7 Must-Have Mushroom Beauty Products
Mushrooms: not just a beauty food. (Photo: Levi Brown/Trunk Archive)
In case you haven’t heard September is National Mushroom Month (we hadn’t either). Coincidentally, mushrooms are also the latest star ingredients to hit the beauty scene. From teas to face serums, everyone seems to be harnessing the power of these nutrient-rich ingredients — and with good reason. Mushrooms are anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting, and packed with vitamin D and antioxidants. And while this is definitely not new news — Chinese medicine has celebrated the many benefits of mushrooms for centuries — there are now more ways than ever to get your daily dose of ‘shrooms. So, in honor of Mushroom Month, here are our top 7 product picks to get your fungi-filled beauty fix.
1. GROH Ergo Boost Starter Kit ($152)
While working on a medical study about neuro-degenerative diseases, GROH founder Dr. Marvin Hausman noticed that his patients’ nails and hair were growing longer and stronger than ever. It didn’t take him long to discover that ergothioneine (a mushroom extract that he calls “one of the most important protectors of cells in the world”) was to thank. A year later, he launched GROH, a line of ultra-potent beauty products to support hair, nail and skin health. For a dose of beauty from the inside out, take their daily ergo boost supplement, or try a starter kit of all four products for the full effect.
2. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Beautifying Mask, ($65)
When Dr. Alkaitis launched his new mask and said it was formulated with a “magical forest mushroom complex,” we were intrigued. As it turns out, there are no hallucinogenic drugs in there (that we know of), but there are four super powerful therapeutic mushrooms. The first, snow mushroom, is a strong antioxidant that increases skin’s moisture retention while smoothing the appearance of fine lines. The second, immortality mushroom (also called Lingzhi), is a favorite in Chinese medicine and is known for its strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The third, tuckahoe mushroom, is used to nourish and moisturize. And the last, hedgehog mushroom, has wound-healing properties that allow it to naturally and gently detoxify the skin. Throw in some montmorillonite clay, camu camu, vitamin C and a range of other super-ingredients, and you’ve got a seriously active mask, good for all skin types.
3. Osmia Organics Luz Facial Brightening Serum ($75)
This serum combines pumpkin and shiitake extract, in a special oil-based delivery system to bring potent anti-aging effects deep into the skin. According to Osmia Organics founder Dr. Sarah Villafranco, shiitake mushrooms are known to have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are also a great source of kojic acid, which can help brighten and exfoliate the skin. Shiitake extract encourages cell turnover and supports skin elasticity, both of which translate into a youthful, dewy glow.
4. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser ($30)
Dr. Weil has cooked up a whole line of mushroom products for Origins, but his newest, a micellar cleanser, is the most effective yet. Formulated with three medicinal mushrooms — Chaga (an antioxidant to minimize cellular damage), Reishi (the calm skin irritation) and Cordyceps (to help build up the skin’s protective barrier) — it cleanses while simultaneously carrying healing benefits deep beneath the skin’s surface.
5. One Love Organics Vitamin D Moisture Mist ($39)
This vitamin-packed mist calls on mushrooms as its all-natural source of skin-saving vitamin D. “Organic shiitake mushrooms are a rich source of Vitamin D, which helps to prevent skin problems caused by inflammation and free radical damage like, say, too much sun,” explains One Love Organics founder Suzanne LeRoux. “They have polysaccharides, which help soothe irritation, calm redness and keep skin clean and revitalized throughout the day too.” In other words, you can think of these mushrooms as mini miracle workers for your face (and in a convenient, portable mist for no less).
6. Jurlique Nutri-Define Multi-Correcting Day Cream ($98)
In addition to all their other beauty benefits, you can add moisture-locking to the list. Jurlique packs their anti-aging line Nutri-Define with silver ear mushroom extract. Considered to be nature’s version of hyaluronic acid, this extract can hold up to 500 times its own weight of water and create a natural, flexible film that restores skin to its optimal hydrated state. No chemicals required.
7. Red Flower Lymphatic Phytopower Sea Cleanser and Masque ($42)
For a serious detox, turn to this cleanser-slash-mask from all-natural brand Red Flower. In addition to vitamin-rich marine plants, the product contains a trifecta of organic mushrooms: reishi, chaga and maitake. The beta-glucans found in these super ingredients help to encourage collagen production and red the body of excess fluids and toxins. Additionally, the maitakes also increase the recovery of stressed skin and stimulate blood flow with a boost of hydration.
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