Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan

Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan is a water-soluble, carboxymethylated beta-glucan polymer made via biotechnology. It's used as a film former to deliver lightweight hydration, smoother slip, and a soft finish in leave-on products.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A beta-glucan derivative that hydrates and softens skin's surface.
Category
Soothing, Barrier Support, Hydration, Skin Conditioning
Type
Film Former

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It helps skin feel cushioned and comfortably hydrated by forming a breathable veil that reduces tightness, and may support a calmer feel on skin, though evidence is mainly cosmetic rather than clinical.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's included in hydrating serums, essences, sheet masks, and leave-on moisturizers to improve slip and a soft-touch finish.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It's usually well tolerated and non-irritating at typical use levels. As with polysaccharides, sensitization is uncommon but possible; discontinue if redness or itch develops.

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good for providing lightweight, film-forming hydration and a calmer skin feel with generally low irritation. Current support is mainly cosmetic performance data rather than strong clinical outcomes, which keeps it out of the top tier.

Products with Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan

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