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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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

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Ratings

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Reviews (1,216,802)

Reviews of products containing Beta-Glucan

  • uk*******

    30sCombination Skin

    Pros

    The whole family can use this together because it works wonderfully for the dryness and flaky, ashy skin that kids naturally have. It's incredibly versatile.


  • Siabarrier

    Bio Repair Ampoule

    Siabarrier Bio Repair Ampoule

    uu***

    30sCombination Skin

    Pros

    I absolutely love the Cica Barrier Bio Repair Ampoule!! Since it comes in a spray format, it's so convenient to use. It has a rich, hydrating cream-like texture that absorbs quickly into my skin while keeping it feeling moisturized for a long time. Before makeup, I usually can't use heavy creams because I'm worried about my makeup sliding off, but this doesn't cause any slipping and adheres beautifully to my skin. I'm really happy that it also helps strengthen my skin barrier. When I apply this and do my makeup, my skin has such a gorgeous glow to it. Now that it's winter, I'm really feeling the dryness, but continuously spritzing this seems to tackle that deep dryness. Unlike facial mists where the hydration evaporates quickly, this Bio Repair Ampoule maintains moisture for a long time, so I don't have to keep reapplying it constantly, which is amazing. The packaging is pretty too, and it's perfect to carry around in my bag. The spray format is also really hygienic.


  • gw*******

    30sCombination Skin

    Pros

    After 5 days of use. Pros The scent is barely noticeable, so I think people who are sensitive to fragrance can use it without worry. I usually don't prefer strongly scented products, and I appreciated that this one didn't have any off-putting smell. Overall, I felt minimal irritation on my skin, and what I loved most was that I could use it gently without any harshness.


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

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