The Best Mushroom Skin Care Products for Supple, Radiant Skin

In nature, mushrooms are thought to be powerful communicators. Some research has shown forest mushrooms' mycorrhizal networks serve as pathways for trees to send resources, such as seedlings. The concept is not without controversy. But in the world of skin care, researchers have tapped into a similar idea, with studies showing mycelium’s interconnected fibrous networks to resemble the skin’s collagen structure and mycelia’s ability to sense its surroundings, factors that link mushrooms to enhanced tissue repair and wound healing in the skin. What’s more, additional studies show the topical use of mushroom extracts work by speeding up skin cell turnover and repairing the skin’s molecular components responsible for structure and elasticity. And the benefits don’t stop there.

“Mushroom ingredients, such as reishi, chaga, and cordyceps, offer numerous skin care benefits,” says Krupa Koestline, a cosmetic chemist who specializes in formulating clean skin care. “They are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and polysaccharides that help reduce wrinkles, improve hydration, and boost skin regeneration.”

Reishi, for example, is known for its anti-aging effects, while chaga helps protect against oxidative stress, and cordyceps promotes collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity, Koestline says. Not since retinol has a family of molecules boasted such an array of skin benefits. So it comes as no surprise that mushroom-loaded skin care products in every form — from eye creams to face oils — have hit the market. Ahead, find a few ways to harness nature’s multitasking superstars by adding fungi-charged skin care to your routine.

Neon Hippie Neurolux Peptide Cream

Every product produced by this brand features a complex of seven mushrooms that have been shown to provide a bevy of benefits to skin, such as fighting free radicals, ramping up tissue regeneration, drawing moisture into the skin, and reducing redness and inflammation. This moisturizer is also boosted by a probiotic to balance the skin’s microbiome, as well as a trifecta of peptides geared to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblast cells and blood vessels. But the most impressive trick in this moisturizer's vast repertoire is the way it packs all these benefits into an elegant cream, which is textured like the fluffy custard found in Japanese cream puffs, and is somehow both light and highly nourishing. 

House of Grō At Dawn Rejuvenating Daytime Oil

Like other skin care ingredients that become trendy, adaptogenic mushrooms are popping up in plenty of formulas. The caveat? The concentrations used for efficacy aren't always there. This botanically driven facial oil lists wild harvested, American-sourced chaga mushroom (which Koestline says protects against oxidative stress) as the second ingredient in a formula of just seven. Also included is shiitake mushroom extract (an ingredient researchers have found to possess highly anti-inflammatory activity), for a blend geared to benefit sensitized skin.

Damdam Tokyo Snow Mushroom Pore Cleanser With Exfoliating Glove

This is no ordinary bar of soap: The unique cleanser offers a gentle but effective exfoliation — and is built for those who consider their skin care routine a ritual. The salt bar is a twofer that cleanses and hydrates; it’s loaded with trace minerals, magnesium, and electrolytes to gently draw gunk from pores, and made with snow mushroom to help moisturize and nourish skin as it’s cleansed. Maximize gentle exfoliation by dropping the bar in the included cornsilk pouch and massaging it under water to generate foam. Use the pouch to then slough away dead skin cells without abrasion for a measured moment of self care.

Moon Juice Acid Potion

Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, are celebrated for their ability to slough away dead skin cells and de-gunk pores. But when AHAs/BHAs are used at a potent 25%, as with this skin tonic, irritation can occur. Thankfully, adaptogenic reishi  mushroom extract is included in this formula to temper irritation by adding hydration and soothing skin. The result: a brightened and smooth complexion without the pain.

Beekman Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream

This one-and-done eye cream, formulated to brighten dark under-eyes and hydrate skin, includes a cocktail of five mushroom extracts aimed at addressing fine lines. What’s more, it boasts a peptide solution (used at a potent 5%) to minimize wrinkle depth in the skin.

Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum

This serum-moisturizer hybrid is a dream for frequent travelers. The formula packs the concentrated actives of a serum (it contains a robust 59.4% dose of chaga extract for bounce and hydration) with the pudding-like texture and hydrating properties of a face cream.

Shea Radiance Brightening Super Serum

Part of a line of mushroom-charged skin care geared toward women over 40, this gel serum includes chaga, shiitake, tremella, lion's mane, cordyceps, and caterpillar mushrooms that work synergistically to plump skin, even and brighten tone, and address fine lines. It also doubles as a primer..