Mushrooms can be highly toxic for one species and enormously beneficial for another, many of them containing powerful antioxidants protecting them from harm. They can absorb and sometimes neutralise toxins, and they are often highly nutritional.
Mushroom are used in many skincare formulations, as they successfully brighten, hydrate, repair, and protect the skin. Here are some of the most common mushrooms used in the beauty industry:
- Shiitake: thanks to high levels of kojic acid, shiitake mushrooms are able to gently fade dark spots and correct uneven skin tone.
- Chaga: commonly used in skincare, chaga mushrooms protect skin from environmental damage, reduce irritation and redness, and help strengthen the skin barrier.
- Reishi: known as the 'Mushroom of Immortality', reishi mushrooms strengthen the skin barrier and reduce signs of ageing. They are also powerful anti-irritants that are able to calm the skin and reduce inflammation.
- Snow: also known as Tremella Fuciformis, snow mushrooms are hydrating powerhouses. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, polysaccharides, and phospholipids, snow mushrooms also condition and protect the skin.
Dr Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Treatment Lotion
Dr Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Treatment Lotion (£32 lookfantastic.com) is so popular, that 1 bottle is sold every 8 seconds. And recently, the already-impressive formula got an upgrade.
KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil
The Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil (£38 Space NK) is a powerful, yet gentle cleansing oil. It cleanses and nourishes skin with a rich source of essential fatty acids to leave it clean, soft, and smooth.
The Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil (£38 Space NK) is a powerful, yet gentle cleansing oil. It cleanses and nourishes skin with a rich source of essential fatty acids to leave it clean, soft, and smooth.
With a formulation that features sunflower seed oil, babassu oil, snow mushroom, and apple seed oil, the certified organic cleanser completely removes dirt, oil, and makeup, all whilst increasing hydration levels and locking in moisture. It also contains a blend of antioxidants to help treat stressed-out skin.
Wo Power TonIQ™ Pore Refining Essence
Wo's targeted skin treatment is designed to refine and minimise the appearance of pores.
Featuring a potent blend of mushroom extracts and black willow bark, the Power TonIQ™ (£15.00 wearewo.com) delivers proven pore tightening effects, whilst helping to improve skin firmness, purify the skin, and treat blemishes.
NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum
This skincare-makeup hybrid is perfect for those suffering from redness, irritation, and dryness. It is a lightweight medium-coverage concealer that is infused with snow mushroom, cica, and green tea - powerful natural ingredients designed to calm the skin, reduce inflammation, and even skintone.
The Bare With Me Concealer Serum (£11.00 Boots) offers up to 24HRS of hydration and provides a smooth, cake-free finish. It is available in 13 ultra-hydrating and inclusive shades.
Superdrug Me+ Pre biotic Booster
Superdrug's Me+ Pre biotic Booster (£9.99 Superdrug) is an affordable serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone, and boosts hydration.
Biossance's Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum (£48.99 lookfantastic.com) is designed to minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Superdrug's Me+ Pre biotic Booster (£9.99 Superdrug) is an affordable serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone, and boosts hydration.
The lightweight serum features lactic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, algae extract, and mushroom extract to help reduce the appearance of redness and irritation, whilst also supporting barrier function.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Biossance's Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum (£48.99 lookfantastic.com) is designed to minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Containing 10% vitamin C, squalane, and white shiitake mushroom, it also supports collagen synthesis and hydrates and brightens the skin. It is lightweight and quick to absorb, and its gentle formula makes it a great vitamin C option for sensitive skin that finds stronger vitamin C formulas too irritating.