Ingredient spotlight: Why beta-glucan deserves a spot in your routine
When it comes to skin care ingredients, hyaluronic acid, retinol and vitamin C often get the spotlight. But there's another multitasking ingredient worth knowing about: beta-glucan. Known for its ability to calm the look of redness, lock in moisture and support a healthy skin barrier, beta-glucan is a multitasking ingredient that works well for nearly every skin type. LovelySkin was recently named the 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards for Best Beauty Retailer, and we’re happy to share our top beta-glucan products, each picked for a specific step in your skin care routine.
What is beta-glucan?
Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide, or complex sugar molecule, found in the cell walls of oats, barley, mushrooms, yeast and certain types of seaweed. In skin care, it is most often derived from oats or yeast. Its large, long-chain structure allows it to form a thin, breathable film on the skin’s surface that helps attract and hold onto water.
Beta-glucan acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and helping to support a healthy barrier along with a smoother-looking complexion. It also has soothing properties, which is why it often appears in formulas designed for sensitive skin, post-procedure care and products that pair with more active ingredients.
Board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Beta-glucan is a great ingredient for helping keep skin hydrated and calm. It can help soothe irritation and support the skin barrier, which is especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin.”
What the research shows
In lab tests on human skin, researchers found that oat beta-glucan penetrated into the epidermis and dermis, despite its large molecular size. In a follow-up clinical study, 27 people applied beta-glucan to facial fine lines and wrinkles for eight weeks, and the researchers reported visible improvement. The results are promising, but the strongest case for beta-glucan today rests on its hydrating and soothing properties rather than on anti-aging claims.
Beta-glucan skin care benefits
Beta-glucan offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to almost any routine. Here’s a closer look at how this ingredient helps support healthier-looking skin.
This multitasking ingredient also offers the following benefits with continual use:
- Deep, lasting hydration: As a humectant, beta-glucan draws water into the skin and helps keep it there, leaving the complexion looking plumper and more supple.
- Soothes the look of redness: Beta-glucan helps calm visible irritation and discomfort, making it a smart choice for sensitive and redness-prone skin.
- Supports the skin barrier: By reinforcing moisture levels and helping defend against environmental stressors, beta-glucan supports a stronger, more resilient skin barrier.
- Helps skin recover: Its calming properties help skin bounce back after exposure to harsh weather, sun or professional treatments.
- Improves the look of fine lines: Well-hydrated skin looks smoother, so regular use can help soften the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness.
“What I like most about beta-glucan is how well it pairs with other skin care ingredients,” explains board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “When it’s combined with stronger actives like glycolic acid or vitamin C, it helps offset some of the dryness and sensitivity those ingredients can cause. That means you can stay consistent with your favorite treatment products and experience less irritation and better results over time.”
This compatibility is one of the biggest reasons beta-glucan shows up in so many types of products, from exfoliating cleansers and antioxidant serums to soothing mists and sunscreens.
How to add beta-glucan to your skin care routine
One of the best things about beta-glucan is how easy it is to work into your regimen. It’s gentle enough for daily use, morning and night, and is well tolerated by dry, oily, sensitive and mature skin types alike.
Look for beta-glucan in products such as an exfoliating cleanser, vitamin C serum, a facial mist or daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Beta-glucan is especially helpful if you use exfoliating acids, such as AHAs or BHAs, or retinoids, since it can help counteract dryness and keep skin feeling comfortable.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares, “If your skin feels tight, dry or easily irritated, beta-glucan is a great ingredient to look for. It’s gentle enough to use every day and pairs well with almost everything in your routine, so there’s very little downside to adding it.”
As with any routine, consistency is key. Pair your beta-glucan products with a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays while promoting a healthy-looking complexion.
The best beta-glucan skin care products
These dermatologist-recommended formulas feature beta-glucan to help hydrate, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier while delivering a smooth, more radiant-looking appearance.
Best with an exfoliating acid
GlyMed Plus Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid
Why we like it: One of the best beta-glucan serums, this lightweight gel pairs 10% glycolic acid with yeast beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid, so you get the smoothing benefits of an AHA with built-in hydration. It helps accelerate cell renewal and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while certified organic green tea, ivy and red sandalwood help protect skin from free radicals.
Best for: Anyone who wants the results of glycolic acid with less dryness, including those with breakout-prone skin.
Keep in mind: If you’re new to glycolic acid, start by using it every other day for the first two weeks. Follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.
Best facial mist
Osmosis Boost Peptide Activating Mist
Why we like it: This peptide-infused mist combines beta-glucan with hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and green tea extract for an instant burst of hydration. It helps enhance the penetration of your other products and moisturizes for up to 72 hours while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Best for: All skin types, especially if your skin feels tight or dehydrated throughout the day.
Keep in mind: Spritz three to five times after applying your serum, then massage into skin. The formula contains lemon and bergamot oils, so patch test first if your skin is easily irritated.
Best for sensitive or post-procedure skin
Senté Hydrate+ Serum
Why we like it: This fast-absorbing serum combines four forms of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid with Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) technology and beta-glucan to hydrate all layers of skin. It helps improve barrier function and soothe irritation. In a clinical study, it increased surface hydration by 73% and deep hydration by 64% when applied after microneedling.
Best for: Sensitive skin and skin recovering from professional treatments.
Keep in mind: Apply morning and night before thicker products, such as your moisturizer.
Best with vitamin C
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Why we like it: Powered by 30% tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C, and patent-pending MelaPATH™ technology, this antioxidant serum helps even skin tone and defend against free radicals from blue light and pollution. Prebiotic beta-glucan helps support a healthy skin microbiome. In a self-assessment study, 94% of women reported a more even-looking skin tone after 12 weeks.
Best for: Anyone targeting dark spots or uneven tone who also wants daily antioxidant protection.
Keep in mind: Apply before your moisturizer and sunscreen. A few reviewers with reactive skin reported redness, so patch test first if you’re sensitive to vitamin C.
Best with broad-spectrum protection
SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Why we like it: This lightweight, 100% mineral sunscreen uses 15.35% zinc oxide and 2.66% titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with a weightless, blendable finish. Niacinamide, panthenol and beta-glucan help strengthen the moisture barrier. In a 12-week clinical study, users saw a 27% reduction in the look of wrinkles.
Best for: Normal, dry or sensitive skin, plus skin recovering from non-ablative laser treatments. It’s clinically tested to be safe for post-procedure skin.
Keep in mind: Shake well before use and reapply at least every two hours. The formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Looking for more expert advice? Learn all about free radicals and how antioxidant skin care can help protect skin while promoting a healthy-looking complexion on the LovelySkin blog.
Follow us on social
Follow us on social networks and be one of the first to learn about sales, giveaways, and free samples
