Reishi Mushrooms: The Science Behind Its Potential Benefits for Your Skin

written by Allison Goins, Ph.D. | Published on April 20^th at 12:00 pm

Although there are tons of new buzzy skincare ingredients introduced daily. Plant-based skincare actives are very popular. Particularly in Korean beauty and Korean skincare; these are some of the most common actives because they have been used in traditional medicine for years. And a lot of these botanical extracts are now capturing the attention of both researchers and beauty enthusiasts alike.

Among these rising stars is the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), a prominent figure in Eastern medicine for centuries. But can this revered fungus truly translate into a radiant complexion? Let’s delve into the science behind Reishi mushrooms and explore their potential benefits in your skincare routine. If you decide to incorporate Reishi mushrooms in your skincare routine, there are product recommendations for all of the steps.

So What Are Some of the Marketed Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms in Skincare Products?

If you are looking for Reishi mushroom on your skincare product’s ingredient list you are not going to find it. You will see it on the ingredient list under its INCI name, Ganoderma lucidum, and it is usually going to come in the form of an extract. Before we dive into the science of Reishi mushrooms, let’s talk about some of the benefits that are marketed for skincare products that contain Reishi mushrooms.

An Anti-Aging Powerhouse?

Anti-aging is one of the many claimed benefits of skincare products that contain Reishi mushrooms. While there is no actual definition of anti-aging for a product; there are several common signs of aging that people often want to combat. Some of these things include fine lines, wrinkles, dehydrated skin, and hyperpigmentation. So, we will talk about whether the science supports Reishi mushroom’s anti-aging benefits.

Hydration Hero?

Reishi mushroom is also claimed to be a hydration powerhouse. So, it is often included in skincare products to deliver deep hydration and leave skin dewy and plump. But does the science say it can do this?

Antioxidant Ally?

Some products also claim Reishi mushrooms have calming properties and the ability to help your skin adjust to stress. So we will look into the science of its adaptogenic properties and its potential to soothe redness and irritation.

Adaptogens: A Natural Approach to Managing Your Skin’s Stress Response

Chronic stress is the enemy of healthy skin. Particularly when your body or environment causes stress in your skin, this can lead to premature aging, inflammation, breakouts, and many other skin concerns. While your body has some of its own natural defense mechanisms, like melanin, you can use other ingredients to help supplement them and give your skin even more protection.

Related Post: Anti-Pollution Skincare: Hype or Helpful

Adaptogens are one of the many skincare actives you can use to help supplement your skin’s natural protection mechanism. These chemicals are plant-based compounds that help plants adapt to stress. Mushrooms are one class of plant-based ingredients that are adaptogens. Specifically, Reishi mushrooms are one of the many examples of mushroom adaptogens.

Scientific Rationale for Reishi’s Skin Benefits

A lot of very popular Korean skincare actives have so much anecdotal evidence and centuries of practical use that supports their marketing claims. While this is all about the peer-reviewed science around Reishi mushrooms, the purpose is not to diminish centuries of evidence from practical use. The modern research on Reishi mushrooms and their potential skin benefits is still in its early stages. Here are some of the benefits, according to some studies:

What’s in a Reishi Mushroom?

The primary component of Reishi mushrooms is water, which makes up about 90% of its composition. When the mushroom is processed to be used in a skincare product in extract form, all of this water is removed. The other 10% of the mushroom that is concentrated in the extract form is mostly polysaccharides and triterpenes.

Polysaccharides are large sugar molecules present in many natural humectants, which are excellent hydrators for your skin. These sugar molecules act just like hyaluronic acid. When they are applied to your skin, they are not able to penetrate, but they can sit on top of your skin and attract and hold on to water to keep your skin plump and hydrated.

Tritepenes are small molecules that have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they can help fight redness as well as the free radicals that can damage your skin and cause premature aging. These molecules can help calm irritation and reduce redness, keeping your skin feeling soothed and balanced.

So What Does This Mean for the Science-Backed Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms?

Aging is such a complex process it is hard to say any topical skincare active is truly anti-aging. I was able to find several studies that looked at the extract in mice or that analyzed the extracts’ antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory activity. And all of these are important components in preventing the premature signs of aging. However I was not able to find a study that studied the benefits of the extract when it was actually applied on skin consistently for a set period of time.

Polysaccharides are well-known and studied humectants for hydration. So, these mushrooms are science-backed hydrators. You can find skincare products that contain these mushrooms and expect to get a hydration boost if they are properly formulated.

The Final Verdict on Reishi Mushrooms’ Benefits in Skincare

An Anti-Aging Powerhouse?- Potentially
Hydration Hero?- Definitely
Antioxidant Ally?- Potentially

Harnessing the Potential: Integrating Reishi into Your Skincare Routine

The current research on Reishi mushrooms paints an optimistic picture of their potential role in skincare. Here are some ways to incorporate Reishi into your routine:

The modern skincare market offers a variety of serums, moisturizers, and even masks that feature Reishi mushroom extract as a key ingredient. Here are some skincare products that contain reishi mushrooms

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 your skin. The Reishi mushroom extract is in the formulation to help hydrate and soothe your skin. If you have sensitive skin and frequently wear makeup, this cleanser is worth trying out.

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

This fragrance-free lotion should 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 makes the product 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. The 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. The reishi mushroom contributes to its hydrating and potentially anti-inflammatory benefits. This is a good moisturizer for any skin type and as a morning moisturizer before your sunscreen.

Pacifica Clean Shot Mushrooms and Caffeine 7% Solution (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. The 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 provide a great added layer of protection from the sun throughout the day.

If you want to include Reishi mushrooms in your skincare routine

Look for products with a significant concentration of Reishi alongside other scientifically validated skincare actives.
Look for products that have supporting clinical data. Often, brands will include their own clinical data on their product pages. If you want to maximize the benefits you are getting from your skincare products, look for products that have this clinical support. It’s important to note that brands can be biased because they want to sell their products, but clinical results are at least one indicator.
Look for a reputable brand that is using quality ingredients.

Remember, consistency is paramount for optimal results. Allow your skin time to adjust to new products. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

The Final Verdict on Reishi Mushrooms in Skincare

Reishi mushrooms hold promise as a novel ingredient in the realm of skincare, with scientific evidence suggesting potential benefits to combat inflammation, enhance hydration, and combat some key causes of premature aging. However, more robust research is needed to definitively establish their efficacy. If you’re seeking a natural approach to promoting calmer, healthier-looking skin, Reishi mushrooms might be worth exploring. Just remember to manage expectations, prioritize high-quality products, and consult with a dermatologist if needed.

References

Hu F, Yan Y, Wang CW, Liu Y, Wang JJ, Zhou F, Zeng QH, Zhou X, Chen J, Wang AJ, Zhou JD. Article Effect and Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides on Human Fibroblasts and Skin Wound Healing in Mice. Chin J Integr Med. 2019 Mar;25(3):203-209. doi: 10.1007/s11655-018-3060-9. Epub 2018 Dec 15. PMID: 30552545.

Taofiq, O., Heleno, S. A., Calhelha, R. C., Alves, M. J., Barros, L., González-Paramás, A. M., Barreiro, M. F., & Ferreira, I. C. (2017). The potential of Ganoderma lucidum extracts as bioactive ingredients in topical formulations, beyond its nutritional benefits. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 108, 139-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.07.051

Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/