Soothing agents
Beta-glucan
Also listed as oat beta-glucan, yeast beta-glucan
A water-binding sugar from oats, yeast or mushrooms. A good humectant and film-former; claims that it beats hyaluronic acid or rebuilds skin lack evidence.
What it is
Beta-glucans are long chains of glucose found in oat bran, yeast cell walls and mushrooms. On skin they hold water and form a thin, smoothing film, and lab studies suggest they calm inflammation and support barrier repair.
They are used in soothing toners, ampoules and moisturizers. Large beta-glucan molecules mostly stay on the surface, which suits hydration but limits deeper effects.
How strong is the evidence?
Weak evidenceEvidence consists of lab studies, animal work and small manufacturer studies, often with beta-glucan combined with other ingredients. No robust independent trials establish benefits beyond surface hydration.
What it's used for, checked
Hydration
Holds upA humectant and film-former, like other skin-conditioning polysaccharides.
Soothing sensitive skin
UnprovenAnti-inflammatory in lab work; little human data.
More hydrating than hyaluronic acid
UnprovenA marketing comparison without independent trials.
Repairing wrinkles or scars
UnprovenOnly lab and animal evidence.
Who should be careful
- Very well tolerated.