Whitepaper: Awakening the Skin’s Immunity. Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan from Baker’s Yeast, an Active Skincare Ingredient

The skin’s immune system plays a key role in the healthy functioning of the skin. Immune cells located in the skin tissue act as soldiers, constantly preventing the invasion of harmful microorganisms and helping to maintain the skin homeostasis (stability). These cells are essential for the constant repair, protection and renewal of the skin. Thus, efficient skin immunity is essential for healthy and beautiful skin.

The skin’s immunity is constantly challenged by factors such as pollution, sunlight and stress, which deteriorate the skin’s quality. In addition, the concentration of immune cells decreases as we age, and their efficiency declines. This translates into typical signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fines line and age spots. Reduced skin immunity can also result in inefficient wound healing and inflammation, having a negative impact on the overall health.

Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan is an immune-enhancing component extracted from baker’s yeast that interacts with Langerhans cells, a key orchestrator of immune responses in the skin. In this paper, we review the effects of the topical application of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan on the skin’s immunity, and discuss its potential as a skincare ingredient.