On Apr 14, 2025, Feng et al. from the R&D Department of Beijing UPROVEN Medical Technology Co., Ltd. and the Beijing UPROVEN Institute of Dermatology, published an article entitled "Exploring the Properties and Application Potential of β-Glucan in Skin Care." This comprehensive review systematically analyzes the Structural Characteristics and corresponding bioactivities of β-Glucan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide. The core finding is that β-glucan possesses potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and barrier-repair effects that make it a highly promising, multi-functional ingredient for treating various dermatological conditions, positioning it as a key molecule for precision carbohydrate-based cosmetic and therapeutic development.

Overview

β-Glucan is a polymer of D-Glucose units linked primarily by β-1,3 or β-1,4 glycosidic bonds, making it a critical component of cell walls in fungi, cereals, bacteria, and algae. The fundamental research background stems from its historical recognition as "the immune gold" due to its significant capacity for immunomodulation and anti-tumor effects, notably stemming from its ability to interact with the complement system. The current research trajectory expands on these foundational findings, recognizing β-glucan's broader spectrum of bioactivities, including wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. This review was necessitated by the growing interest in leveraging these advanced biochemical functions for topical applications, necessitating a detailed understanding of how its molecular architecture translates into clinical efficacy in the skin environment.

Research Results

• Precision Glycosidic Linkages for Immune Signaling

The research underscores that the primary biological function of β-glucan, particularly its immunomodulatory capacity, is exquisitely dependent on its glycosidic bond configuration. Fungal β-glucans, with their backbone of β-1,3-D-glucan and β-1,6 side chains, are specifically recognized by the C-type lectin receptor, Dectin-1. This receptor, crucial for initiating innate immune responses, shows high specificity for the β-1,3 linkage. Innovation here lies in confirming that the polymer must contain at least seven glucose units to serve as a high-affinity ligand for Dectin-1 binding. This structural specificity means that Carbohydrate Manufacturers must prioritize the β-1,3-linked geometry to ensure maximum immunological activity in targeted skin applications.

Fig.1 Mechanisms of the immunological effects of β-glucan. (Feng, et al., 2025)

• The Conformation and Molecular Weight Influence Bioactivity

The article details how the secondary structure—the three-dimensional conformation—of β-glucan, along with its molecular weight (MW), fundamentally influences its bioactivity. High-MW fungal β-glucans often exist in a triple helix conformation, which is shown to be more rigid and effective in binding immune receptors, thereby enhancing anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects. Conversely, lower-MW β-glucans frequently assume a random coil conformation but can exhibit superior water solubility, leading to enhanced antioxidant capacity and moisturizing effects. This duality demands an optimized manufacturing approach: structural modification techniques, such as Enzymatic Cleavage or Chemical Synthesis, are necessary to yield specific MW ranges (from 10² to 10⁶) and conformations that maximize either immune cell activation or topical hydration, depending on the product's intended clinical outcome. For instance, low-MW yeast β-glucans have demonstrated superior activity in antioxidant and general immune assays compared to their high-MW counterparts, highlighting the need for controlled depolymerization in production to unlock specific cosmetic benefits. Beyond the primary linkages and molecular size, the degree of branching and resulting physicochemical properties are crucial determinants for final product formulation and efficacy. The research indicates that β-glucans with a branching degree typically falling between 0.2 and 0.33 often act as effective immune modulators, though this is not a universal rule and depends on co-factors.

• Cellular Mechanisms for Epidermal Barrier Repair

A significant advancement highlighted in the research is β-glucan's direct role in enhancing the epidermal barrier function. The paper details that β-glucan, particularly oat-derived varieties, upregulates the expression of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) within epidermal cells. This action is mediated through Dectin-1-triggered signaling pathways, specifically the ERK and p38 cascades. The upregulation of CaSR is vital for the proper differentiation of keratinocytes, which strengthens the skin barrier against external stressors. This innovation moves β-glucan beyond a simple topical moisturizer into a scientifically validated active ingredient capable of modulating fundamental cellular processes critical for managing conditions like atopic dermatitis and general skin integrity repair. This receptor-mediated activity provides a mechanistic basis for β-glucan's documented success in accelerating wound re-epithelialization and reducing inflammation associated with conditions like photoaging and UV damage.

Fig.2 Mechanisms of the barrier repair of β-glucan. (Feng, et al., 2025)

Conclusion

This analysis firmly establishes β-glucan as a sophisticated carbohydrate with enormous potential in advanced dermatological applications. The conclusions drawn are clear: the function of β-glucan is a direct consequence of its precise molecular structure, encompassing glycosidic linkage, degree of branching, and molecular weight. The key innovative application lies in moving toward precision glycochemistry, where manufacturers synthetically control the β-1,3 content, chain length, and conformation to engineer ingredients optimized for specific therapeutic targets—from high-potency immune system engagement for wound care to highly soluble, lower-MW forms for superior moisturizing and antioxidant delivery. β-Glucan is poised to become the foundational polymer for next-generation skin delivery systems, ensuring targeted, receptor-mediated efficacy in chronic skin disease management. The systematic review offers strong theoretical support for its clinical application in areas ranging from minor burns to complex conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, signaling a vital shift toward carbohydrate-based solutions in therapeutic skincare.