Laura Smith
Mushrooms have been used as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries and are now being used in cosmetics. Mushroom-based cosmetics are a growing market, with consumers seeking out natural, clean-label ingredients for skincare and hair care products. Mushrooms contain compounds that offer excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects, making them ideal candidates for cosmetic products. With ongoing research and development in extraction techniques and the identification of new bioactive compounds, as well as advancements in fields such as genomics and metabolomics, mushrooms are expected to become an integral part of the global cosmetics market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Types | Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi, Fu Ling, Yartsa Gunbu, Portobello, Oyster, Elm Oyster, Tinder Fungus, Agaricus Subrufescens, Coprinus Comatus, Hericium Erinaceus, Mycoleptodonoides Aitchisonii, Phellinus Linteus, Schizophyllum Commune, Volvareilla Volvacea, Tremella, Chaga, Cauliflower Mushroom, Jelly Fungi |
| Mushroom Benefits | Anti-aging, Anti-wrinkle, Skin Whitening, Moisturizing, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Therapeutic, Anti-cancer |
| Mushroom Applications | Cosmeceuticals, Nutricosmetics, Hair Care, Skin Care |
| Mushroom Cosmetics Market | Driven by consumer demand for natural, clean-label ingredients, and functionality; specialty stores are the dominant distribution channel |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms as a source of bioactive compounds
Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries and have recently been used in cosmetic products. They are particularly popular in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. The following are some of the bioactive compounds found in mushrooms:
- Polysaccharides – Polysaccharides are one of the most common bioactive compounds found in mushrooms. They have been reported to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycaemic, and immunomodulatory effects.
- Proteins – Mushrooms are a good source of biologically active proteins, which have been linked to various therapeutic effects, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities.
- Terpenoids – Terpenoids are another group of bioactive compounds found in mushrooms. They have been associated with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Vitamins – Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins, including Vitamin D2, which is produced when ergosterol, a sterol found in mushrooms, is exposed to UV radiation.
- Mineral elements – Mushrooms contain mineral elements that contribute to their overall health benefits.
- Sterols – Mushrooms are a source of sterols, classified as bioactive compounds. The most common of these is ergosterol, which has exhibited cytotoxicity towards acute promyelocytic leukemia cancer cells and liver cancer cells.
- Polyphenols – Polyphenols, including phenolic acids such as benzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives, are present in medicinal mushrooms and are attributed to their antioxidant activity.
These compounds show excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects, which make mushrooms ideal candidates for cosmetic products. With the small percentage of mushrooms presently identified and utilized, more mushroom species will likely be discovered, verified, and cultivated in the future, boosting the development of relevant industries.
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Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries. They have recently been exploited for their potential components in the cosmetics industry. Numerous mushrooms and their ingredients are known to be beneficial to the skin and hair.
Mushrooms have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, a study found that when added to shower gel formulations, three different mushroom extracts—maitake, reishi, and lion's mane—helped to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Dr. Engelman adds that mushrooms can also boost the production of collagen and elastin. Furthermore, one research review found that fungi extracts have an overall anti-aging effect on the skin via their moisturizing, protective, and collagen-stabilizing properties. Dr. Engelman also explains that because mushrooms are adaptogens, they have anti-inflammatory properties.
Mushrooms also have antioxidant properties, which protect the skin from free radicals that can cause damage and lead to premature signs of aging. Truffle extracts in skincare, for example, can help soothe, protect, and brighten the skin. The reishi mushroom, in particular, has been shown to help reduce photoaging in the skin.
Mushrooms have antimicrobial activities, making them effective against skin infections and inflammation. They have become a popular ingredient in hair care products for their nourishing benefits, helping to promote healthy hair growth and protect against damage.
Mushrooms contain sustainable bioactive compounds that can be the basis of cosmeceutical formulations capable of tackling skin aging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. The cosmetic industry is in constant search of natural compounds or extracts with relevant bioactive properties, which become valuable ingredients in the design of cosmeceutical formulations.
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Skin and hair benefits
Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries and have recently been used in cosmetics. They are rich in vitamin D, protein, and antioxidants, offering a range of skin and hair benefits.
Skin Benefits
Mushrooms have been used in Asia for centuries for their ability to improve health, maintain vitality, and preserve a youthful appearance. They are now being used in cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrid products, offering deeper activity in the skin. They can address skin concerns such as dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne, while brightening the skin and protecting it from damage.
Mushrooms contain generous antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. They are also known humectants that help the skin retain moisture and boost the production of collagen and elastin, minimizing the signs of aging.
Mushrooms can also help reduce pores, making the skin appear smoother and protecting it from dust and debris. They have antimicrobial activities, making them effective against skin infections.
Hair Benefits
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, antioxidants, and minerals like iron, selenium, and copper, which promote healthy and strong hair. They can help prevent hair loss and dandruff while enhancing hair growth and strength.
Mushrooms contain adaptogens that enhance protein synthesis and improve the hair growth cycle. They also improve blood circulation, ensuring the scalp receives the nutrients it needs for hair growth.
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Natural colourants
Mushrooms have been valued for centuries as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds. They have been used in cosmetics for their beneficial effects on the skin and hair. Some of the representative ingredients derived from mushrooms include phenolics, polyphenolics, terpenoids, selenium, polysaccharides, vitamins, and volatile organic compounds. These compounds exhibit excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects, making them ideal for cosmetic products.
With the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and effective skincare alternatives, mushrooms are becoming a popular choice for cosmetic formulations. The incorporation of mushrooms into cosmetics offers a promising solution and has led to the development of innovative cosmeceuticals.
Mushrooms are also being explored as natural colourants in cosmetics. The worldwide demand for colourants of natural origin is rapidly increasing in various industries, including cosmetics. Mushrooms, as a part of filamentous fungi, can produce an extraordinary range of colours, including several chemical classes of pigments such as melanins, azaphilones, flavins, phenazines, and quinines.
Jesse Adler, a multidisciplinary designer and biomolecular scientist, has been at the forefront of using fungi to create makeup pigments. Adler has developed a method to extract pigments from fungi, including mushrooms, lichen, yeast, and mould, as a renewable alternative to synthetic dyes. These natural colourants can be applied to various substances, and Adler has successfully created lipsticks, eyeshadows, and tinted skin creams using these pigments.
The use of mushrooms as natural colourants in cosmetics is still evolving, and further research is needed to explore their full potential. However, with the increasing demand for natural alternatives and the promising initial results, mushrooms may become an integral part of the cosmetics industry in the future.
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Types of mushrooms used
Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries. They have recently been exploited for their potential components in the cosmetics industry. Numerous mushrooms and their ingredients are known to be beneficial to the skin and hair.
Some of the most commonly used mushrooms in cosmetics include Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Reishi or Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Fu Ling (Wolfiporia extensa), Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis), and jelly fungi (Tremella spp.). These mushrooms are traditionally used in Eastern Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea.
Portobello mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), and elm oyster mushroom (Hypsizygus ulmarius) are more commonly recognized in Western countries. Other popular mushrooms include Agaricus subrufescens, Coprinus comatus, Hericium erinaceus, and Phellinus linteus.
Mushrooms contain representative ingredients such as phenolics, polyphenolics, terpenoids, selenium, polysaccharides, vitamins, and volatile organic compounds. These compounds have excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects, making them ideal candidates for cosmetic products.
The methanol extract from the fruiting body of the veiled lady mushroom (Dictyophora indusiata) has been found to have anti-cholinesterase, skin anti-wrinkle, and melanogenesis inhibitory activity. The extract of the mycelium of the pine mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) has been shown to significantly decrease elastase activity and reduce the levels of MMPs, making it a potential anti-wrinkle treatment.
As consumer demand for natural, organic, and effective skincare alternatives rises, the incorporation of mushrooms into cosmetic formulations offers a promising solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries. They contain ingredients such as phenolics, polyphenolics, terpenoids, selenium, polysaccharides, vitamins, and volatile organic compounds, which have excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects. Mushrooms also have antimicrobial activities, making them effective against skin infections and inflammation.
Some mushrooms that are used in cosmetics include Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Portobello mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus).
Mushrooms are used in a variety of cosmetic products, including skincare and hair care. For example, there are currently prototype versions of lipsticks, eyeshadows, and tinted skin creams that use natural colorants derived from mushrooms. Mushroom-based hair care products are also becoming popular, as they promote healthy hair growth and protect against damage.
