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.

Real reviews
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

  • SKINFOOD

    ROYAL HONEY PROPOLIS ENRICH ESSENCE

    SKINFOOD ROYAL HONEY PROPOLIS ENRICH ESSENCE
    Read full reviewView product

    gw******

    20sDry Skin

    Pros

    I decided to try this after seeing so many people with dry skin recommend it! Usually with other essences, after I apply them and fan my skin a few times with my hand, they dry quickly. But this one keeps my skin feeling hydrated even after that. Plus, I'm really sensitive to fragrance, and I was so relieved that this doesn't have a strong scent and didn't cause any skin irritation. I think it might feel a bit heavy during summer, but I'm definitely going to use this regularly throughout fall and winter!

  • AMPLE:N

    Ceramide Shot Ampoule

    AMPLE:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule
    Read full reviewView product

    ha*********

    20sDry Skin

    Pros

    I'm already on my third tube! In summer, I use just a little bit, but in winter I apply it generously and let it absorb. I feel like I'm using this year-round! The price is so reasonable that I keep reaching for it without thinking. My skin is sensitive and dry, but this feels gentle and hydrating—I love it. One layer of this works better than applying Wellage multiple times over.

  • numbuzin

    Pantothenic B5 Hyaiuronic Active Clear Mask

    numbuzin Pantothenic B5 Hyaiuronic Active Clear Mask
    Read full reviewView product

    eu*******

    20sDry Skin

    Pros

    I have super sensitive skin and usually don't use any basic skincare, but I've always had great results with Numbuzs line 1 products, so I decided to try this one. But the moment I applied it, my skin completely reacted badly.

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.