan is known for its soothing and skin-barrier-supporting properties, which makes it a popular pick for sensitive, reactive or compromised skin that needs calming without added irritation.

Is beta glucan the same as hyaluronic acid?

No, they're different ingredients with different primary roles. Hyaluronic acid mainly draws in and holds moisture, while beta glucan is more focused on soothing, barrier repair, and reducing visible sensitivity.

Can beta glucan help repair the skin barrier after using retinol?

Yes, its soothing and moisture-retaining properties make it a common choice for supporting the skin barrier and easing dryness or sensitivity that can follow retinol or other strong actives.

Quick Facts

INCI name
Beta-Glucan
Also known as
Beta Glucan, β-Glucan
Source
Oats, yeast or mushrooms
Key benefit
Hydration & softness
Best for
Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Rough-Feeling Skin, Combination Skin
Works well with
Panthenol, Ceramide

What to Pair Beta-Glucan With

Works well with

  • Centella Asiatica (Cica)

  • Panthenol

  • Ceramide

  • Hyaluronic Acid

Use with caution alongside

  • Multiple new actives at once

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Research on topical use in skincare is still developing, and results vary from person to person. Reviews reflect individual experiences, not product claims.