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From reishi to snow mushrooms, fungus for the face is booming – and these are the products that are worth your time
Updated 2 years ago
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3 min read
Thanks to their redness-reducing, soothing and hydrating effects on the face, mushrooms in skincare are trending. Here’s everything you need to know.
They may be controversial on pizza, but we have a feeling that mushrooms in skincare may be about to cause just as many eyebrows to raise. Thanks to a recent buzz around specialist and functional mushrooms (otherwise known as adaptogens) and celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties and their resulting ability to calm the skin, fungi for the face are trending.
The mushrooms used in skincare extend far beyond the veg aisle: reishi, shiitake, tremella and snow mushrooms are all creating a furore among beauty enthusiasts. Naturally high in antioxidants, studies have shown they may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines for those concerned by that. More importantly, though, they’re a gentle, effective ingredient to incorporate into your routine when your skin needs soothing – whether you’ve been overzealous with vitamin A or are simply feeling dry.
Convinced? Here are nine products that draw on the calming, repairing power of mushrooms in aid of soothed skin…
Origins Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Face Toner Treatment Lotion
You may have heard of this iconic range before, and that’s because it was championing mushrooms in skincare long before their recent popularity – since 2005, in fact. Formulated with reishi mushrooms, which help to calm redness and irritation, this first-step lotion (used like a toner) also contains a hydrating hit of hyaluronic acid.
Shop Origins Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Face Toner Treatment Lotion at Boots, £33.50
Herbar Adaptogen-Powered Face Oil
Aside from a bottle that’s good enough to double as an ornament, this calming face oil is full of benefits. Combining tremella and reishi mushrooms in a rosehip oil base for a blend that will help the skin look more radiant, it’s a one-step route to morning glow.
Green People Nordic Roots Truffle Night Cream
Smooth this buttery night cream over your regular serum for a routine upgrade. Truffle extract – clinically proven to soothe irritation – is paired with ceramides to restore the skin barrier.
Shop Green People Nordic Roots Truffle Night Cream at Green People, £32
MANTLE The Shroom Essence
Pat this milky essence onto the face for a layer of antioxidant-rich hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid, fermented mushrooms and CBD, which all help to plump and calm skin.
Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream
If you’re in need of a comforting final step, this luxurious cream is for you. Dry skin will love the shea and jojoba butter, combined with squalane, to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Plus, reishi mushrooms help reduce redness.
Shop Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream at Cult Beauty, £15
Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil
Anti-inflammatory snow mushrooms give this cleansing oil its name. With hyaluronic acid and a blend of plant oils, the formula will delicately remove make-up and dirt, leaving skin feeling refreshed but not tight.
Shop Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil at Space NK, £38
Pai Skincare Tri-Mushroom 10% Booster
Add a dose of mushroom to your favourite moisturiser or hydrating serum with this reishi, chaga and cordyceps blend, which helps to soothe sensitised skin and strengthen its ability to withstand future flare-ups.
Shop Pai Skincare Tri-Mushroom 10% Booster at Naturisimo, £19
Paula’s Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask
Glycerin and shea butter will impart a hefty dose of moisture while this overnight mask does its thing – the reishi mushrooms will help to calm sensitivity as you sleep.
Shop Paula’s Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask at Paula’s Choice, £7
Botanicals Pure Botanicals Snow Mushroom Concentrated Serum
Water-loving snow mushrooms give this serum a hyaluronic acid-like effect: plumping, hydrating and nourishing. Apply day or night under moisturiser and, if you have dry skin, you’re likely to feel the difference almost instantly.
Shop Botanicals Pure Botanicals Snow Mushroom Concentrated Serum at Boots, £7.99
Images: courtesy of brands
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