When you think of mushrooms, what comes to your mind? While they're often celebrated for their role in culinary delights around the world—just thinking about them might make your mouth water, but they are far more than just a tasty treat. Mushrooms have long been used in traditional medical and health practices due to the significant amount of essential minerals, vitamins, and proteins. But did you know that mushrooms are making their way into the skincare world and could be the next big trend in skincare? In this blog, we'll uncover the incredible benefits of mushrooms in skincare and explore how to incorporate them effortlessly into your daily skincare routine. 

Benefits of Mushrooms in Skincare

Mushrooms are one of the many species of fungi, and no, they are neither plants nor vegetables. Mushrooms have excellent qualities and compounds that make them suitable for use in skincare products, which is why they are gaining popularity in the cosmetic and skincare industries. They offer numerous benefits for achieving healthy, glowing skin. These include hydration, brightening, and more. Some of the major benefits include: 

Skin Hydration and Brightening 

Mushrooms help with skin hydration by storing moisture; they enhance the skin barrier and boost elasticity, making the skin smooth and supple. 

Skin’s Protection 

Due to their antioxidant properties, mushrooms shield the skin from environmental stressors, UV radiation, and pollution. They can also help relieve oxidative stress. 

Reduces Inflammation 

Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm skin irritations such as redness, acne, or itchiness. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties are also helpful in treating eczema and psoriasis. 

Fights Aging 

Certain mushrooms stimulate collagen production and cell regeneration, maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness. Moreover, the oxidative properties help to prevent the signs of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Fades Hyperpigmentation 

Certain mushrooms include substances and compounds that inhibit melanin production. Additionally, mushrooms such as shiitake contain kojic acid, which aids in the removal of dark patches and hyperpigmentation and reveals a brighter complexion. 

Common Variety of Mushrooms Used in Skincare 

Among the various species of mushrooms, here are several common types utilized consistently in skincare products, each with its own specific advantages for the skin:

  • Chaga mushrooms

Also called the “King of Mushrooms,” they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that protect the skin from free radicals, harmful UV radiation, and oxidative stress, which can cause wrinkles and fine lines. Chaga mushrooms have many health advantages and can help the skin tackle many kinds of conditions.

  • Reishi Mushrooms 

Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicines and are also called “Mushrooms of Immortality.” Due to their healing abilities in treating various skin conditions like rashes, wounds, eczema, and psoriasis. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help fight acne, calm and soothe the skin, and protect it from environmental stressors. 

  • Shiitake Mushrooms 


Shiitake is highly popular in skincare industries for its beneficial compounds that are actually good for skin, like kojic acid, that help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, leading to brighter skin. They help in combating the signs of early aging by promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen production. Furthermore, it protects, calms, and moisturizes the skin. Several parts of the world, called it as  "Elixir of Life."

  • Snow Mushrooms 

 Renowned for their exceptional hydrating properties, they are also called the “Moisture Magnet.” They contain kojic acid and other compounds that boost collagen production, strengthen the natural skin barrier, and keep your skin protected and hydrated from the inside out. 

How to Include Mushrooms in Your Skincare Routine

Here’s how you can add mushrooms into your daily skincare routine for brighter and smoother skin:

1. Buy Mushroom-Infused Products - One of the simplest ways to incorporate mushrooms into your skincare routine is by opting for mushroom-infused products such as face cream, serum, or oil. Reishi, chaga, and shiitake are the most common varieties that you can find in your skincare products.

2. Homemade Mushroom Face Mask - A great way to incorporate mushrooms into your skincare routine is by creating a DIY mushroom face mask.

  • Take some dried mushrooms and blend them with water or other natural ingredients like aloe vera gel or honey. You can use Inveda’s Aloe Fresh gel with cactus extract for easier application. 
  • Make a smooth paste and evenly apply the mask for 15-20 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with warm water.

You can use this mask once or twice a week for glowing, radiant, and smooth skin.

3. Add mushrooms to your diet - Don’t forget to add mushrooms to your diet! Beyond skincare, mushrooms are packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins that promote overall health.  

Summing Up

Isn't it amusing how a simple nutritious meal, like mushrooms, can provide such incredible skin benefits? To fully enjoy their magical properties, it’s essential to approach skincare with proper knowledge. Using ingredients with improper knowledge or information can be harmful. Always avoid picking wild mushrooms, as some can be highly toxic or even poisonous. Instead, ensure you know the type of mushroom you’re using and conduct a patch test before incorporating it into your skincare routine. Explore the variety of mushroom-infused skincare products available and enjoy the dual benefits of mushrooms for your skin and overall wellness!