Beta-Glucan

What is it?

Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the cell walls of oats (Avena sativa), mushrooms (such as reishi, shiitake, and chaga), yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and certain algae. In skincare, beta-glucan derived from oats and mushrooms is most common. Structurally, it consists of glucose molecules linked by beta-glycosidic bonds, forming long chains that create a film-forming, moisture-retaining matrix on the skin surface. Beta-glucan is a potent immunomodulator: it binds to Dectin-1 receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells, activating innate immune responses that accelerate wound healing and tissue repair. Beyond immunity, beta-glucan is a powerful humectant — its high molecular weight allows it to hold many times its weight in water, rivaling hyaluronic acid for hydration performance. It also stimulates collagen synthesis by activating dermal fibroblasts and has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-itch properties in clinical studies. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for the most sensitive and reactive skin types, including those with eczema, rosacea, and post-procedural sensitivity.

How It Works

1. 1

   Binds Dectin-1 Receptors

   Activates macrophages and dendritic cells, priming the innate immune response for faster wound healing.

2. 2

   Forms Hydrating Film

   High molecular weight chains create a moisture-retaining layer on the skin, reducing TEWL and boosting hydration.

3. 3

   Stimulates Fibroblasts

   Directly activates dermal fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin production — complementing PDRN's A2A pathway.

4. 4

   Modulates Inflammation

   Balances immune activity by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines while suppressing excessive pro-inflammatory signals.

Role in PDRN

When paired with PDRN, beta-glucan creates a dual-pathway regenerative and protective system. PDRN activates the adenosine A2A receptor on fibroblasts, directly stimulating collagen gene transcription and providing nucleotide building blocks for DNA repair. Beta-glucan complements this by activating the innate immune system through Dectin-1 receptors, recruiting macrophages and other immune cells that orchestrate the wound healing cascade — the same cascade PDRN accelerates at the cellular level. Beta-glucan's exceptional moisture-binding capacity also creates an optimally hydrated microenvironment that enhances PDRN penetration and activity. The anti-inflammatory effects of both ingredients work through different pathways (PDRN via A2A adenosine signaling, beta-glucan via Dectin-1-mediated immune modulation), providing broader and more balanced inflammation control than either ingredient alone. For post-procedural skin, the combination is particularly powerful: beta-glucan soothes and protects the skin surface while PDRN drives regeneration from within the dermis.

Clinical Data

A 2005 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that topical beta-glucan significantly improved skin hydration, reduced wrinkle depth, and increased skin firmness after 8 weeks of use compared to placebo. A 2011 study published in Mycobiology confirmed that beta-glucan from mushroom sources accelerated wound healing in a murine model by stimulating macrophage activation and collagen deposition. Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that oat-derived beta-glucan reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improved barrier function in patients with compromised skin barriers. In combination with regenerative agents like PDRN, beta-glucan's immune-priming and hydrating effects create a more favorable environment for the tissue repair processes PDRN initiates, potentially amplifying clinical outcomes in post-procedural recovery and chronic skin rejuvenation.

Product Formats in the Wild

Common ways this ingredient is delivered in clinical and consumer products.