Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Carboxymethyl derivative of beta-glucan from yeast or oats – a water-soluble form with improved bioavailability. An immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory activity. Useful in atopic dermatitis and post-procedure recovery. Pregnancy-safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Immunomodulator backed by a series of RCTs in atopic dermatitis, post-procedure recovery, and anti-aging. Evidence is stronger than for most catalog extracts. Good tolerance.
- Pillai R et al. Anti-wrinkle therapy: significant new findings in the non-invasive cosmetic treatment of skin wrinkles with beta-glucan. Int J Cosmet Sci 2005;27:292. DOI 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2005.00268_3.x
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan (CM-glucan) is a modification of the natural beta-1,3/1,6-glucan of the cell wall of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or oat/barley grains. Carboxymethylation produces a water-soluble form that absorbs into the stratum corneum 5-10 times better and is easier to formulate than the original insoluble beta-glucan. INCI: Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan. Trade name: CM-Glucan Forte (Mibelle). Immunomodulating action. Beta-glucan binds Dectin-1 and complementary receptors on Langerhans cells and macrophages in the skin. On skin it activates defensive mechanisms without a full pro-inflammatory cascade. This anti-inflammatory effect is documented in vitro and in a series of clinical studies. Clinical data. RCTs and pilot studies have shown: 1. Atopic dermatitis – SCORAD reduction of 25-35% after 4-8 weeks of cream with 1% CM-glucan (Lyons 2003, Wisuitiprot 2011). 2. Post-procedure recovery – faster healing after laser resurfacing and chemical peels. 3. Anti-aging – wrinkle-depth reduction and firmness improvement in 12-week studies (Pillai 2005); the effect is modest but statistically significant. 4. Barrier support – TEWL reduction in patients with barrier dysfunction. Use levels are 0.05-1%. Compatible with most actives; does not work at strongly acidic pH (<3.5). Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption of beta-glucans through intact skin is minimal. No teratogenic effects in the literature. Skin tolerance. Very low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive, atopic, and post-procedure skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan for?
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan and what does it do in cosmetics?
Carboxymethyl derivative of beta-glucan from yeast or oats – a water-soluble form with improved bioavailability.
Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan?
The INCI name is Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan. It may also appear as: CM-Glucan, Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan.
See Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan in a product composition right on the store page
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Soothing, Barrier repair, Anti-aging, Post-procedure recovery, Post-sunburn repair
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