In the world of Korean skincare, new and innovative ingredients are always emerging—but some truly stand out. One of the most talked-about right now is beta-glucan, a naturally derived ingredient known for its powerful hydrating and skin-soothing properties. While it may not be as widely recognized as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide (yet), beta-glucan is quickly becoming a go-to in many K-beauty formulas. In this post, we’ll break down what beta-glucan is, why it’s trending, and how it can benefit your skin.
What Is Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan is a type of polysaccharide (a long-chain sugar molecule) that naturally occurs in ingredients like oats, mushrooms, and yeast. In skincare, it’s often extracted from yeast or oats and used for its impressive ability to moisturize and calm the skin.
What makes beta-glucan special is its deep-penetrating hydration and soothing properties, making it perfect for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. It’s also an antioxidant, meaning it can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Why Is Beta-Glucan Popular in Korean Skincare?
Korean skincare is all about hydration, barrier repair, and gentle care—areas where beta-glucan shines. Here’s why it’s trending in K-beauty:
- Superior hydration: Beta-glucan is known to hold up to 20% more moisture than hyaluronic acid, making it a strong contender for deep hydration.
- Barrier support: It helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier, which is key in preventing sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation.
- Soothing effect: It calms redness, itching, and irritation, which makes it a favorite in post-treatment skincare and routines for sensitive skin.
- Lightweight and layerable: Its texture makes it ideal for layering within multi-step Korean routines, especially serums and ampoules.
In short, beta-glucan aligns perfectly with the values of Korean skincare: moisture, balance, and skin health over time.
Who Should Use Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan is gentle enough for all skin types but is especially beneficial for:
- Dry or dehydrated skin: Its moisture-binding ability replenishes skin at a deep level.
- Sensitive or reactive skin: Soothing properties reduce inflammation and irritation.
- Aging skin: Its antioxidant function helps defend against fine lines and external stressors.
- Damaged or post-acne skin: It promotes healing and reduces redness, helping skin recover faster.
How to Use Beta-Glucan in Your Korean Skincare Routine
Beta-glucan can be found in a variety of K-beauty products, especially in:
- Essences and serums: Ideal for layering hydration.
- Moisturizers: Helps seal in moisture while repairing the barrier.
- Sheet masks: Offers instant calming and deep hydration.
Look for beta-glucan in product ingredient lists, often labeled as beta-glucan, sodium beta-glucan, or 1,3-beta-glucan.
Recommended Products with Beta-Glucan
- iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum – A lightweight yet deeply hydrating serum with 98% beta-glucan.
- Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream – Contains both snail mucin and beta-glucan to repair and hydrate the skin.
- Innisfree Beta-Glucan Moisturizing Cream – A calming cream great for sensitive or dry skin types.
A Rising Star in K-Beauty Hydration
Beta-glucan is not just a trend—it’s a powerful skincare ingredient that embodies everything Korean skincare stands for: deep hydration, skin barrier support, and long-term results without irritation. If you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to boost moisture and calm your skin, beta-glucan is worth adding to your routine.
