Review: JKosmmune Beta-Glucan Serum

Sometimes I still marvel at how many skincare products and ingredients I haven’t tried or don’t even know about. The skincare world is vast, and for me, that is equal parts exciting and overwhelming.

A number of months ago, the company JKosmmune reached out to me to see if I would like to try one of their products: they have an enzyme cleanser, a toner, a serum, and two different types of lotions. JKosmmune’s line is centered on the ingredient beta-glucan, which is a humectant that the brand touts as the “third generation moisturizing agent” that is 20% more effective than hyaluronic acid!

::cue jaw drop::

I’ll get to more of the beta-glucan info in a minute, but when I read this, I knew I had try the JKosmmune Beta-Glucan Serum. I used the serum for the past three months, and was fairly generous with how much I used–about 1/2 a dropper twice a day. I just finished the bottle, so I am ready to talk about effects.

Note: this product was sent to me for review purposes by the company, but all opinions expressed here are my own.

JKosmmune Beta-Glucan Serum

Cosdna Analysis

A simple, elegant bottle to match the serum.

The serum comes in a sturdy plastic 50ml bottle with a dropper that goes down to the bottom of the bottle. It’s an easy dropper to dispense just as much as you want.

The Claims

“JKosmmune Serum is fortified with our powerful beta glucan that visibly corrects skin tone for glowing and healthy skin. Enriched with 97% pure beta glucan (5,000 PPM) which deeply penetrates and renews the damaged skin barrier. Beta glucan has hydrating properties making the skin firm yet smooth all day. Its moisturizing effects will keep your skin young and healthy.” (jkosmmune.com)

Additionally, for those who are conscious of those things, the brand promotes the fact that it has an EWG rating of 2 or below for every product, and does not conduct animal testing. They also note that their line is suitable for people with sensitive skin.

I notice that while I read that beta glucan can help with redness, that isn’t one of the explicit claims for the serum, but it is for the Jkosmmune Toner. I make a note of that only because reducing redness is always at the top of my skincare list.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta Glucan, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol

• Glycerin: a powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
• Beta Glucan: a powerful humectant derived from yeast, sugar, algae, and plants that can penetrate the skin deeply to pull in moisture. This serum contains 97% pure beta glucan (5,000 PPM).
• Centella Asiatica Extract: Contains antioxidants and is soothing to the skin.

This is one of the shortest ingredient lists I’ve seen for a serum, and I love it because this means there aren’t any fillers. This serum really packs a punch for hydration and soothing properties. I’m seeing a lot of beta-glucan products lately; I think it’s becoming more of a a standout ingredient as companies tout its soothing and hydrating properties.

Beta glucan was apparently thought to have difficulty penetrating the skin due to it’s large molecular size, but researchers R. Pillai, M. Redmond, and J. Röding (2005) found that beta glucan can and does penetrate deeply into the skin. Their study found that beta glucan was effective as reducing fine lines! (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-1318.2005.00268_3.x) So, more than just a humectant, beta glucan seems to also be effective for reducing the signs of aging.

 The (Personal) Evidence

This is a clear, thin, slightly viscous serum that spreads easily over the face and absorbs very quickly. It leaves zero tackiness or stickiness and doesn’t have a scent. It layers nicely with even my longest routines, and wears nicely under sunscreen and makeup.

Before doing this blog, I had never considered how my hand looked. Now I worry it makes products unappealing. hahaha

I started using this serum back in February, and it was a perfect layer for my winter skincare routine. Over the course of the first month, I noticed my skin was plump, hydrated, and the fine lines around my mouth and eyes were reduced. When I patted my cheeks throughout the course of the day, they felt firm and plump and didn’t have a lot of give to them, which is a sign my skin is very hydrated.

When I took it out of my routine for testing purposes, I noticed a decrease in hydration (my skin got tighter faster), and I ended up adding more layers of toner to try to compensate.

I was on the lookout for redness reduction, even though JKosmmune didn’t list it as a specific effect. I noticed the redness around my nose had slightly lessened, but not enough to purchase the serum for redness reduction alone.

This is a fine serum that does what it promises and would be great for people who want a hydrating product, especially for those who have sensitive skin or for people who prefer minimalist routines. I think this little serum could really take the place of several hydrating layers. That being said, it is a little boring for someone like me who enjoys scents.

So, will I buy this product again? 

Rating Scale: 

• Did you not read the review? Yes, of course. I will spend all of my money on this product!
• Yes. I enjoy this product enough to purchase again in the future, especially if it’s on sale.
• Meh. Maybe. I mean, I bet there are other, better things out there. I’d use it if someone gave it to me.
• No. I won’t use this again and will probably bad-mouth it to others.
• Hahahahaha. Nope. Noooooooope. Not even if you paid me.

The Verdict: I enjoy this product BUT I probably won’t repurchase it. I’d use it if someone gave it to me.

I’m not sure I’ve ever had to change the rating so much, but here are my thoughts on why I probably won’t repurchase this–it has nothing to do with the serum itself or its efficacy. I pondered this review for awhile, and I realized that I wasn’t anxious to repurchase this because I use my toners and essences to hydrate at the beginning of my routine, and use my serums to target such things like brightening and repairing.

So, while I enjoyed this serum and thought it did what it claimed to do, I want to use my serums for purposes other than hydrating. So, I actually want to purchase the JKosmmune Beta-Glucan toner instead, because it claims to hydrate AND reduce redness! (Also, I’ve tried some samples of their beta-glucan enzyme cleaner and really liked it! Low ph and doesn’t make my skin feel dry.)

 

Where you can buy:

• Jkosmmune ($46)

They have a discount where you can get 10% off your first order with the code “JKOSMMUNE10” (That is a general code, not affiliated with me at all.) They also have a giveaway happening where you can get a $10 gift card toward a purchase from their product line (spring 2018). See their website for details!