At a glance
Read my detailed review of the hydrating and soothing Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum, from the Korean skincare brand Iunik.
Author
Hyaluronic acid isn’t the only hydration super-hero! To deeply hydrate and repair the skin, Beta-glucan is also super effective! This is actually the main claim of the Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum from the Korean brand Iunik…
As you may have seen, my skincare routine mainly comprises Iunik products these days!
I’m a big fan of their essences (at the moment, I’m finishing the rose one that I love) but I also like their serums. I find them simple, effective, and you can find them at a very affordable price (which is always a plus)!
I’ve seen countless raving reviews about the Beta-glucan serum, so I purchased it a few months ago in Korea. But I didn’t start it right away. I wanted to wait until I finished my hyaluronic acid lotions to try it properly and see if the product could be an alternative to hyaluronic acid!
A few weeks ago, when I finally finished my Hada Labo lotion (they’re really bottomless!) (it’s not a bad thing 😉), I introduced the Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum into my morning routine.
You’ll find my thoughts about it below!
Skincare
Mini-review: Iunik Vitamin Hyaluronic Vitalizing Toner
As you know, I’m a huge fan of Asian essences, which I find both super effective on skin hydration and also very pleasant to use! Today, I want to introduce you to the Vitamin Hyaluronic Vitalizing Toner essence from the Korean natural brand Iunik.
Read more
Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum, my review:
If you like short and simple formulas, the Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum is going to be right up your alley!
This product is mainly based on one ingredient: Beta-glucan.
Beta-glucan is a moisturizing ingredient that we hear less about than its most famous alternative, hyaluronic acid. It’s actually supposed to be 20% more moisturizing than the latter! A great ingredient, especially if you have chronic dehydrated skin like me.
Beta-glycan is a naturally derived ingredient. It usually comes from the cell walls of certain yeasts, fungi, algae and cereals. Here, in this Iunik serum, the Beta-glucan used in the formula comes from Asian mushrooms such as shiitake.
Its molecular size is rather large, but it’s made up of several smaller sugar molecules, polysaccharides.
However, despite its large molecular size, Beta-glucan is still able to penetrate deep into the skin, down to the dermis (= the intermediate layer of the skin), which makes it a very interesting ingredient!
On the skin, Beta-glucan has healing, mildly antioxidant (therefore anti-aging) properties, it is also an excellent soothing ingredient and above all, it hydrates the skin in a long-lasting way.
I started using the Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum 1 or 2 months ago, I added it to my morning routine.
I really like its plumping effect, which is quite immediate, the skin looks more “plumpy” right away. Of course, this effect doesn’t last forever, it’s temporary but I must admit that I definitely appreciate it, especially in the morning!
And what I also like is the long-lasting comfort I have with this product. It has a durable hydrating effect, and also soothes my skin, without being greasy!
Its texture is a little confusing at first, it’s very very viscous. I even had trouble using the pipette the first time I used it and expected the worst when I applied it to my skin.
But when you spread it out, the texture melts into the skin and it’s not as sticky as you might expect. It’s quickly absorbed and leaves no sticky or greasy residue.
Of course, as it is a serum, I still need to apply a moisturizing cream on top to seal all that hydration!
The simplicity of its formula will definitely appeal to those who want to focus on the essentials. Personally, I still feel the need to supplement it with another serum to add antioxidants to my morning routine (I really like it paired with Paula’s Choice Antioxidant Pore Purifier Serum).
The Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum is 50ml in size, and you only need 1/3 of a pipette each time for the face and neck. It will therefore last me a long time (probably 5-6 months using it once a day).
In conclusion:
The Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum is like many other products from this brand: simple, effective and affordable!
Personally, I would have appreciated a little more complexity in the ingredients (more antioxidants in the formula would have been great) but if you’re looking for a product that does the job with a short and to the point formula, you’ll probably like it!
Product Review in detail
Summary
Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
"An all-around serum enriched with beta-glucan to help moisturize and strengthen skin’s barrier, while also providing brightening and wrinkle care."
Recommendation
A good product (a bit basic though).
Price
$15 - $25
Details
Pros
- the formula is very simple, it highlights a single star ingredient, the Beta-glucan (the short formula is great for sensitive skin),
- the effective, long-lasting moisturizing effect,
- the immediate plumping effect, very appreciable,
- the simple and minimalist packaging,
- the affordable price (the value for money is always great with this brand).
Cons
- the texture is very viscous, it's difficult to take from the bottle (but it's very spreadable and doesn't leave any stickiness),
- the formula is quite basic, so I personally like to complete this product with other products in my routine.
product name
Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
brand name
Iunik
size
50ml
made in
South Korea
packaging
A glass bottle with a pipette, very simple and minimalistic.
fragrance
Fragrance-free (and it doesn't smell of anything)
texture
A gel like texture, quite viscous at first but doesn't leave a sticky feeling on the skin once applied.
For Who
– dehydrated skin,
– dry skin,
– sensitive skin,
– mature skin.
Concerns
– dehydration,
– wrinkles,
– dull skin.
Method
I usually apply the Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum in the morning, but you can use it morning and/or evening.
After applying my essence(s), I take the equivalent of 1/3 of the pipette and I massage my face and neck with it. Once it’s almost absorbed, I finish with some hand pressures on my skin and continue with the rest of my routine.
Key Ingredients
The formula is super simple and focuses on a single key ingredient, Beta-glucan.
Beta-glucan is a large molecule composed of several smaller sugar molecules (the polysaccharides). You can find these naturally in some yeasts, mushrooms, algae and cereals. Here, the Beta-glucan used in the formula comes from Asian mushrooms such as shiitake.
On the skin, Beta-glucan has healing, mildly antioxidant (therefore anti-aging) properties, it’s also an excellent calming ingredient and above all it also provide a long lasting hydration..
Interestingly, despite its large molecular size, Beta-glucan is able to penetrate deep into the skin, down to the dermis (= the intermediate layer of the skin).
Ingredients
Aqua, Butylene glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, beta-Glucan, Sodium PCA, Ethylhexylglycerin.
* Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package for the most up-to-date list of ingredients.
Ingredients not included
– mineral oil,
– silicones,
– alcohol,
– fragrance,
– dyes.
Shop for this product
Iunik Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum $15 - $25
Author
The label shows to use within 2 months upon opening.
Oh really? Are you sure it’s not 12 months? 2 months for a 50ml serum seems pretty unlikely 🤔
(I wrote this review a while ago and I don’t have my bottle anymore)