In skincare, hyaluronic acid is often the headline act. It’s praised for its ability to bind up to one thousand times its weight in water, making it the go-to ingredient for hydration. But there’s another powerhouse quietly delivering equal—and in some cases, superior—results. Say hello to beta-glucan: a multi-benefit ingredient that’s redefining what it means to truly nourish, protect, and repair the skin.
What Is Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan (also written as β-glucan) is a naturally derived polysaccharide found in oats, yeast, fungi, and seaweed. In skincare, it functions as a humectant—meaning it draws water into the skin to boost hydration levels. But unlike hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan doesn’t just hydrate. It soothes, strengthens, and helps repair the skin barrier, making it one of the most versatile ingredients you can add to your routine.
Dermatologists and researchers have highlighted beta-glucan’s ability to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and even stimulate the immune response in skin. It’s a quiet overachiever with a long list of skin-friendly credentials.
Why Beta-Glucan Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
1. Deep hydration that lasts
Some skincare experts note that beta‑glucan may deliver up to 20% more hydration than hyaluronic acid at equal concentrations, and it additionally forms a protective film that helps retain moisture longer. The result? Skin that feels plumper, smoother, and more resilient throughout the day.
2. Barrier support
It forms an invisible, breathable layer on the skin that reinforces your moisture barrier and protects against environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure.
3. Anti-aging benefits
Thanks to its ability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, beta-glucan can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin from within.
4. Calms and restores
Whether your skin is post-sun, post-breakout, or post-shave, beta-glucan reduces redness, irritation, and reactivity.
5. Strengthens skin immunity
Beta-glucan helps stimulate immune cells in the skin that fight off harmful bacteria, making it especially effective for those dealing with eczema, dermatitis, or sensitivity.
Where You’ll Find Beta-Glucan in Grimoire’s Skincare
Grimoire’s entire skincare line is vegan, cruelty-free, and BIORIUS-certified, and beta-glucan is a hero ingredient in some of our most skin-soothing products.
Beach Guise Face Serum
Designed for post-sun and post-stress skin, Beach Guise is a lightweight gel serum formulated with beta-glucan, bisabolol, and gotu kola. It quickly calms inflammation while replenishing lost moisture.
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Calms visible redness
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Plumps dry, tight skin
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Supports a healthy moisture barrier
How to use it: Apply to clean skin morning or night—especially after sun exposure or when your skin feels reactive.
Vanity Monday Face Serum
When your skin needs a total reboot, Vanity Monday delivers. This vitamin-rich gel serum uses beta-glucan alongside wild indigo and sea buckthorn to brighten and re-energize tired, stressed-out skin.
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Hydrates without clogging pores
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Helps restore glow and vibrancy
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Rebuilds your skin’s natural resilience
How to use it: Use post-cleanse to revive dull skin and support recovery after late nights or environmental stress.
Nightmare Away Face Cream
Our richest overnight formula, Nightmare Away, blends beta-glucan with shea butter and lavender extract to calm, hydrate, and fortify your skin while you sleep.
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Deep moisture overnight
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Softens the look of fatigue
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Strengthens skin barrier function
How to use it: Layer over your favorite serum in the evening. Wake up to nourished, balanced, and visibly refreshed skin.
Is Beta-Glucan Better Than Hyaluronic Acid?
While hyaluronic acid has earned its place in the skincare hall of fame, beta-glucan holds its own—and may even outshine it in certain areas. It hydrates, yes, but it also soothes irritation, supports barrier repair, and offers antioxidant protection.
Unlike hyaluronic acid, which can sometimes pull moisture from the skin in dry climates, beta-glucan provides longer-lasting hydration while protecting the skin’s surface. It’s also naturally derived from plant and fungal sources, aligning perfectly with Grimoire’s vegan and ethical sourcing philosophy.
The truth? You don’t have to choose. But if your skin is dry, sensitive, or frequently stressed, beta-glucan is a must-have ingredient—and one worth prioritizing.
Shop the full Grimoire skincare collection here.
