Mushroom skin serums might be the mouthwatering superfoods you rely on to rustle up failsafe risotto or pasta dishes, but they’ve also been quietly making their way into skincare over the past decade. The trend has been dubbed the ‘shroom boom’, with fungi such as reishi, tremella, chaga and cordyceps gaining ground in cleansers, serums and moisturizers. The extracts provide a whole host of skin-boosting benefits, including hydration, barrier strengthening, protection and brightening – and they’re well-tolerated in most complexions (unless you have a specific allergy).

Reishi mushroom is the hero ingredient in this serum by Herbar, which combines it with anti-aging glycerin, bakuchiol, plant oils and a blend of soothing herbs to calm stressed and sensitive skin. The result is a light yet luxe formula that’s perfect for those prone to inflammation.

The Science Behind Mushroom Skin Serums: Unlocking Their Skincare Potential

Another reishi-packed product, this creamy cleanser by Bella Pelle is formulated to boost cell renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and uneven skin tone. The smart chemists have also included prebiotics and squalane to balance the skin’s natural oil production and keep it soft and smooth.

The reishi in this serum by Ren is combined with brightening vitamin C and shiitake mushrooms to target pigmentation and spot-prone skin. This nourishing cream also contains kojic acid to inhibit the production of melanin and prevent hyperpigmentation. It’s suitable for anyone who suffers from rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or inflammatory breakouts.