It may not sound super glamorous, but mushroom skin care has big benefits for our skin — and the planet, too.
The global fascination with mushrooms has officially made its way from the kitchen to the vanity. Once celebrated for their adaptogenic and immune-boosting powers, fungi are now fueling one of beauty’s most significant clean ingredient revolutions. Valued at $1.4 billion in 2024 and expected to soar to nearly $5 billion by 2034, the mushroom-powered skincare market is growing at a staggering 13.1 percent annually. This surge mirrors a broader cultural shift toward nature-rooted beauty, where transparency and sustainability are non-negotiable. Consumers are demanding formulas that not only perform but also align with their values — ushering in an era where reishi, shiitake, and tremella are as coveted as retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Anti-aging remains the top functional claim, driven by mushroom extracts that naturally boost collagen and improve elasticity. From hydration and brightening to barrier repair, these bioactive ingredients are redefining what it means to look — and feel — healthy.
Behind the scenes, innovation is accelerating. Government-backed research, rising consumer awareness, and collaborations between skincare brands and mycology experts are pushing the science of fungi to new frontiers. North America commands one-third of the market, but Asia Pacific’s long-standing affinity for plant and mushroom-based remedies is fueling rapid expansion.
While there are about 10,000 known types of mushrooms, it’s estimated that there are millions of different species of fungi growing all over the earth. Some are deadly, others are psychedelic, many are delicious, and some, it turns out, are good for slathering on your face.
Over the last few years, mushroom skincare has been rising in popularity. Sure, it doesn’t have the same ring to it as, say, aloe vera or mango butter, but research does suggest that certain species of fungi have multiple skin benefits. Plus, they’re a sustainable beauty ingredient, too.
Mushroom skincare is far from new. Many traditional Chinese remedies call for certain types of fungi, like snow fungus, for example. The fungus (also known as snow ear or its scientific name, Tremella fuciformis) is renowned for having a softening, moisturizing impact on the skin. And that’s likely because it’s a source of polysaccharides, aka skin-hydrating molecules.
But it’s not alone. Shiitake, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps are just a handful of examples of other mushrooms that are associated with skin-healing benefits. They’re not just hydrating, but they’re also anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants, a type of compound that helps to reduce cell damage in the body. Mushrooms are also considered adaptogens, which means that they help the body respond to things like stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
“Mushrooms are powerful both internally and externally,” Gabe Kennedy, a chef, entrepreneur, and founder of regenerative plant and mushroom supplement brand Plant People, told Editorialist. “They support both innate and adaptive immunity when ingested, and when applied topically, they contain tons of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the skin’s anti-aging functions.”
Mushroom skincare could also benefit the planet
The beauty industry is massive. Globally, it’s worth more than $250 billion. But all of these cosmetics and skin care products require ingredients, many of which can be sourced in harmful ways. But, when it comes to the environment, mushrooms have a better reputation.
For one, they’re not energy-intensive (many can even thrive in complete darkness), and they don’t require large amounts of resources, like water and land, to grow. In fact, according to the Mushroom Council, a U.S.-based mushroom producer organization, growers can produce millions of pounds of mushrooms each year, using only a “few acres of land.”
With clean-label, vegan, and adaptogen-driven claims now dominating brand storytelling, the category’s evolution feels inevitable. What began as a niche wellness trend has matured into a billion-dollar beauty ecosystem — one that’s proving the future of skincare might just grow in the dark.
Mushroom skincare
Because of their skincare and sustainability credentials, mushrooms are becoming a popular choice for beauty brands. Here are a few examples of those on the market right now prioritizing fungi in their products.
Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
This organic dual-phase cleansing milk gently removes dirt, visible oil, and makeup, according to an overwhelming number of consumers; 98 percent said it thoroughly removes all traces of dirt and left skin more hydrated, and 100 percent said their skin felt softer after use. The formula uses the moisture retention power of silver ear mushrooms along with other sustainable and natural ingredients like babassu oil and sunflower seed oil. Suitable for all skin types.
Moon Juice Plump Jelly
This vegan formula uses reishi and silver ear mushrooms to help lock in hydration and keep skin plumped and glowing. Reishi is known for protecting skin against stressors and protecting it from visible signs of aging. Silver Ear is exceptionally hydrating, and can hold up to 500 times its weight in moisture to help bring plumpness to your skin. Good for all skin types to address dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and improved elasticity.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream
This mega-hydrating cream is formulated with Dr. Weil’s custom blend of reishi, cordyceps, fermented chaga mushrooms to help calm and soothe skin. It also helps to visibly reduce redness and makes skin stronger against environmental skin agers. Suitable for all skin types.
Neon Hippie Neon C Serum
Last year, mushroom-based skincare brand Neon Hippie launched into the U.S. market. There are eight products in the brand’s range, including Super Luxe Face Oil and Neurolux Peptide Cream. Most contain its signature 7 Shroom Complex, which is a “proprietary mix of hero mushrooms” sourced from a farm in Oregon.
Herbivore Pink Cloud Cream
Herbivore’s formulas have always prioritized natural, gentle ingredients, and its Mushroom Magic Pink Cloud Cream is no different. Again, ultra-hydrating snow fungi are the star of the show, alongside super moisturizer vegan squalane.
Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream
Youth to the People’s Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream will leave your face feeling smooth, silky, and soft to the touch, and that’s all thanks to the hydrating dream team in the formula: squalane, shea butter, jojoba, ashwagandha, and fermented reishi mushrooms.
Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice has a reputation for highly effective skincare products, and that’s because the brand has always been “research-led.” It follows the science, and that, in turn, produces the best formulas. Its Super Hydrate Overnight Serum, which contains reishi mushrooms, cloudberries, and shea butter, is highly regarded for leaving skin looking brighter, as well as feeling softer and more hydrated.
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