Beta-Glucan vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is probably the most famous hydration ingredient in skincare right now. It's in everything. It has a great origin story. It's very good at its job.

But beta-glucan? Beta-glucan is better. And almost nobody is talking about it.

What hyaluronic acid does

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — it draws moisture from the environment and holds it in the skin. It's effective and well-tolerated, which is why it became such a staple.

The catch is that it works best in humid environments. In dry climates or dry indoor air, it can actually pull moisture from deeper layers of skin if there's nothing else in the atmosphere to draw from. Not ideal.

What beta-glucan does

Beta-glucan is derived from oats or mushrooms and works differently. It penetrates deeper into the skin, hydrates at a cellular level, and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that calms redness and sensitivity in the process.

It also actively supports barrier repair, which hyaluronic acid doesn't do. For skin over 40 — where barrier integrity is everything — that's a meaningful difference.

Studies show beta-glucan reduces the appearance of fine lines, improves skin texture, and outperforms hyaluronic acid for long-term hydration retention.

Do you need both?

They work well together, and many good formulas use both. But if you're choosing one ingredient to anchor your hydration, beta-glucan is the stronger pick for skin longevity.

Less famous. More effective. Classic underdog story.

Elixir no. 1 uses beta-glucan as its primary hydration ingredient for deep, lasting moisture that supports the barrier at the same time. Shop Elixir no. 1 →