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May 18, 2026
K-BEAUTY INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
Beta glucan is one of Korean skincare’s most underrated barrier-supporting ingredients. Here’s why K-Beauty brands love it and whether iUNIK’s viral serum is actually worth the hype.
LISTEN TO MORE PODCASTS TRY KOREAN-STYLE SKIN ANALYSISiUNIK’s Beta Glucan Serum has become a cult favourite among people with dry, dehydrated and sensitised skin thanks to its ultra-simple formula and strong focus on barrier repair.
The serum is centred around one key ingredient: beta glucan. This mushroom-derived ingredient is known for its ability to deeply hydrate, soothe stressed skin and support the skin barrier.
Take Jelly Ko’s Korean-style skin analysis to discover which ingredients and products suit your skin type, concerns and goals.
START SKIN ANALYSISBeta glucan is a natural ingredient derived from the cell walls of mushrooms, oats and yeast. In Korean skincare, it’s most commonly used for hydration and barrier support.
It’s often compared to hyaluronic acid because of its strong moisture-binding abilities, but many people find beta glucan feels even more comforting and soothing on sensitised skin.
Literature also suggests beta glucan may help reduce visible redness and support skin recovery after irritation.
As the name suggests, the serum focuses heavily on hydration and moisture retention.
Despite the thick texture, it absorbs surprisingly quickly into the skin without leaving behind a sticky or greasy finish.
It’s designed to help with:
JELLY KO PICK
Jelly Ko Bubble Tea Steam Cream combines beta glucan with niacinamide, squalane, grape seed oil and panthenol to deeply nourish dry, dehydrated and mature skin.
The formula has become a customer favourite thanks to its rich-but-airy texture and award-winning refill system, which won Prevention's Best Refillable Skincare award.

Like most Korean serums, iUNIK Beta Glucan Serum is designed to be applied after toner or essence.
Simply pat a few drops into the skin and follow up with a moisturiser to help seal hydration into the skin barrier.
You can also mix a drop or two into your moisturiser if your skin is feeling particularly dry or stressed.
iUNIK Beta Glucan Serum is a solid option for anyone focused on hydration and barrier repair.
The minimalist formula keeps things simple while still delivering noticeable hydration and soothing benefits.
If your skin constantly feels tight, dry or stressed out, beta glucan is definitely one of the most underrated K-Beauty ingredients worth trying.
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"Beta glucan is an ingredient taken from the cell wall of mushrooms, and it promises to improve the skin’s barrier function."
- STYLE STORY
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