A family of glucose-based polymers used in cosmetic formulations. Structure and molecular size depend on the source and processing.
Sources: 1Beta glucan, β-glucan
Not assessed
No pregnancy-specific conclusion has been made from the references in this record.
Limited evidence
Beta-Glucan
What it does
Beta-glucan is used in skin-conditioning formulas. Research on recovery after a cosmetic laser procedure assessed a beta-glucan regimen, rather than all beta-glucan products.
Sources: 1, 2Good for
- Skin-conditioning formulations
How to use it
Use the instructions for the finished product. A post-procedure research regimen is not a general routine for unsupervised use after a skin procedure.
Sources: 2Who should be careful
The safety assessment found no irritation or sensitization in the human beta-glucan tests it summarized. Source, purity and the rest of the formula remain relevant to interpreting that finding.
Sources: 1Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Its polymer structure and molecular size vary. Materials with different branching or sources should not be assumed to behave identically.
Sources: 1Potential adverse effects
The reviewed beta-glucan tests did not establish absence of reactions in every person. Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan is a distinct ingredient and its results should not be substituted for beta-glucan data.
Sources: 1Formulation considerations
Source organism, molecular weight and processing influence these polymers. A supplier specification is needed before assigning one molecular weight or a precise structure.
Sources: 1Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy-specific conclusion has been made from the references in this record.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
What remains uncertain
- Source and molecular-weight distribution of a specific material
- Exact concentration in a finished product
- Pregnancy-specific evidence
- Evidence for any proposed ingredient pairing
Clinical evidence and research (1 studies)
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitLimited evidence
Human studies exist, but some concern specific post-procedure regimens. Broader recovery and soothing claims require careful review.
Sources: 2Beta-glucan regimens after fractional laser therapy
- Design
- Split-face, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study
- Population
- Participants receiving fractional laser therapy
- Studied concentration
- Not extracted into this record
- Duration
- Not extracted into this record
The study evaluated skin recovery using hydration, water-loss and redness measurements.
Limitations: Post-procedure setting; do not generalize to all formulas or claim superiority to other humectants.
Small clinical studySources: 2Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
European Union
CosIng information database
An INCI inventory entry is not an approval for every cosmetic use. Product-specific regulatory assessment is still required.
Sources: 3Names on ingredient lists
beta-glucan, beta glucan
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
No single structure to show yet
This ingredient represents a mixture, extract, polymer or ingredient family. A single molecular diagram may not describe its composition.
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| molecular formula | Variable polymer; no single formula describes every material | CIR: Safety assessment of microbial polysaccharide gums |
| molecular weight | Variable; depends on polymer size and source | CIR: Safety assessment of microbial polysaccharide gums |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (3)
Scientific sources
- CIR: Safety assessment of microbial polysaccharide gumssafety assessment · 2016
- Beta-glucan skincare regimens after fractional laser therapyhuman study
- European Commission: how to interpret CosIngregulatory guidance
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