Mushroom Extracts
Extracts of fungi such as tremella, poria and reishi, used for their water-holding sugars and soothing, antioxidant compounds.
Tremella fuciformis extract, snow mushroom, Poria cocos extract, Ganoderma lucidum extract, reishi, Fomes officinalis extract, Tricholoma matsutake extract, matsutake, Lentinus edodes extract, shiitake, Cordyceps sinensis extract, Trametes versicolor extract, Polyporus umbellatus extract
Dry & dehydrated skin · Redness · Sensitive skin
What it does
Mushrooms and other fungi are a growing source of skincare ingredients. Some, such as tremella, or snow mushroom, are valued for their polysaccharides, sugars that hold water much as hyaluronic acid does, leaving skin plump and hydrated. Others, including poria, reishi and matsutake, are used for their soothing and antioxidant compounds. You'll find them in Augustinus Bader's The Light Cream, Auteur's Definitive Renewal Cream and several Valmont and Biologique Recherche formulas.
How it works
Fungal extracts are rich in polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which form a light, moisture-holding film on the surface and can help calm the look of redness. Many also contain antioxidants such as ergothioneine and polyphenols, which help defend the skin against environmental stress. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory studies rather than large trials, so mushroom extracts are best seen as supporting hydrators and soothers within a well-built formula, not as actives in their own right.
MG says
Mushroom extracts are supporting players, so choose a formula for its overall balance of hydration, barrier support and actives. As with any botanical, patch test first if your skin is reactive: natural ingredients can still cause allergies or irritation in sensitive skin.
Cautions
Mushroom extracts are generally well tolerated. Allergy is uncommon but possible, particularly if you react to mushrooms or moulds, so patch test a new product first.
