From algae to CBD to tumeric, the beauty industry is always on the hunt for the next big natural, plant-based ingredient that will transform our skincare routines. The hottest trend for this year? Mushrooms.
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine for their many health benefits, from immune support to increased energy, experts are now discovering that mushrooms also have powerful external effects. A 2016 study found that mushrooms helped combat ageing, reduced inflammation and corrected hyperpigmentation. A 2017 study discovered they contain high amounts of two antioxidants that can help fight ageing.
There are many different varieties of mushrooms, all with different benefits. Reishi mushrooms work to improve barrier function, soothe inflammation and provide anti-wrinkle benefits. Shiitake mushrooms are great for evening out skin tone and fading dark spots.
The beauty industry’s favourite mushroom of the moment is the tremella mushroom, also known as the snow mushroom. Tremella can retain up to 500 times its weight in water, making it a highly effective hydrator perfect for plumping and hydrating dry midlife skin.
Here are some of the new products utilising this powerhouse ingredient.
What makes a product right for a Hylda woman?
Here’s how we choose… Our beauty writers are experts in their field and have years of experience writing about the best in beauty. They will only recommend products that they know will make a difference and help with the symptoms caused by the fluctuations of the menopause years. Our reviews are honest – they are not paid for by the brands. We might earn some affiliate commission if you choose to buy the product, but we are not paid by the brands to put them in the article. Never ever. Picked by experts and chosen just for you, that’s our Hylda promise.
Top 5 skincare products containing mushrooms…
Best cleanser: Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £22. Buy It Now.
Best moisturiser: Humanrace Humidifying Face Cream, £47. Buy It Now.
Best budget buy: Inkey List Snow Mushroom, £10. Buy It Now.
Best hydrating serum: Volition Snow Mushroom Water Serum, £52. Buy It Now.
Best resurfacing serum: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, £69. Buy It Now.
Best cleanser: Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £22
Why it’s a great buy: The tremella mushroom in this gentle cleanser works to hydrate and plump dry, sensitive skin.
What we love about it: It also contains rose hydrosol to soothe and diminishes redness, while squalane replenishes hydration levels so that your skin is clean and refreshed without being stripped of any moisture.
What we don’t love quite so much: One or two reviews say the formula is too gentle for their skin.
Best moisturiser: Humanrace Humidifying Face Cream, £47
Why it’s a great buy: From Pharell’s first skincare brand Humanrace, this moisturiser contains snow mushrooms as the hero ingredient alongside squalane.
What we love about it: Inspired by the hyper-hydrated feeling that skin has in tropical climates, the cream delivers serious hydration to leave your complexion feeling and looking nourished.
What we don’t love quite so much: It might be too nourishing for very oily skin types.
Best budget buy: Inkey List Snow Mushroom, £10
Why it’s a great buy: This multi-tasking face lotion works on all skin types and is such a bargain at £10.
What we love about it: It’s deeply hydrating while also providing soothing anti-inflammatory properties and promoting collagen production.
What we don’t love quite so much: It’s always selling out.
Best hydrating serum: Volition Snow Mushroom Water Serum, £52
Why it’s a great buy: One of the first-ever fully crowd-sourced beauty brands, Volition Beauty develops skincare concepts submitted and voted on by their community. One of its best sellers, the Snow Mushroom Water Serum, delivers moisture while reducing the visibility of pores.
What we love about it: The formula contains watermelon and apple extracts full of vitamins A and C which work to diminish fine lines, while lentil extracts smooth and firm.
What we don’t love quite so much: We wish it was available in larger sizes.
Best resurfacing serum: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, £69
Why it’s a great buy: Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum is Drunk Elephant’s follow-up to the fan favourite Protini Cream. Combining lactic acid and high-strength signal peptides, it works to firm, brighten and retexturise your skin.
What we love about it: The snow mushroom in the formula keeps your complexion moisturised and soothed.
What we don’t love quite so much: It may cause irritation for very sensitive skin types.
