TL;DR: Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides found in mushrooms, seaweed, and oats that strengthen the skin barrier, deliver humectant-level hydration, and calm inflammation. Dr. Alicia Zalka notes that beta-glucans have "as good or better skin humectant and plumping capacity as hyaluronic acid," making them one of the most versatile ingredients available for sensitive, dehydrated, and reactive skin types. Verdoie's La Crème Hydratante, our beta-glucan mushroom moisturizer, concentrates beta-glucans from reishi, chaga, tremella and shiitake for barrier repair plus hydration in a single step, and is the topical half of Le Shroom Stack™.
What are beta-glucans, exactly?
Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides (long-chain sugar molecules) found in the cell walls of mushrooms, seaweed, oats, and yeast.
Their molecular structure lets them both attract water (like a humectant) and rebuild damaged skin tissue, making them one of the only skincare ingredients that hydrates and repairs in a single action.
How do beta-glucans strengthen the skin barrier?
Beta-glucans contribute to fortifying the skin barrier by helping rebuild the intercellular matrix, the lipid "mortar" that holds the outermost skin cells together. In mushrooms, these polysaccharides stimulate keratinocytes (the major cell type of the outer skin layer) and promote healing of damaged cells.
Over time, this improves the skin's resilience against external stressors and its long-term ability to protect itself.
Are beta-glucans really better than hyaluronic acid?
Beta-glucans act as humectant moisturizers, attracting and retaining water in the top layers of the skin similarly to hyaluronic acid. The difference: they form a more durable moisture barrier on the skin's surface and don't require the same surrounding humidity levels to work effectively.
Dr. Dendy Engelman notes that beta-glucans "can help fight viruses and pathogens that pass through your skin barrier," a protective function hyaluronic acid doesn't offer.
Do beta-glucans help with inflammation?
Yes. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in beta-glucans help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, making them valuable for sensitive or reactive skin.
Beta-glucans also improve microcirculation, the flow of blood through the vessels beneath the skin, which supports lymphatic drainage and helps clear inflammation that shows up as dryness, acne, and fine lines.
How does Verdoie use beta-glucans?
Verdoie concentrates beta-glucans from reishi, chaga, tremella and shiitake mushrooms into La Crème Hydratante, our clinically-proven mushroom moisturizer. The formula is designed to strengthen the skin barrier, deliver humectant-level hydration, and protect against environmental stress, without the irritation common to stronger actives.
La Crème Hydratante is the topical half of Le Shroom Stack™, Verdoie's inside-out system to address skin burnout. The ingestible half, Le Complément Alimentaire, delivers beta-glucans from the inside at the same time, so the barrier is supported topically and nutritionally in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use beta-glucans with other active ingredients?
A: Yes. Beta-glucans are non-reactive and can be layered with almost any other ingredient, including vitamin C, retinol, and peptides. They often help buffer the potential irritation of stronger actives.
Q: Are oat-derived and mushroom-derived beta-glucans the same?
A: They're similar but not identical. Both deliver hydration and barrier support, but mushroom-derived beta-glucans (particularly from reishi and shiitake) tend to have higher concentrations of anti-inflammatory triterpenes, making them better-suited for reactive and sensitive skin.
Q: How long until I see results from a beta-glucan moisturizer?
A: Hydration results show within hours. Barrier repair is visible in 2–4 weeks of consistent use. La Crème Hydratante is formulated for daily use on reactive and sensitive skin.
Q: Are beta-glucans safe during pregnancy?
A: Beta-glucans are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always check with your doctor before adding any new skincare during these periods.
Author: Verdoie Team
Last updated: April 2026