Mushrooms in Personal Care

Posted: November 20, 2007

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In China, Skinhealthy Herbal Whitening Facial Mask contains eighteen natural plant extracts, the key one being Lingzhi. It is claimed to cleanse, whiten, nourish and tighten skin. The mask is especially designed for "office people who work in an air-conditioned environment, suffering from TV and computer radiation and lack of sleep."

According to the Mintel Global New Product Database (GNPD), other mushrooms such as Shiitake, Fomes officinalis and Mucor miehei are also sprouting in skin care formulations. One of the newest products to contain Shiitake is Exage Vital Booster in Japan. This product contains 14 ampoules of "moisturizing intensive care essence" for a two-week treatment to boost the skin’s rejuvenating cycle.

Shiitake’s antiaging properties are featured in eye care as well. Johnson & Johnson Aveeno Active Naturals launched Positively Ageless Eye Serum in October 2007. This oil-free cream with a natural Shiitake complex claims to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lift and firm the skin around the eyes, and brighten and open the eye area.

Earlier this year, Patricia Wexler M.D. Fastscription reformulated its Instant De-Puff Eye Gel. It contains Agaricus bisporus, also known as the common button mushroom, which is high in vitamin B and potassium. This antiaging product also contains MMPi, claimed to actively rejuvenate the skin's surface at the structural level, measurably reducing visible imperfections and visibly renewing and improving skin inside and out.

The Chantecaille Aromacologie collection is based on principles of aromatherapy and plant therapy. It blends biotechnology, Chinese medicine and European flower pharmacology to produce "stunning products with an unusually high concentration of botanicals." The Detox Clay Mask with Rosemary & Honey contains kaolin clay as well as Fomes officinalis (mushroom) extract, an effective astringent.