Ingredient guide · B

Beta-Glucan

Beta-Glucan is a gentle, skin-soothing ingredient derived from oats, yeast or mushrooms. It is widely used in UK skincare for its ability to hydrate, calm and strengthen the skin barrier without irritation. Popular in moisturisers, serums and after-sun products, it leaves skin feeling soft, plump and comfortable.

Beta-Glucan — Beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide most commonly sourced from the cell walls of oa… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics beta-glucan forms a breathable film on the skin that helps lock in moisture while allowing the skin to function naturally. It supports the skin’s natural barrier function, reduces the appearance of redness and dryness, and works well alongside other actives such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off formulas, delivering immediate softness and a smoother look with continued use.

Key benefits

  • Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin
  • Helps soothe and calm visible redness
  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • Improves softness and smoothness
  • Enhances skin comfort and reduces tightness
  • Gives a healthy, supple appearance

Best for

dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, irritated skin, dehydrated skin

Where it comes from

Beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide most commonly sourced from the cell walls of oats, although it can also be derived from baker’s yeast or certain mushrooms. In cosmetic grades it is usually obtained from oats grown in Europe and purified for use in skincare.

Products with Beta-Glucan

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Beta-Glucan than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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