Why we use Beta Glucan

↓ skip to summary

The Basics

Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide, predominantly extracted from sources such as oats and yeast. Renowned for its multifaceted benefits in skincare, beta-glucan offers potent wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Skin Benefits of Beta-Glucan

Wound Healing and Skin Repair

Beta-glucan accelerates the skin's natural healing processes. It promotes the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, essential cells in wound healing and tissue regeneration. This activity leads to enhanced tissue granulation, collagen deposition, and reepithelialisation, facilitating quicker recovery from skin injuries.¹

Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Effects

Recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, beta-glucan effectively reduces skin redness and irritation. It modulates the immune response, decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which helps soothe sensitive or reactive skin conditions.²

Antioxidant Protection

As a robust antioxidant, beta-glucan combats oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals. This protective action helps prevent premature skin ageing and maintains a healthy, radiant complexion.²

Enhanced Skin Hydration

Beta-glucan acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture within the skin. Its film-forming ability creates a protective barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and ensuring prolonged hydration. This results in plumper, more supple skin with improved elasticity.

Clinical Efficacy of Beta-Glucan

Extensive research supports the efficacy of beta-glucan in dermatological applications:

Accelerated Wound Healing

Studies have demonstrated that beta-glucan enhances wound closure by promoting epithelial migration and dermal activation without adverse effects on skin cells.³

Anti-Wrinkle Benefits

Clinical evaluations reveal that beta-glucan can visibly minimise signs of ageing, reducing wrinkle depth and overall skin roughness. Its antioxidant properties further protect skin cells from environmental damage, contributing to more elastic, smooth skin.

Visible Inflammation Reduction

Research indicates that beta-glucan application leads to a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines, aiding in conditions like burns and other skin irritations.⁴

Incorporating beta-glucan into skincare formulations offers a scientifically backed approach to enhancing skin health, promoting repair, and providing robust protection against environmental stressors.

references

1 Majtan J, Jesenak M. β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healing. Molecules. 2018 Apr 1;23(4):806. doi: 10.3390/molecules23040806. PMID: 29614757; PMCID: PMC6017669. β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healing.
2 Sousa, P., Tavares-Valente, D., Amorim, M., Azevedo-Silva, J., Pintado, M., & Fernandes, J. (2023). β-Glucan extracts as high-value multifunctional ingredients for skin health: A review. Carbohydrate polymers, 322, 121329. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121329 β-Glucan extracts as high-value multifunctional ingredients for skin health: A review.
3 Seo, G., Hyun, C., Choi, S. et al. The wound healing effect of four types of beta-glucan. Appl Biol Chem 62, 20 (2019). doi: 10.1186/s13765-019-0428-2 The wound healing effect of four types of beta-glucan.
4 YASUDA, K., OGUSHI, M., NAKASHIMA, A., NAKANO, Y., & SUZUKI, K. (2018). Accelerated Wound Healing on the Skin Using a Film Dressing with β-Glucan Paramylon. In Vivo, 32(4), 799–805. doi: 10.21873/invivo.11310 Accelerated Wound Healing on the Skin Using a Film Dressing with β-Glucan Paramylon.