Beta-glucan has become quite an it ingredient that everyone is talking about.
Skin experts have proclaimed it as an exceptional ingredient that can revolutionise our skincare regime. But what is beta-glucan in skincare? Does beta-glucan work? What is beta-glucan good for?
If these are the questions you’ve been wondering about then read on to get the answers.
What is beta-glucan in skincare?
A type of carbohydrate found in oats and barleys’ cell walls, beta-glucan is often found as a type of fibre in dietary supplements because it provides lower cholesterol and boosts the immune system.
But while we know its health benefits, what is beta-glucan in skincare?
Beta-glucan is a humectant moisturiser that draws moisture to the skin’s top layer. In layman’s terms, when used in your skincare products, it can help boost your hydration levels and acts as a barrier function to your skin.
Think of it as an ingredient that’s similar to hyaluronic acid in skincare, but without the acidic properties. The hydrating and anti-ageing benefits of beta-glucan are what make skincare-devotees go crazy.
And what’s best about it is, it’s perfect for any skin type, so even those with sensitive skin can join the bandwagon. Applying beta-glucan daily can prevent any potential damage in your skin as it emulsifies deep into your pores.
Since it is a relatively safe but effective ingredient, it is no surprise that this ingredient can be found in many popular products and is likely to make its way to even more skincare products in the future.
What is beta-glucan good for?
1. Hydration
Experts are calling beta-glucan is the “new hyaluronic acid” (HA). In fact, if anything, beta-glucan appears to work even better than HA.
Studies show that beta-glucan is 20% more hydrating than HA at the same concentration. It locks the moisture in your skin, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces skin irritation.
2. Protects skin barrier
Rich in antioxidants, beta-glucan helps prevent cellular damage from the sun’s UV rays and air pollution. It forms a mesh that can protect the sensitive skin underneath from any environmental stressors. It is especially suited for dry skin types, as it can pass through without compromising your skin barrier.
3. Anti-ageing benefits
Beta-glucan is also known for helping to increase skin’s collagen production. It can bind up to many receptors in our body, resulting in a radiant effect on our skin with regular use.
Beta-glucan works well in regenerating tissue, which in return can improve the skin’s structure, removing any fine lines and wrinkles beneath the sensitive areas.
4. Repairs skin
Aside from deep-skin benefits, beta-glucan has successfully treated burns by speeding up the healing process. It can be applied to our skin for treatment of burns, eczema, and dermatitis. It lowers the infection rate and reduces skin inflammation.
Beta-glucan stimulates macrophages (cells that detect and destroys harmful pathogens) and other immune cells to fight germs and bacteria that destroy the skin barrier.
Beta-glucan in your skincare routine
If you’re looking for a DIY solution, consider making an oat mask. Simply add water to oat, spread it onto your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes once to twice a week.
But if that sounds like too much hassle for you, read on to see a list of skincare products that contain beta-glucan.
Skincare products containing beta-glucan
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
This iconic product from K-beauty brand Laneige uses a dense beta-glucan moisturising shield called the Moisture Wrap technology to help skin retain moisture throughout the night.
This sleeping mask also help rejuvenate fatigued and sensitised skin so that you can wake up to a glowing, rejuvenated complexion
Retails for RM120. Available at all Laneige boutiques and counters, as well as the following e-commerce stores. Click on the link to check for promotional prices.
Missha Time Revolution the First Treatment Essence
This low-viscosity and lightweight essence from Missha uses beta-glucan to deeply hydrate, nourish, as well as brighten dull and dry skin. We all know that Missha is a K-beauty brand, which shows that beta-glucan is slowly getting the hype it deserves!
Retails at RM155 at Missha and Althea. Althea often offers promotional prices on their products. Click on the link to check for the latest price.
Caudalie Moisturizing Toning Lotion
This purifying toner contains beta-glucan to give it its moisturising function. It is able to cleanse the skin of impurities, traces of makeup, while it offers deep hydration to the skin.
You’ll also love that it is naturally refreshing, thanks to the notes of citrus flower, orange tree leaves, watermelon, and crushed mint in the formula.
Retails for RM99. Click on the link below to see latest price.
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
A well-loved product in Glow Recipe, this is a gentle cleanser and makeup remover that has pore-refining benefits and delivers a ton of antioxidants to your skin.
Containing beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid, it is able to make sure your skin is not stripped off of moisture while you cleanse. The result? Clear, radiant, glowing skin.
Retails for RM160. Click on the link below for the latest price.
Dr Jart+ V7 Toning Light
This product performs three amazing functions: it brightens, moisturises, and tones your skin all at the same time.
Suitable for all skin types, the cream contains multivitamins and beta-glucan to moisturise and nourish your skin. It also brightens your complexion – and maintain its glow – for up to 24 hours.
Retails for RM235. Click on the link below for the latest price.
Pixi Collagen Eye Serum
If you’re looking for an eye product that contains beta-glucan, this is it.
This hydrating eye serum revitalises the area around your eyes and reduces the look of fine lines. All you need is just a tiny amount to see it work its magic.
Retails for RM120. Click on the link below for the latest price.
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Bright & Plump Moisturizer
A heavy duty moisturiser that contains 10% THD Ascorbate, an ingredient that’s said to be 50 times more powerful than vitamin C. This ingredient gives the mosituriser its anti-ageing, firming, and brightening properties.
This is definitely the product to reach out for if you’re thinking of jump-starting your anti-ageing routine.
Retails for RM290. Click on the link below for the latest price.
Sephora Collection Skin 'N Seed Essence
This serum delivers moisturising, antioxidation and purifying properties, thanks to its potent ingredients. These ingredients include seeds from cucumber and lemon, as well as a suite of vitamins.
Use this to achieve a luminous complexion that looks even and hydrated.
Retails for RM106. Click on the link to see the latest price.
Starskin The Gold Mask Hand - Revitalizing Hand Mask
Your hands need some TLC from beta-glucan too.
Consider this double-layer hand mask: its inner layer is soaked in Bulgarian Rose, Shea Butter and Rose Hip Oil, while the outer foil layer creates a warming effect to maximise absorption into your skin.
This has beta-glucan, as well as a repertoire of vitamins and antioxidants to leave your skin intensely nourished.
Retails for RM68. Click on the link for the latest price.
Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Serum
This highly popular serum is a multi-tasker that softens and plumps skin, while delivering anti-wrinkle benefits.
This is thanks to its infusion of antioxidant-rich green plump blossom, along with a proprietary blend of five fruit and seed extracts.
While it may sound like it has packed a lot of goodness into the product, you’ll be pleased to know that it has a lightweight and soothing texture.
Retails for RM530. Click on the link for the latest price.
