INCI: Beta-Glucan - Also known as: Oat Beta-Glucan, (1,3)/(1,4)-Beta-D-Glucan, Beta-1,3/1,4-Glucan

QUICK FACTS

What is Beta-Glucan?

Beta-glucan is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide composed of D-glucose units linked through beta-glycosidic bonds - specifically the (1,3) and (1,4) linkages that give oat-derived beta-glucan its characteristic molecular architecture. It is found naturally in the cell walls of oats, barley, yeast, and certain mushroom species, with oat-derived beta-glucan (from Avena sativa) being the most widely studied form for skincare applications.

Oat-derived beta-glucan is closely related to the beta-glucan component of colloidal oatmeal - which Sweet Chemistry also uses - but as a purified, isolated polysaccharide it delivers a more concentrated and precisely characterized beta-glucan profile without the broader oat matrix. While colloidal oatmeal delivers a complex mixture of compounds including avenanthramides, starches, and lipids alongside beta-glucan, the isolated beta-glucan ingredient delivers its polysaccharide film-forming and humectant contribution in a more targeted way.

At Sweet Chemistry, beta-glucan is present in all three water-based formulas as part of the layered humectant system alongside glycerin, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, PCA, and four forms of hyaluronic acid. Together these components form one of the most comprehensive topical NMF and hydration systems in the product category - each ingredient contributing a distinct molecular weight, depth of action, and mechanism of moisture interaction.

What does it do for skin?

Beta-glucan's skincare contributions operate through two complementary mechanisms. As a polysaccharide humectant, its multiple hydroxyl groups have a strong affinity for water - drawing atmospheric moisture toward the skin's surface and retaining it within the stratum corneum's uppermost layers. At high molecular weights, this moisture-binding occurs primarily at the surface, creating a hydrating film that reduces the rate of TEWL and visibly plumps and smooths the skin.

As a film-former, beta-glucan's high-molecular-weight chains deposit a lightweight, breathable biopolymer film on the skin's surface that supports both moisture retention and a smooth, even skin feel. This film character complements the occlusive dimension of the barrier lipid complex (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) operating at a deeper structural level - beta-glucan at the surface, barrier lipids in the intercellular matrix, creating a moisture-retention approach that addresses both the surface and structural dimensions simultaneously.

Research has also explored beta-glucan's association with a more comfortable skin surface and its studied interaction with immune-related skin receptors - specifically the Dectin-1 receptor that recognizes (1,3)-linked glucan structures. While this research is more developed in the immunological literature than in cosmetic dermatology, it provides a basis for the soothing associations frequently reported with beta-glucan in both clinical and consumer research settings. In the context of Sweet Chemistry's formulas, which also include allantoin, panthenol, bisabolol, and colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan contributes a complementary polysaccharide dimension to a multi-ingredient soothing and comfort approach.

FOUND IN

In 3 Formulas

Beta-glucan is present in all three Sweet Chemistry water-based formulas as part of the comprehensive humectant system - working at the surface film layer alongside hyaluronic acid's multi-depth moisture binding and the NMF components' skin-identical hydration approach.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Beta-Glucan - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum delivers beta-glucan alongside glycerin, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, PCA, and four forms of hyaluronic acid in a 40%-active emulsion - a seven-component humectant approach for all skin types.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Beta-Glucan - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Hydra-Cream pairs beta-glucan with the full humectant complex and 3% Matrikynes® peptides in a 40%-active cushioned satin finish - surface hydration and structural density working within the same formula.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Beta-Glucan - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

In the Lipid-Cream, beta-glucan contributes surface film-forming and moisture-binding support alongside shea butter and the nourishing lipid complex - hydration addressed from both the surface polysaccharide and the emollient lipid dimensions simultaneously.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Organic Humectant Glycerin

INCI: Glycerin.

The primary humectant in all three water-based formulas, listed near the top of each ingredient list. Synergy Note: Glycerin draws water rapidly toward the stratum corneum; beta-glucan's high-molecular-weight film-forming character helps retain that moisture at the surface. Together they address both the water-attracting and water-retaining dimensions of surface hydration.

Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Sodium Hyaluronate Complex

INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

Four forms of HA in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: Hyaluronic acid delivers multi-depth moisture binding from the stratum corneum into the viable epidermis; beta-glucan contributes a surface polysaccharide film that helps retain the moisture HA draws in. They are studied at different depths but work toward the same visible hydration outcome.

Oat-Derived Soothing Colloidal Oatmeal

INCI: Colloidal Oatmeal.

Present in all three water-based formulas; contains beta-glucan as part of its complex oat matrix. Synergy Note: Colloidal oatmeal delivers beta-glucan alongside avenanthramides, oat lipids, and starches in a whole botanical matrix; the isolated beta-glucan adds a more concentrated and precisely characterized polysaccharide humectant layer in the same formula - a complementary whole-extract and purified-component approach.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas, associated with improvements in the appearance of skin density and aging signs. Synergy Note: A well-hydrated, comfortable stratum corneum supported by beta-glucan's surface moisture retention creates a more receptive surface environment for the dermal-targeting activity of Matrikynes® peptides.