In recent years, the beauty and personal care industry has seen a surge in the use of functional fungi and mushrooms in their formulations. These natural ingredients are celebrated for their numerous benefits, including anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.

According to Innova Market Insights, the use of mushrooms in skincare products has been steadily growing. The global market for mushroom-based skincare products is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2020 to 20255. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients, as well as the proven benefits of mushrooms in skincare formulations

Active Ingredients in Mushrooms

Mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds that make them ideal for skincare formulations. Some of the key active ingredients include:

• Beta-glucans: These polysaccharides are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the skin from environmental stressors and reduce signs of aging
• Kojic acid: Found in shiitake mushrooms, kojic acid is effective in brightening the skin and evening out skin tone, making it useful for treating hyperpigmentation and age spots
• Polysaccharides: These compounds help to hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These compounds have antimicrobial properties, making them beneficial for treating acne and other skin conditions
• Terpenoids: Known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, terpenoids help to soothe and heal the skin
  Mushrooms work in skincare formulations by providing a range of benefits:
• Anti-aging: The antioxidant properties of mushrooms help to neutralize free radicals, preventing premature skin aging and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Anti-inflammatory: Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness, irritation, and puffiness, promoting a smoother and clearer complexion
• Moisturizing: The high water content in mushrooms helps to hydrate the skin, improving its elasticity and preventing dryness
• Brightening: Compounds like kojic acid and beta-glucans help to brighten the skin and even out skin tone, making it look more radiant and youthful
• Antimicrobial: The antimicrobial properties of mushrooms help to treat acne and other skin infections, promoting overall skin health1

  Several brands have embraced the use of mushrooms in their skincare products, capitalizing on their natural benefits. Some of the notable brands include:

• Origins: Known for its Mega-Mushroom collection, Origins uses a blend of mushrooms, including fermented Chaga and healing Reishi, to fight inflammation and promote skin health

• Tata Harper: This luxury skincare brand features tremella mushroom in its Clarifying Moisturizer, known for its hydrating and brightening properties

• Joanna Vargas: The Euphoria Mask from Joanna Vargas includes tremella mushroom to provide intense hydration and a glowing complexion

• Kypris: The Glow Philtre from Kypris incorporates mushrooms to enhance skin radiance and improve texture

• Moon Juice: The Beauty Shroom Plump Jelly from Moon Juice uses mushrooms to plump and hydrate the skin

• TULA Skincare: The Get Toned Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Toner features mushroom extracts to soothe and balance the skin

• Dermalogica: The Hydro Masque Exfoliant from Dermalogica includes mushroom extracts to exfoliate and hydrate the skin

• Yina: The Essential Mist from Yina uses mushroom extracts to provide hydration and antioxidant protection

  About 150,000 species of mushrooms have been identified but scientists believe there are up to four million existing on the planet. Currently, seven strains are most commonly used in skincare formulations: reishi, tremella, shiitake, cordyceps, coprinus, chaga, and trametes versicolor.

  Reishi: These have been dubbed the “mushrooms of longevity,” as they’re anti-inflammatory and contain powerful antioxidant compounds to keep skin looking healthy. Additionally, they contain beta-glucans, or hydrating ingredients that support the all-important skin barrier and have been studied to increase collagen production. Furthermore, reishi mushrooms have been found to inhibit the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase, so they may be effective in preventing discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

  Tremella: Loaded with polysaccharides, tremella is touted to be an excellent moisturizer. Research has shown tremella promotes cell growth, which can strengthen the skin barrier and help with wound healing.

  Shittake: Shiitake mushrooms are also popular for targeting hyperpigmentation since they contain the tyrosinase-inhibiting compound kojic acid. Because these mushrooms have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, they may help prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin and decrease redness.

  Cordyceps: A true all-around powerhouse, cordyceps are antioxidant-rich mushrooms believed to hydrate, reduce dark spots, boost collagen and elastin production, and soothe inflammation associated with conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Few studies indicate that extracts of this mushroom are photoprotective, offering up to SPF 25.

  Coprinus: These are great for protecting overall skin health by neutralizing pollution-triggered oxidative stress—which can lead to inflammation and accelerated aging of the skin—and for reducing dryness that may cause skin sensitivity.

  Chaga: Limited research suggests that ingesting chaga mushrooms may help limit the growth of cancerous tumors. The mushroom can also have potent skincare benefits when applied topically, as Chaga contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. Moreover, a study in the journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that extracts of these mushrooms can prevent melanin production and potentially minimize dark spots.

  Trametes versicolor: Sometimes known as turkey tail for its fanned-out shape, this mushroom may help support skin health by offering antioxidant and brightening functions.

  Functional fungi and mushrooms are revolutionizing the personal care and skincare industry with their natural and effective properties. Brands are increasingly incorporating these ingredients into their products, offering consumers a range of benefits from anti-aging to hydration. With the market for mushroom-based skincare products on the rise, it’s clear that mushrooms are here to stay as a key ingredient in beauty formulations.