Beta-Glucan

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about beta-glucan. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Beta-glucan is a large, water-binding sugar molecule (polysaccharide) taken from oats or baker’s yeast. In ORY^® products, it forms a light film that helps skin and hair hold moisture and helps skin feel soothed and comfortable.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe beta-glucan’s moisturizing and skin-supporting activity, mostly from lab and animal studies. CIR found oat-derived ingredients safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing. CIR is reviewing yeast-derived ingredients but has not published a final conclusion.

Citations:

- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: Review of beta-glucan and skin.
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment of oat ingredients.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023–2024). Safety assessment of yeast-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (tentative/draft report; no final conclusion located). https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Yeast_3.pdf
  - What it shows: CIR yeast review in progress.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Oat beta-glucan (a linear β-1,3/1,4-glucan) is extracted from oat bran. Yeast beta-glucan (a branched β-1,3/1,6-glucan) comes from yeast cell walls. Both are supplied as gels or powders.

Verification: Supported. Beta-glucan chemistry is well documented.

Citations:

- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: Describes sources and structure.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Beta-glucan suits all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Beta-glucan is generally well tolerated. People with oat allergy should choose yeast-derived beta-glucan.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
  - What it shows: Oat safety data.
- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: General review.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, beta-glucan forms a light moisture-holding film that helps hair feel soft.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of beta-glucan on hair. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

Citations:

- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Claim: Beta-glucan helps skin feel hydrated, smooth, and soothed.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Moisturizing effects are supported by reviews. Beta-glucan’s effects on wound healing are medical uses studied mainly in the lab and animals, and ORY^® does not make wound, post-procedure, or eczema claims. Evidence that topical beta-glucan reduces wrinkles comes mainly from small or unpublished studies.

Citations:

- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: Review of skin effects.
- Majtan, J., & Jesenak, M. (2018). β-Glucans: Multi-functional modulator of wound healing. Molecules, 23(4), 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040806
  - What it shows: Review of wound-healing research (a medical use).

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Beta-glucan is used in ORY^® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics, and in liquid cleansers.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Beta-glucan rinses away in bar soap, so ORY^® uses it only in liquid and syndet cleansers in that line.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	0.1–2% active	Serums, gels, creams, sheet masks, and eye creams.
Haircare	0.1–1% active	Leave-ins, scalp serums, conditioners, and shampoos.
Handmade Soap line	0.1–0.5%	Liquid and syndet cleansers only.
Cosmetics	0.1–1% active	Primers, foundations, setting sprays, and lip products.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
  - What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  - What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Claim: A gentle, natural-origin humectant for skin and hair.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported mainly by reviews and lab studies.

Citations:

- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: Review.

8. Cons

Claim: Beta-glucan costs more, can feel filmy at high levels, and needs good preservation.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Cost. A premium ingredient.
- Texture. Can feel filmy above about 1% active.
- Preservation. Polysaccharide solutions support microbial growth.
- Limited clinical data. Anti-wrinkle evidence is thin.
- Oat allergy. Choose the yeast-derived form if allergic to oats.

Citations:

- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
  - What it shows: Review.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you are allergic to oats, check whether the product uses oat- or yeast-derived beta-glucan.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
  - What it shows: Safety data.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2023–2024). Safety assessment of yeast-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (tentative/draft report; no final conclusion located). https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Yeast_3.pdf
- Du, B., Bian, Z., & Xu, B. (2014). Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 28(2), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4963
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- Majtan, J., & Jesenak, M. (2018). β-Glucans: Multi-functional modulator of wound healing. Molecules, 23(4), 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040806

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines