Back to Ingredient Dictionary
Common Name(s): Oat beta-glucan,1,3/1,4-beta-glucan,glucan extract
CAS Number: 9041-22-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Stimulates skin immune defense while providing deep hydration and wound healing through glucan receptor signaling.
Why It's Used: Multi-function polysaccharide combining deep hydration with unique immunomodulatory wound healing activity unavailable from standard humectants.
How It Works: Binds dectin-1 and tlr2 receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells stimulating immune activation and wound healing cytokine release. viscous polysaccharide forms hydrating film retaining 100ร its weight in water. direct antioxidant via hydroxyl groups.
Typically Found In: Wound healing products,immunomodulatory serums,deep hydration products,anti-aging
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ soothing / anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Dectin-1 receptor activation,wound healing,deep hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from oat bran or yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes โ particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Beta-glucan's receptor-mediated wound healing through dectin-1 activation is fundamentally different from simple polysaccharide humectant effects โ it actively recruits and activates immune cells to the wound site, accelerating the immune phase of wound healing that determines subsequent repair quality and scar outcome.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,schepetkin & quinn beta-glucan immunostimulation review