In addition to its moisturizing abilities, King says mushrooms are becoming more popular in skin care because they have anti-inflammatory properties to calm and comfort your skin. They’re also a source of kojic acid, an ingredient most commonly known for addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
“Kojic acid is often used as a skin lightener and is found in many skin-care topicals that claim to help with age spots and skin discoloration,” says King. “Kojic acid is thought to help inhibit melanin production on the surface of treated skin.”
So if you’re looking to address any dark spots and other discoloration concerns, this ingredient will definitely provide a helping hand.
What type of products contain snow mushrooms?
Though both dermatologists would like to see more research done around snow mushroom skin-care products, this fungus sure looks promising. One of the benefits is that it’s gentle on skin, so most skin types (even the most sensitive) can enjoy it.
This ingredient can be found in a plethora of face creams, serums, and other skin-care products, but King’s favorite is Volition’s Snow Mushroom Water Serum for hydrating while addressing dark circles. If you’d rather check out the drugstore beauty aisles, the Botanics Pure Botanicals Snow Mushroom Concentrated Serum will provide intensive hydration on a budget.
It seems like even Pharrell, who’s known for his flawless skin, is snow mushroom. This hydrating ingredient can also be found in products from his own skin-care line, Humanrace. The brand’s Humidifying Cream is packed with the brightening properties of the beloved ancient mushroom, alongside oil-balancing niacinamide, anti-inflammatory Centella asiatica (also known as cica), and more botanically-derived ingredients.
If you’re in need of hydration and exfoliation, then allow us to introduce you to Good Light’s Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion. This toner uses a combination of snow mushroom and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without drying it out.
Is your skin still feeling a tad dry? Then refresh it throughout the day with the Origins Mega-Mushroom Soothing Hydra-Mist. This mushroom-infused mist contains two types of the fungus (reishi and snow) for moisture, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid for good measure.
For dry skin that’s just begging for a hydrating moment, slather on Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Mask. This mask is packed with a quenching blend of snow mushroom, hyaluronic acid, kangaroo paw flower, red spider flower, and candlestick flower. The flowers aren’t just a cute botanical touch: Each of them is known as a natural source of ellagic and ferulic acids, two antioxidants that brighten your complexion, even skin tone, and minimize the look of redness.
Cooler weather is just around the corner, and if your skin is feeling particularly dry or irritated, we recommend supercharging your moisturizing routine by adding in snow mushroom and another hydrating ingredient, like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to seal the deal.
More ingredients taking off in the skin-care industry:
Now, see how skin care has evolved within the last 100 years: