A special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Moisturizing
Humectant
Moisturizing (Humectant)
Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid).
Humectant
Moisturizing (Humectant)
Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid).
Antioxidant
Antioxidant
Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging.
Soothing
Soothing
Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics.
Soothing
Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics.
Other functions
Anti-Wrinkle,
Anti-Wrinkle
Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Anti-Wrinkle,
Anti-Wrinkle
Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Bulking
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Bulking
Bulking
Bulking – increases the volume of a product.
Origin
Botanical,
Botanical
Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.
Botanical,
Botanical
Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.
Fungi,
Fungi
Fungi is a unique kingdom of organisms including single-cell yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They are a rich source of cosmetic ingredients such as mushroom extracts, oils, and powders.
Fungi,
Fungi
Fungi is a unique kingdom of organisms including single-cell yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They are a rich source of cosmetic ingredients such as mushroom extracts, oils, and powders.
Biotech,
Biotech
The biotech origin of the ingredient implies that it was made in a lab using cultured microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and a substrate (e.g. through the fermentation process), and then extracted and/or purified.
Biotech,
Biotech
The biotech origin of the ingredient implies that it was made in a lab using cultured microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) and a substrate (e.g. through the fermentation process), and then extracted and/or purified.
Synthetic
Synthetic
All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.
Synthetic
Synthetic
All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.
Beta-glucan, or ß-glucan, is a special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is made from glucose, but the separate glucose molecules are linked in a way that makes beta-glucan indigestible to humans.
When ingested or applied to the skin, beta-glucan performs various beneficial activities. It is mainly used for its immunomodulatory, soothing, wound healing, and anti-aging properties.
Beta-glucans can be obtained from various sources, but manufacturers usually prefer baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), and cereals - especially oats. During the manufacturing process, the huge beta-glucan molecule is broken down into smaller fragments that can be better absorbed.
According to studies, beta-glucan molecules are able to permeate into the lower layers of the skin and deliver their beneficial activities.
There is much we don’t know for certain when it comes to the science behind beta-glucan. It has been found to be a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Beta-glucan creams are sometimes used to treat radiation burns in cancer patients. Many different trials are still ongoing and we will certainly find out more about the beneficial effects of beta-glucan in the future.
Science
1
Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2013). Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta-Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166.
Humectant
