Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan

Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan is a water-soluble, film-forming polysaccharide derivative used mainly as a soothing/humectant and barrier-support ingredient, typically at low concentrations (about 0.1–1%). Available patch/usage data for beta-glucans and their derivatives generally shows very low irritation and good tolerability even in compromised skin, with reactions being uncommon and usually idiosyncratic rather than concentration-driven. I score it as very gentle (0.2) rather than exceptionally gentle/inert because polymer modifications and impurities can rarely trigger stinging or contact reactions in highly reactive eczema-prone patients. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan (a water-soluble, modified beta-glucan used for soothing/barrier support) is commonly used at very low levels (~0.01–0.1%) in serums, toners, and moisturizers where it functions as an anti-irritant/film-former alongside other humectants. Mainstream leave-on products more typically sit around ~0.1–0.5%, while high-strength consumer OTC “repair” or post-procedure calming serums/ampoules and some mask essences can reach ~1–2% before viscosity/film feel and cost become limiting; rinse-off cleansers are usually at the low end due to short contact time.