The Mycelium Movement

But their benefits extend well beyond working synergistically with the body’s ecosystem - mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and tremella are being tapped for their
properties that strengthen the skin barrier, combat oxidative stress, and calm inflammation.

Used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, these fungi are now being rediscovered through the lens of modern skincare science. Their adaptogenic profile allows them to respond to stressors in the skin environment, making them not just active ingredients, but intelligent ones.

Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and deeply hydrating properties, mushrooms are emerging as a natural solution to skin challenges, offering a new frontier - adaptogenic skincare.

Across the skincare spectrum, several mushroom species are standing out for their bioactive properties. Tremella, or the "beauty mushroom," boasts an extraordinary ability to retain moisture, delivering deep hydration similar to hyaluronic acid. Reishi, “the mushroom of immortality,” is prized for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties and is used to soothe reactive, stressed skin. Shiitake is rich in kojic acid, a natural compound known for its skin-brightening and pigmentation-reducing effects. Chaga, a birch-dwelling mushroom, and cordyceps bring a powerful antioxidant punch, helping to protect the skin from environmental aggressors that accelerate ageing and compromise barrier function.

As research into adaptogenic mushrooms deepens, their potential in anti-ageing skincare is also gaining momentum.

The potent antioxidant content found in mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and shiitake helps to neutralise free radicals, one of the key contributors to premature ageing. By reducing oxidative stress at a cellular level, these mushrooms can support collagen integrity, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote firmer, more resilient skin. Tremella’s impressive ability to retain moisture further enhances the skin’s suppleness and radiance, while cordyceps help stimulate cellular turnover, improving skin tone and reducing dullness. The result is a resilient
complexion that appears visibly refreshed.

Beyond their impressive health benefits as adaptogens, mushrooms have become increasingly popular in modern skincare formulations because of their versatility, bioavailability, and gentle efficacy.

They’re rich in skin-loving compounds like polysaccharides, which help lock in moisture, and beta-glucans, known to soothe irritation and support skin repair. These properties make them ideal for sensitive or compromised skin types.

Their earthy, grounding energy also resonates with today’s wellness-aware consumers seeking products that are effective, vegan, and 100% natural. As demand grows for clean, sustainable skincare, mushrooms offer a low-impact, renewable ingredient source that reflects a broader shift towards science-
backed botanicals.

The rise of mushrooms in skincare isn’t just a trend - it reflects a deeper cultural shift towards holistic wellbeing, where ancient wisdom and modern science converge. As consumers become more conscious of what they apply to their skin, they’re seeking ingredients that align with a slower, more intentional way of living. Mushrooms offer just that - functional, intelligent ingredients with centuries of medicinal reverence and a growing body of clinical support.

By embracing this mycelial movement, we’re not answering to another beauty buzzword, we’re reconnecting with nature’s intelligence and tapping into a more grounded, regenerative approach to skincare. It’s a return to roots, quite literally, and a reimagining of beauty as something deeply symbiotic, sustainable, and alive.