We know them for their cute umbrella shape, medicinal properties and as culinary delights – but as a skincare ingredient!? Yes, mushrooms are all the rage in skincare, sparking a “mushroom boom in beauty routines.”
It turns out that these humble mushrooms are mega-multitaskers when it comes to improving the appearance of your skin. We’ll cover the benefits of mushrooms for skin, the hype around one of skincare’s hottest ingredients, and where you’ll find it in clean beauty.
Mushroom madness
Although the humble soil dwellers are now taking center stage in the beauty world, mushrooms aren’t exactly a new ingredient. Mushrooms have deep roots in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions and have been praised for their healing potential.
Their recent rise in popularity is due to an increased interest in health and wellness, natural beauty, and clean skin care practices. In fact, many clean beauty brands, including us, experienced the mushroom boom long before their benefits were known to beauty consumers.
Benefits of mushrooms for the skin
They’re great on pizza, exceptional in pasta sauces, and have endless culinary uses – but what are mushrooms?
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing body of a fungus usually produced above ground, on the ground, or on its food source. Unlike plants which make their food through photosynthesis, fungi use their root system to grow in or around food sources. They secrete digestive enzymes that break down the substrate, making it easier for the fungus to absorb the nutrients it needs.
Mushrooms are “adaptogens”: a variety of non-toxic plants that can help our bodies resist or “adapt” to stress. They also contain many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s no wonder they’re creating a fungus phenomenon in skincare!
Mushrooms can help protect the skin against environmental aggressors and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Mushrooms also contain protective beta-glucan of the skin barrierwhich makes it particularly attractive for sensitive skin.
4 Mushroom Skin Care Products You Should Try
The antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, brightening and moisturizing effects of mushrooms have been officially revealed to the world. There’s no need to scour forests or beauty alleys for mushrooms—we’ve rounded up the best mushroom skincare products for you to try!
#1: Mushroom Peptide Serum
Featured Mushrooms: Shiitake
Packed with nearly a dozen different medicinal mushrooms, this serum is perfect for anyone looking to combat dullness and dehydration. Hydrating polysaccharides from mushrooms blend beautifully with hyaluronic acid, which work together to plump skin with intense hydration. Meanwhile, quinoa peptides stimulate collagen production to promote firmness and elasticity.
#2: 100% PURE™ Fermented Rice Water Collection
Featured Mushrooms: Matsutake
Rice water has a centuries-old reputation for holding restorative properties for the skin. That’s thanks to its plethora of beneficial nutrients – and why we use it in so many products! Our Fermented Rice Water Serum is formulated to promote a healthy glow, nourish skin and help it recover from the effects of sun exposure.
Serums should be applied to the skin after it has been both cleansed and toned. Our fermented rice water cleanser brightens and refreshes dull skin. Fermented Rice Water Toner softens, hydrates and ticks all the boxes for glowing skin.
#3: 100% PURE™ Makeup Remover for Dark Spots
Featured Mushrooms: Matsutake
We understand that dark spots and acne scars can be a major pain point. That’s why we created our Dark Spot Remover: to restore balance and luminosity to dull, blemished skin. With Matsutake Mushroom to clear up the source of the dark spot, this product helps reveal fresh layers of skin while keeping our faces firm and glowing.
#4: 100% PURE™ Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Rich Cream
Featured Mushrooms: Lingzhi/ Reishi, Shiitake
While you sleep and skin is in repair mode, our Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidant PM Ultra Rich Treatment gets to work. Made with two types of mushrooms, this moisturizer goes all out for long-lasting hydration for bountifully supple, nourished skin.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of mushrooms for the skin, you can now use this clean ingredient in your beauty routine! Discover more key ingredients on our blog.
