How mushrooms are driving a new skincare revolution.

Sometimes it feels like mushrooms are the perfect answer to just about everything.

They’re a delicious food. Great for your physical and psychological health. A way to decompose waste and clean up polluted soil and waterways. The list goes on and on!

And now it turns out that mushrooms also have a great deal to offer when it comes to skincare.

From soothing inflammation to brightening the complexion, mushrooms have become a staple ingredient in an array of skincare products.

In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this trend, how mushrooms are being utilized, and the types of products featuring these fascinating fungi.

Some of the mushrooms which are commonly used in skincare products.

Reishi is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It helps to improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Chaga is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, pollution, and UV radiation. It can also promote a more youthful appearance and improve skin tone and texture.

Snow mushroom can hold up to 500 times its weight in water, making it an excellent natural hydrating ingredient. It is often used in moisturizers and eye creams for its ability to retain moisture and smooth fine lines.

Shiitake is known for its brightening and anti-aging properties. It contains kojic acid, which can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, and it also helps to stimulate collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Cordyceps is recognized for its ability to improve skin elasticity and overall skin health. It is also rich in antioxidants and can help to fight inflammation and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Maitake is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It can help to improve the skin's moisture barrier and reduce inflammation, making it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.

Lion's Mane is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for reducing redness and irritation in the skin. It is also believed to have potential anti-aging benefits due to its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production.

That’s a pretty impressive list!

In which kinds of skincare products are mushrooms being used?

Mushrooms are now being incorporated into various beauty and skincare products, including:

Serums: Mushroom-infused serums have become popular for their ability to address multiple skin concerns at once. Serums are highly concentrated, making them an ideal vehicle for delivering the benefits of mushrooms deep into the skin.

Moisturizers: Daily moisturizers featuring mushroom extracts help to lock in hydration and provide antioxidant protection. These products are ideal for those looking to improve skin texture and maintain a healthy, youthful appearance.

Masks: Facial masks with mushroom extracts are designed to provide an intensive treatment, targeting specific skin issues like redness, dryness, or dullness. These masks can be used as needed to give the skin an extra boost of nourishment and rejuvenation.

Cleansers: Gentle mushroom-based cleansers are suitable for all skin types, as they can help balance the skin's natural oils while providing a deep clean without stripping away essential moisture.

Eye creams: The delicate skin around the eyes requires extra care, and mushrooms are proving to be a valuable ingredient in this area. Tremella fuciformis, also known as Snow Mushroom, is a popular ingredient in eye creams due to its ability to retain moisture and smooth fine lines.

Additionally, Reishi mushroom extract is often used for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

At the top of the list of skincare products that include mushroom extracts are facial serums and creams.

Mushroom-infused serums and creams are popular because they offer several skin benefits, including:

Hydration: Some mushrooms, like Tremella, have excellent water-binding properties and can help to hydrate the skin by retaining moisture.

Brightening: Mushrooms like Shiitake contain kojic acid, which can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Anti-aging: Many mushrooms, like Reishi and Chaga, are rich in antioxidants that can protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, helping to reduce the signs of aging.

Soothing: Mushrooms like Reishi have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated or sensitive skin, reducing redness and inflammation.

Supporting skin barrier: Mushrooms contain compounds that can help to strengthen the skin barrier, promoting overall skin health and resilience.

Where can you find mushroom-based skincare products?

Mushroom-infused beauty and skincare products are increasingly available at a variety of retailers, from local health food stores to high-end department stores.

Many well-known skincare brands have started to incorporate mushrooms into their product lines, making it easier than ever to find products that suit your skin type and concerns. For example, Sephora sells the Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins line of skincare products, most of which include Reishi mushrooms.

In addition, a growing number of smaller, independent brands are focusing on using mushrooms as a key ingredient in their skincare formulations, often touting their natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly aspects.

Do your research and buy from reputable sources, and always do a patch test before using any new skincare product.

Enjoy the power of mushrooms!

This page ended up being a bit of a laundry list. But honestly, there is so much to share, I couldn’t figure out a better way to include all the relevant information.

It blows my mind that mushrooms can contribute so much to our lives in so many different ways.