Hyaluronic Acid vs Beta Glucan: Which Is Better for Hydration and Skin Barrier Repair?

The Skin Edit  —  Ingredient Guide

Hyaluronic Acid vs Beta Glucan

Which is better for hydration and barrier repair

By Lindsey Rapp  ·  Licensed Esthetician  ·  3 Min Read

Hyaluronic acid and beta glucan are two of the most popular hydrating skincare ingredients, but they do not work the same way.

The Basics

What Each One Does

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water into the skin to improve hydration and plumpness. Beta glucan hydrates while also calming the skin and supporting the barrier.

Beta glucan hydrates, soothes, and repairs, all in one ingredient.

The Comparison

Which Is Better for Your Skin?

  • Dry skin: both are beneficial
  • Sensitive skin: beta glucan is better
  • Barrier damage: beta glucan is more supportive
  • General hydration: hyaluronic acid works well

The Pick

Best for Hydration and Barrier Support

NeoGenesis Beta Serum

Beta Glucan Barrier Recovery Serum

Deep hydration and calming support in one step, my post-treatment essential in the studio.

Shop  ·  $84

Shop the Story

Hydrate and Repair Your Skin

Shop the barrier-supporting hydration serum used in this comparison.

Shop Beta Serum

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