Hydration Ingredients Explained
Beta Glucan vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which Hydrates Better?
Beta glucan and hyaluronic acid are two of the most talked about hydrating ingredients in Korean skincare. Both are known for helping the skin feel softer and more comfortable, but they work differently and are suited to slightly different skin needs.
In this guide we will look at how beta glucan and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin, who each ingredient is best for and where you will find them in Jelly Ko formulas. We will also highlight our favourite products that feature beta glucan, multi weight hyaluronic acid or both, including our refillable options.
If your skin is dry, dull, dehydrated or mature, understanding the difference between these two ingredients will help you build a routine that actually keeps your skin comfortable all day.
What is beta glucan?
Beta glucan is a polysaccharide usually derived from oats, mushrooms or yeast. In skincare it is best known for its strong water binding ability and the way it helps support the skin barrier. It is particularly helpful for skin that is dry, reactive or feels easily stripped by weather, cleansing or strong actives.
Because beta glucan can hold a high level of moisture, it provides deep, longer lasting hydration compared with many standard humectants. Instead of giving a quick rush of hydration that disappears, it helps the skin stay comfortable over time.
Benefits of beta glucan
- Helps the skin hold on to moisture for longer, supporting deep and lasting hydration.
- Supports the skin barrier, which can improve resilience and reduce feelings of tightness or discomfort.
- Has a calming effect that is suitable for skin prone to redness or irritation.
- Helps improve the look of elasticity and bounce by keeping the skin comfortably hydrated.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water into the skin and helps keep it there. In Korean skincare it is common to see formulas that use several different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid so that hydration can reach both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
Light, water based formulas that contain multi weight hyaluronic acid are ideal for layering. They can help the skin look bouncier and more luminous without feeling heavy or greasy, which makes them suitable for many different skin types and climates.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid
- Provides an immediate plumping effect that can soften the look of fine dehydration lines.
- Helps restore a dewy, luminous appearance when skin looks flat, tired or lacklustre.
- Works well in toners and serums that are easy to layer under moisturiser and sunscreen.
- Multi weight hyaluronic acid can support hydration at several levels of the skin at once.
Who should use which ingredient and why?
When beta glucan makes sense
- Your skin feels tight, rough or flaky and you want hydration that lasts beyond the first hour.
- Your barrier has been compromised by harsh weather, over exfoliation or strong actives.
- You live in a dry or desert climate and find most moisturisers stop working halfway through the day.
When hyaluronic acid makes sense
- Your main concern is dehydration and you want more bounce and glow without heavy textures.
- You prefer to build your routine with light, layered steps that absorb quickly.
- You want a toner or serum step that helps your skin hold on to moisture and prepares it for the rest of your skincare.
When it makes sense to use both
- Your skin is dry, dull, dehydrated, perimenopausal or mature and you want both immediate plumpness and long term comfort.
- You want a routine that combines multi weight hyaluronic acid for fast visible results with beta glucan for lasting hydration and barrier support.
Best K-Beauty products with beta glucan
Bubble Tea Steam Cream
Moisturiser with beta glucan and hyaluronic acid
Bubble Tea Steam Cream is Jelly Ko’s whipped style moisturiser, created to deliver long lasting hydration and a cushioned, bouncy finish. The texture feels rich enough for dry and mature skin but absorbs quickly so it still works in warm or humid climates.
The formula features ten hero actives that work together on moisture, glow and barrier support: niacinamide, vitamin E, beta glucan, pearl, squalane, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, arginine, adenosine and allantoin.
Beta glucan provides deep, enduring hydration and helps support the skin barrier. Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol draw in moisture, while squalane and vitamin E contribute to a softer, more nourished finish. Niacinamide and pearl work on radiance and a more even looking tone.
Best K-Beauty products with hyaluronic acid
Dewy Glaze Toner
Birch sap based essence toner with 3-type hyaluronic acid
Dewy Glaze Toner is our essence style toner that gives skin a glazed, juicy look after cleansing. Instead of starting with plain water, the formula is built on a base of approximately 84% birch leaf water. This helps lightly hydrate and nurture the skin from the very first step.
On top of the birch sap base, Dewy Glaze Toner includes a three type hyaluronic acid complex along with humectants and antioxidant rich berry extracts. The multi weight hyaluronic acid supports hydration at different levels of the skin, while the rest of the formula helps soften, smooth and brighten the appearance of the complexion.
Be Jelly Overnight Dream Serum
Overnight retinol serum with 4-type hyaluronic acid
Be Jelly Overnight Dream Serum is a jelly textured night serum that combines encapsulated retinol with a four type hyaluronic acid complex, collagen, panthenol, squalane, probiotics and soothing ingredients.
The encapsulation technology and multi weight hyaluronic acid system help hydrate and cushion the skin while the retinol and supporting actives work on improving texture, fine lines and uneven tone. This balance makes it a good choice for people who want retinol benefits without sacrificing moisture or comfort.
White Truffle Soufflé Serum
Hybrid serum and light moisturiser with sodium hyaluronate
White Truffle Soufflé Serum is a cloud soft hybrid that sits between a serum and a light moisturiser. It is designed for mature, sensitive or very dry skin that needs both hydration and barrier support in a single step.
Sodium hyaluronate helps draw water into the skin, while glycerin and shea butter contribute to a soft, comfortable finish. European white truffle extract, Centella asiatica, niacinamide, adenosine and other barrier supporting ingredients help improve the look of radiance, firmness and resilience over time.
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