The ingredient, explained

Beta-glucan

Beta-glucan has human topical research for existing stretch marks.

HumectantAnti-inflammatorySkin conditioning

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide consisting of b-1-3- linked glucose chains carrying b-1-6- linked glucose sidechains

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Humectant: Helps attract and retain moisture.
Anti-inflammatory: Research category concerning reduced inflammation. A discovery tag does not establish that an ingredient treats inflammation at the amount used in a product.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗ · National Cancer Institute: Anti-inflammatory definition ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical research

Participant ratings favored beta-glucan over vehicle; laser had stronger physician-rated improvement, and combination treatment improved striae atrophy more than laser with vehicle.

What this does not tell us

Sixty-four women entered and 56 completed. Outcomes concern existing pregnancy-associated stretch marks, not general hydration or prevention of new marks.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 35570397 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of supplied local candidates (126 candidate records), selective exact-name title/abstract screening, and targeted indexed primary-source searches. Not a systematic review or a claim of exhaustive coverage.