--- title: "Beta-glucan in skincare" description: "Beta-glucan in skincare is used for moisture-focused care. Learn how to assess hydration claims and why results depend on the formula tested." --- # Beta-glucan in skincare > Beta-glucan in skincare is used for moisture-focused care. Learn how to assess hydration claims and why results depend on the formula tested. Source: https://cosmetic-labs.com/glossary/beta-glucan-in-skincare Created: 2026-11-10T10:22:34+00:00 Modified: 2026-11-10T10:22:34+00:00 Author: Emilie SCHOL ## Definition of Beta-glucan in skincare Beta-glucan in skincare refers to glucose-based polysaccharides used in formulas intended to support moisture retention and skin comfort. Evidence for a beta-glucan-containing regimen does not establish identical benefits for every beta-glucan ingredient or product. ### Learn more ## What is beta-glucan in skincare? Beta-glucans are polysaccharides, meaning chains built from many sugar units. In this case the units are glucose linked through beta-glycosidic bonds. The term describes a class of materials rather than a single finished skincare formula. A beta-glucan label therefore does not tell you everything about the composition or performance of a moisturizer. In topical care, beta-glucan is discussed for its moisture-retaining and film-forming properties. A film at the skin surface can help retain moisture. This is a cosmetic hydration rationale, not proof that an ingredient rebuilds every part of the [skin barrier](https://cosmetic-labs.com/glossary/skin-barrier) or treats an inflammatory skin disease. ## Hydration and barrier claims are different questions Hydration measurements estimate water content in the skin. Transepidermal water loss, often shortened to TEWL, measures water moving out through the skin and is used when assessing barrier behavior. These outcomes are related but not identical. A claim that a product hydrates does not, on its own, demonstrate an improvement in every measure of barrier function. A moisturizer is also a complete system. When a beta-glucan-containing regimen gives a favorable result, the other components and the way it is used are part of that result. Ingredient presence alone cannot show how much of an observed improvement belongs specifically to beta-glucan. ## What a small clinical study showed A split-face, vehicle-controlled investigation enrolled 20 people after fractional laser treatment. One side of the face received a beta-glucan-containing skincare regimen and the other received the comparison vehicle. Nineteen participants completed follow-up. This was a short, specialized post-procedure setting, not a long-term trial in a general population using a single everyday serum. The treatment side had better hydration measurements than the comparison side on days seven and fourteen. Water loss was lower on the treatment side on day seven, and a measure related to redness also favored that side at that visit. These time-specific results do not establish that every outcome improved at every visit, or that the same effect occurs on untreated healthy skin. The regimen included a dressing, solution, and cream, with a defined application schedule. That makes it inappropriate to turn the finding into an instruction to apply any beta-glucan cosmetic immediately after a procedure. Post-procedure products and timing should be selected with the treating clinician, especially when skin is injured. ## How to read a beta-glucan product label Look for the actual ingredient identity, the intended use of the product, and evidence for the claim you care about. A broad statement about beta-glucans cannot establish the performance of a particular concentration or product format. Likewise, clinical results for a combination regimen cannot establish that an isolated raw material has the same effect. For routine skincare, moisture retention is a more cautious expectation than promises to heal wounds, treat eczema, erase scars, or replace a prescribed treatment. The small post-laser trial does not answer those wider questions. It also does not show that beta-glucan is superior to every other moisturizing ingredient. Skin comfort should be judged at the finished-product level. Good tolerability in a small study does not rule out an individual reaction or prove suitability for all skin conditions. Follow the directions for the specific formula, and seek advice if redness, pain, or persistent irritation needs more than ordinary cosmetic care. Sources ## Sources and references References supporting this page are listed below. Source access dates and supported claims are recorded in the evidence notes where available. [Administration of skin care regimens containing beta-glucan for skin recovery after fractional laser therapy: A split-face, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) URL [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) [Administration of skin care regimens containing beta-glucan for skin recovery after fractional laser therapy: A split-face, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) URL [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) [Administration of skin care regimens containing beta-glucan for skin recovery after fractional laser therapy: A split-face, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) URL [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) [Administration of skin care regimens containing beta-glucan for skin recovery after fractional laser therapy: A split-face, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) URL [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) [Administration of skin care regimens containing beta-glucan for skin recovery after fractional laser therapy: A split-face, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) URL [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128496/) --- ## Site identity - Organization: Cosmetic Labs - Description: Cosmetic Labs is a directory and a platform to meet all your cosmetic product development needs. From sourcing raw material to finding the best CRO for your needs. - Website: https://cosmetic-labs.com