Mushrooms are, of course, super tasty to eat, but did you know that they also have incredible benefits for your skin? From shiitake to reishi, mushrooms are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help hydrate, brighten, and protect your skin. In recent years, a surge of mushroom-based skincare products have hit the market, promising to deliver radiant, healthy-looking skin. With so many products to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide will break down how each type of mushroom can target specific benefits for the skin and which discuss the best high-quality products on the market to try out first!

Benefits of mushrooms for your skin

Mushrooms can provide an amazing array of benefits for the skin (check out our mushroom skincare benefits guide for a full breakdown). While the full list of benefits is extensive, they all center around three main properties: anti-inflammation, antioxidants, and hydration.

Mushrooms’ ability to reduce inflammation in the body can do wonders for your skin, reducing rashes, redness, and puffiness. Reduced inflammation can also lead to a stronger immune system response, leading to less acne and overall smoother, clearer, and firmer skin.

Mushrooms’ antioxidant properties stem from their high presence of beta-glucans, which are proteins that help the body process byproducts from aging and environmental factors. By helping to prevent a buildup of these byproducts, called free radicals, your immune system is boosted, leading to fewer breakouts and reduced signs of aging.

Mushrooms can hold a large amount of water, which can, in turn, hydrate the skin. One study even found that mushrooms may even be more hydrating for your skin than hyaluronic acid, which is why it’s now being used in many serums to aid with dry, flakey skin.

Additionally, mushroom skincare is generally safe for all skin types, making it a great option for anyone looking to improve their skincare routine gently and effectively.

Types of Mushrooms Used in Skincare

Reishi

One of the most popular mushrooms used in skincare is the Reishi mushroom. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Reishi mushrooms can help reduce redness and irritation on the skin. Additionally, they can help stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer and more youthful-looking skin.

Shiitake

Another mushroom commonly used in skincare is the Shiitake mushroom. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in kojic acid, which is known to help brighten and even out skin tone. This makes them particularly useful for people with hyperpigmentation or age spots.

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms are known for their high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays. Additionally, they can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps contain a high amount of beta-glucan polysaccharides, which can help improve the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and flakiness. Cordyceps mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for people with acne or sensitive skin.

Tremella

Another mushroom commonly used in skincare is the Tremella mushroom. Tremella mushrooms are rich in hyaluronic acid, which is a natural moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that help protect the skin against environmental stressors and aging.

Lion’s Mane

Finally, Lion’s Mane mushroom is another beneficial mushroom for the skin. It contains antioxidants that help protect the skin against free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging. Lion’s Mane mushrooms also contain compounds that can help improve the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Best mushroom skincare products

When choosing mushroom skincare products, it is important to look for high-quality ingredients and pay attention to the concentration of each mushroom extract. Some products may only contain a small amount of mushroom extract, which may not provide the full benefits of these powerful ingredients. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities to mushroom extracts, as some people may experience irritation or other adverse reactions.

We’ve gathered a list of some of the best mushroom products out there (with various price points) to make choosing your first step into the mushroom skincare world a breeze.

Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion

Benefits: hydration, soothes irritations

Price: $24

This lotion provides deep hydration while also calming and soothing irritated skin. Infused with a blend of reishi mushrooms, it helps to reduce redness, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and improve overall skin resilience.

Volition Beauty Snow Mushroom Water Serum

Benefits: hydration, improved texture

Price: $65

This lightweight serum hydrates, plumps, and nourishes the skin. Formulated with snow mushroom extract and other natural ingredients, this serum provides long-lasting moisture and helps to improve the skin’s texture and radiance.

Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi

Benefits: reducing visible signs of aging, hydration

Price: $18

This nourishing and hydrating face cream contains adaptogenic herbs to help soothe and protect the skin. Infused with antioxidants and other plant-based ingredients, it helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moon Juice Beauty Shroom Exfoliating Acid Potion

Benefits: exfoliating, brightens skin

Price: $42

Moon Juice Beauty Shroom Exfoliating Acid Potion is a potent exfoliating treatment that helps to reveal smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin. Enriched with natural AHAs, BHAs, and reishi mushroom extract, it gently dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and improves skin texture, leaving the complexion looking refreshed and renewed.

Vitamin C Mycelium Glow Brightening Serum

Benefits: Brighten and nourish skin

Price: $78

Vitamin C Mycelium Glow Brightening Serum is a skincare product that aims to brighten and even out skin tone. It contains a potent form of vitamin C that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and promotes collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. The serum also includes mycelium extract, which provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to help protect and soothe the skin.

9-Ingredient Soothing Face Serum

Benefits: soothes sensitive skin

Price: $22

Typology 9-Ingredient Soothing Face Serum is a minimalist skincare product designed to calm and hydrate sensitive skin. With only nine carefully selected ingredients, the serum delivers potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to help reduce redness, soothe irritation and promote a healthy skin barrier. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it easy to incorporate into any skincare routine for a more radiant, even-toned complexion.

Cloud Jelly Pink Plumping Hydration Serum

Benefits: hydrating, plumping

Price: $50

Cloud Jelly Pink Plumping Hydration Serum is a hydrating serum that provides an instant plumping effect to the skin. Its unique jelly texture feels lightweight and refreshing, making it perfect for those with oily or combination skin. The serum is infused with hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients that help to boost moisture levels, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and radiant.

Mushroom Collagen Cream

Benefits: anti-aging

Price: $35

Infused with mushroom-derived collagen, this cream promotes collagen synthesis for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. The cream is enriched with other natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to help soothe and protect the skin. With regular use, the Mushroom Collagen Cream can help to improve overall skin texture and radiance.

Renee Rouleau BHA Clarifying Serum

Benefits: exfoliates

Price: $50

Renee Rouleau BHA Clarifying Serum is a powerful skincare product designed to unclog pores and clarify the skin. Infused with beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and silver ear mushroom, the serum exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil while reducing the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. The serum also contains other beneficial ingredients, such as niacinamide and tea tree oil, which help to soothe and hydrate the skin. With regular use, the Renee Rouleau BHA Clarifying Serum can help to achieve a smoother, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum

Benefits: hydration, firming, calming

Price: $38

Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum is a highly hydrating and nourishing skincare product that promotes a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. Infused with mushroom-derived hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, the serum deeply hydrates and brightens the skin while stimulating collagen production for firmer, plumper skin. The serum also includes other natural ingredients, such as aloe vera and chamomile, which help to soothe and calm the skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it easy to incorporate into any skincare routine, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and radiant.

MUSHROOM MAGIC Plumping Hydration Set

Benefits: plumping, hydrating

Price: $45

This luxurious skincare set includes a hydrating serum and a moisturizer enriched with mushroom-derived ingredients. The serum contains hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients that help to plump and hydrate the skin, while the moisturizer deeply nourishes and protects the skin from environmental stressors. The set is also infused with a blend of natural plant oils and extracts, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to help soothe and rejuvenate the skin.

Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream

Benefits: strengthens and protects

Price: $71

Infused with a potent blend of mushroom-derived ingredients such as reishi, cordyceps, and chaga, this cream delivers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to promote a healthy skin barrier. The cream’s hydrating formula also includes other nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter and squalane, which deeply moisturize and protect the skin from environmental stressors. With regular use, the Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream can help to reduce redness and inflammation, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Finding the best mushroom products for your skin

It’s clear why mushroom skincare products have gained popularity in recent years. With such an abundance of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, mushrooms have the potential to improve skin texture, tone, and radiance. Whether you’re looking to soothe irritated skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, or achieve a brighter complexion, mushroom skincare products can offer a natural and effective solution for healthy and beautiful skin.

From hydrating serums and moisturizers to clarifying and exfoliating treatments, there are a variety of mushroom skincare products available to suit different skin types and concerns. With so many options to choose from, it can be helpful to start by identifying your most challenging skin concerns and search for products that target that issue. The list we’ve included in this guide should be able to assist with most skin issues, so try one of these products out to see the magic of mushrooms for your skin yourself!