Mushrooms have been hailed as a superfood since ancient times. Now, they have become a staple in our diets, supplements, and skincare. Due to high levels of antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins, mushrooms have been the subject of studies on nutrition, skin health, cancer prevention, and more. Known for their natural healing properties and rich nutrient profiles, different types of mushrooms offer a wide range of benefits for all skin types. Let’s explore the top mushrooms used in skincare and the overall mushroom benefits for skin.
Top Mushrooms In Skincare
Snow Mushroom (Tremella Fuciformis)
Often compared to hyaluronic acid, snow mushrooms act like a moisture sponge, pulling water into the skin to provide intense hydration. Due to their smaller molecular size, they can penetrate deep into the skin, leaving it plump and dewy. Additionally, snow mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, making them perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.
Benefits:
Deep hydration
Plumps and smooths skin
Reduces inflammation and redness
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and are especially effective in fighting free radicals and oxidative stress that can cause premature aging. They also have superb anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for calming sensitive or acne-prone skin while promoting a healthy, youthful glow.
Benefits:
Reduces inflammation and irritation
Fights free radical damage
Helps calm and soothe sensitive skin
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps are known for their ability to increase oxygen flow in the skin, improving tone and texture. This mushroom is excellent for revitalizing dull, tired skin, giving it a healthy glow. Cordyceps also support collagen production, which helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Benefits:
Increase oxygenation in skin to improve radiance
Improves elasticity and reduces wrinkles
Enhances skin tone and texture
Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in kojic acid, which is a natural skin brightener. They help to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out the complexion. Shiitake mushrooms also contain antioxidants that combat free radicals and protect against environmental damage.
Benefits:
Brightens and evens skin tone
Reduces hyperpigmentation
Protects from environmental stress
Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom Extract)
Fomes Officinalis, also known as the "tinder fungus," is a powerful astringent that helps tighten pores and refine skin texture. It’s a natural ingredient often found in products aimed at reducing excess oil and minimizing the appearance of large pores. With its soothing properties, Fomes Officinalis is also known to provide hydration, making it perfect for balancing oily or combination skin.
Benefits:
Tightens pores and refines texture
Controls excess oil
Hydrates and soothes skin
Our Favorite Mushroom Products
- Sorella Apothecary’s Main Squeeze Hydrating Serum: features snow mushroom extract to pull moisture into the skin, offering immediate plumping and superb hydration.
Kizo Lab Liquid Hydration Moisturizer + Serum: features chaga mushroom to soothe the skin while improving barrier function.
Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub: features fomes officinalis to calm inflammation and offer antioxidant support.
Hale & Hush’s Clear Future Toner: features fomes officinalis paired with salicylic acid to balance oil production and refine pores.
Rhonda Allison Brightening Cream Enhanced: features kojic acid, a byproduct of fungi, to reduce pigmenation and even skin tone.
Mushrooms in skincare aren’t just a trend—they’re a powerhouse of hydration, protection, and healthy-aging benefits. This ancient superfood offers a wide range of properties that can address various skin concerns. Whether you're looking to hydrate, calm irritation, or boost your skin’s glow, incorporating mushroom-based products into your skincare routine could be your next step toward healthier, more radiant skin. Need help incorporating mushroom-rich products into your routine? Reach out for a Free Skincare Checkup with an AOS esthetician.
