Mushroom Skincare Products: Fungus or the Future of Flawless Skin?

written by Allison Goins, Ph.D. | Published on April 6^th, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Mushrooms are popping up everywhere these days, and the skincare world is no exception. Korean skincare is becoming increasingly trendy globally, and mushrooms are just one of the many actives being taken from Korean skincare and used in other products But are these trendy ingredients truly effective? Let’s delve into the science of mushrooms in skincare and explore some popular mushroom skincare products.

What Are the Benefits of Mushrooms in Skincare?

Mushrooms boast a variety of unique properties that can potentially benefit the skin.

A brief explanation of some of the most common claims include:

Hydration: Like so many natural materials, mushrooms like snow mushroom and tremella mushroom, are rich in polysaccharides. These natural sugars are humectants. This means they can grab water, hold it, and then release it as your skin needs hydration. This is the same way hyaluronic acid works. So mushrooms are one of the many natural alternatives to hyaluronic acid. Skincare products with these types of mushrooms in them make them ideal for aging asking that is getting increasingly drier, dry skin types, or those concerned with plumpness and fine lines.

Soothing and Calming: Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties, which means they help their native organisms adapt to environmental stressors. There is some evidence these plants can have the same benefits when people consume them. Some of the ways adaptogens can help you respond to environmental stressors by reducing inflammation and redness. These mushrooms may help those with sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier. There is also research that suggests mushrooms in the formulation of a cleanser can help make the cleanser less irritating so if you have sensitive skin, or you have a damaged skin barrier and are looking for a cleanser, that may be a little bit more gentle you might look for one that has mushroom in it.

Antioxidant-Rich: Like so many other organisms mushrooms contain antioxidants that can help shield them from the skin from damaging free radicals and environmental aggressors. This can help you important structural proteins like collagen and elastin from breaking down, which ultimately leads to premature aging.

Brighter and More Even Skin Tone: Some mushroom extracts may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and promote a more radiant complexion. With some of them naturally containing melanin inhibitors like kojic acid. These products might be suitable for those wanting an added layer of preventative protection. If you have acne-prone skin or are trying to build an anti-aging routine, this could be something you look to add to your routine.

16 Mushrooms in Skincare Products Worth Trying

Here’s a breakdown of some popular mushroom skincare products categorized by the type of mushroom they contain:

Reishi Mushroom

The Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen. It is widely used in Eastern medicine, and for good reason. Adaptogens help plants they are from adapt to stressors. And when they are extracted and used they can potentially similarly help your skin. Early research suggests it might be a champion for calmer and more protected skin. Due to their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means mushroom skincare products that contain the Reishi mushroom could help an irritate skin barrier and serve as backup to your sunscreen and melanin to shield your skin from environmental damage.

KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil (Cleanser, Step 1 Oil Based)– $46

This gentle oil cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. It effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils and contains Reishi mushroom to help soothe and calm the skin. If you have sensitive skin and are frequently wearing makeup, this is a cleanser worth trying out.

Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion (Moisturizer, Emollient)– $42

This fragrance-free lotion could be one of the last steps in your nighttime skincare routine. It is formulated with reishi, chaga, and coprinus mushrooms to soothe and calm irritated skin. The lack of fragrance in the product makes it ideal for someone with sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier. This brand conducted consumer perception and clinical trials on the product and the results showed it soothed the skin’s barrier. Reishi mushroom in this product may contribute to its calming and redness-reducing benefits.

Herbar The Face Nectar (Hydrating Serum)– $73

This hydrating serum formulated with reishi mushrooms, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin, promoting overall skin health. Reishi mushrooms have a ton of natural sugars that behave like humectants. So this makes it a great ingredient to add to a hydrating serum. In addition to the hydration, the anti-oxidants in the mushrooms and the probiotics in the formulation may help soothe the skin and support its natural barrier function. A person with any skin type who is looking for a hydrating serum could give this mushroom skincare product a try.

Shikohin 5 Mushroom Moisturizer (Lightweight, Moisturizer)– $68

This moisturizer provides deep hydration and nourishment with a blend of five mushrooms: Shiitake, Maitake, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Agaricus. It also contains antioxidants to shield the skin from damage. Reishi mushroom in this product contributes to its hydrating and potentially anti-inflammatory benefits. This is a good moisturizer for any skin type to use and as a morning moisturizer before your sunscreen.

Pacifica Clean Shot Mushrooms and Caffeine 7 Percent (Eye Serum)– $12

This serum contains reishi mushrooms and caffeine to de-puff and brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles. Reishi mushroom may help reduce puffiness through its calming properties, while caffeine is a known vasoconstrictor that can temporarily reduce the appearance of puffiness. This is a good serum to use in your morning routine before your heavy moisturizer or sunscreen.

Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi (Moisturizer, Emollient)– $58

This fragrance-free moisturizer combines reishi mushroom with ashwagandha to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. Reishi mushroom, along with ashwagandha, may help soothe the skin and promote a radiant complexion. This is a good moisturizer for people with dry skin or who are looking to keep their skin hydrated during the winter. You would want to use this in your nighttime routine because it’s a heavier moisturizer.

MARA Chlorella + Reishi™ Sea Vitamin C Sérum (Serum)-$96

This serum combines reishi mushroom with chlorella algae and Vitamin C to brighten and even skin tone while providing antioxidant protection and hydration. Reishi mushroom in this product may contribute to its brightening effect alongside vitamin C. This is a good serum for anyone to add to their morning routine before sunscreen. These types of serums are a great added layer of protection from the sun throughout your day.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps mushrooms are another type of mushroom that is native to China and has made its way into so many skincare products. Early research suggests extracts from these fungi might have multiple benefits for your skin. Similar to Reishi, cordyceps may possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially soothing irritation and preventing premature aging. Additionally, some studies have explored their potential to improve skin barrier function, which is crucial for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal use of cordyceps for mushroom skincare products.

PAI Tri-Mushroom Super-Soothing Booster (Serum)– $29

This lightweight serum is designed to soothe and calm irritated skin. It contains a blend of three mushrooms: reishi, chaga, and cordyceps. Cordyceps mushrooms, along with the other mushrooms in this product, help give your skin a hydrating boost. This is a good serum to include in your morning or nighttime routine.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum (Exfoliating Serum)– $68

This exfoliating serum contains cordyceps mushrooms, AHAs, and BHAs to improve the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Cordyceps mushroom in this product works alongside the AHAs and BHAs to be a soothing component, while the exfoliating acids break down your oldest skin cells. Exfoliation is an important step in any brightening routine.

There are clinical consumer perception studies that were performed with this product. The results that are reported are from one week of use, so they are only first impressions, but the results were overwhelmingly positive. If you have sensitive skin you may want to use this sparingly or not at all. Any other skin types should be okay to use this a couple of times a week as your exfoliation step in your skincare routine.

Snow Mushroom

The snow mushroom is probably one of the coolest-looking of all of the mushrooms. It is a translucent white color and looks like jelly. This translucent fungus is filled with sugars that behave like a natural hyaluronic acid. In addition to its hydrating abilities, some research suggests it might be slightly photoprotective. This means it potentially can block UV rays. Mushroom skincare products that have snow mushrooms have the potential to be built-in moisturizers with a little bit of sun-shielding properties.

Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom (Hydrating Toner)– $14.99

This gentle toner contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and snow mushroom sugars. All of these ingredients are packed into this hydrating toner to hydrate and plump the skin. It’s suitable even for sensitive skin. Snow mushroom extract, similar to hyaluronic acid, helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. This product was clinically tested and was proven to boost the skin’s hydration. This product is suitable for all skin types.

VOLITION Snow Mushroom Water Serum with Peptides + Vitamin C (Lightweight Serum)– $68

This serum combines snow mushroom extract with peptides and Vitamin C to hydrate, brighten, and firm the skin. Snow mushroom extract provides hydration, while peptides and vitamin C may help improve your skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This product is suitable for all skin types and if you are starting your anti-aging skincare journey this mushroom skincare product is a good place to start for preventative purposes.

AG Care Nourish Snow Mushroom Moisture Mask (Moisturizing Mask)– $28

This mask is formulated with snow mushroom extract and other nourishing ingredients to intensely hydrate and soothe the skin. Snow mushroom provides a moisture boost. If you have dry skin, it is winter in your neck of the woods, or you have an irritated skin barrier this is an option for you.

Herbivore Pink Cloud Creamy Jelly Cleanser (Cleanser)-$26

This gentle cleanser contains tremella mushroom extract and is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. It removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Tremella mushroom extract, similar to hyaluronic acid, helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. If you have acne-prone or oily skin this cleanser will probably not be stripping enough for you, otherwise, this is a worthwhile option.

Shiitake Mushroom

This culinary favorite might be a friend to your skin as well. Shiitake mushrooms contain kojic acid, a naturally occurring ingredient with potential skin-brightening properties. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color, and excess melanin production can lead to hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Therefore, Shiitake extracts have the potential to help brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of these unwanted blemishes. By helping to regulate melanin production.

REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask (Moisturizing Mask)-$52

This mask is designed to soothe and calm irritated skin and contains shiitake mushroom extract. Shiitake mushroom, along with other ingredients in the mask, may help reduce redness and inflammation.

Some Other Types of Mushrooms in Mushroom Skincare Products

Chaga Mushroom

The Chaga mushroom has a bumpy black exterior and is another mushroom that is common in skincare products today. Like the other mushrooms, the research is still in its early stages. Chaga extracts in mushroom skincare products show promise as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant skincare actives. This could translate to calmer skin and protection against free radical damage, which can contribute to the visible signs of aging.

Remember

While mushroom skincare products can be beneficial, it’s important to choose ones that target your specific concerns and skin type.

Look for products from reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients.

Patch test any new product on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face.

Consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns about using mushroom skincare products.

Do your research and choose the right mushroom product for a radiant, healthy complexion!

By understanding the science behind these trendy ingredients and how they might benefit your skin, you can make informed choices for your skincare routine.

References

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