Yeast Beta-Glucan

What is Yeast Beta-Glucan?

Yeast Beta-Glucan is a naturally derived polysaccharide extracted from the cell walls of baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chemically, it consists of beta-1,3/1,6-linked glucose units, forming a branched structure. In cosmetics, it appears in skincare formulations like moisturizers, serums, and creams. It functions as a humectant to attract and retain moisture, a film-former to create a lightweight barrier on the skin's surface, and a viscosity modifier to stabilize emulsions and improve spreadability. This ingredient supports skin's natural barrier without clogging pores, making it suitable for daily use in anti-aging, soothing, and protective products. Its biocompatibility stems from its similarity to components in human skin's extracellular matrix, allowing seamless integration into topical applications.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Film former

Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.

Skin conditioning agent

Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Viscosity controlling agent

Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Skin protecting

Forms a barrier to protect skin from external irritants.

Benefits

Supports skin hydration by drawing moisture to the surface.

Forms a gentle barrier against environmental stressors.

Enhances cream and lotion textures for better application.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
People with dry or dehydrated skin seeking moisture support.	Those with known yeast or fungal allergies.
Individuals with sensitive skin needing barrier protection.	People experiencing contact dermatitis from polysaccharides.
Users of daily moisturizers wanting smoother texture.	Individuals sensitive to carbohydrate-based ingredients.

Safety Notes

Considered safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.
Low potential for comedogenicity or pore clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yeast Beta-Glucan

What is Yeast Beta-Glucan derived from?

It comes from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as a beta-glucan polysaccharide.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, suitable for most skin types.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its low irritation profile makes it gentle for sensitive skin routines.