Mushrooms in Skin Care, pt.I

Mushrooms have long been revered for their ability to heal and restore. Today, research affirms what traditional practices have pioneered for centuries: these powerful, adaptogenic organisms can transform skin health. They calm inflammation, strengthen the barrier, protect against environmental stressors, and replenish hydration in ways both profound and enduring.

Among them, Tremella fuciformis—the snow mushroom—is one of the most studied and definitively proven.

More Powerful Than Hyaluronic Acid

In scientific literature, Tremella is frequently compared to hyaluronic acid. While both act as humectants, Tremella demonstrates distinct molecular and functional advantages:

• Deeper penetration: The polysaccharides in Tremella possess a smaller molecular size than many forms of hyaluronic acid, enabling deeper diffusion into the epidermis.

• Superior water retention: Tremella is capable of binding up to 500 times its weight in water, forming a reservoir that sustains hydration over extended periods.

• Broader bioactivity: In addition to hydration, Tremella provides antioxidant protection, supports collagen production, restores elasticity, and soothes reactivity—advantages hyaluronic acid alone does not deliver.

Historically celebrated in Eastern traditions for maintaining luminosity and youthfulness of skin, Tremella is now clinically recognized as a plant-based alternative to both synthetic and animal-derived humectants.

Fig 2.
Tremella Mushrooms.

Tremella, An Essential LESSE Ingredient

Tremella is integral to several of our advanced formulations:

• Regeneration Mist
  An adaptogenic hydration treatment uniting Tremella with turkey tail mushroom, astaxanthin, and electrolytes. The formula reinforces barrier integrity, restores epidermal hydration channels, and reduces oxidative stress.

• Essential Moisturizer
  A multi-correctional daily treatment with Tremella, Kakadu plum, peptides, and lipid-rich botanicals. It deeply hydrates and improves tone, while stimulating collagen and providing antioxidant defense against environmental aggressors.

• Soothing Lip Balm
  Even the most delicate skin benefits from Tremella. With omega-rich oils, it restores softness, relieves dryness, and shields against moisture loss—leaving lips visibly smoother and fuller.

FAQs

Are mushrooms safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Their calming and anti-inflammatory nature makes them well suited to reactive skin.

How do mushrooms differ from other plant actives?
They combine multiple actions—hydration, antioxidant defense, barrier repair, and adaptogenic support—within a single extract.

Can Tremella replace hyaluronic acid?
Yes. Tremella offers greater hydration, with added antioxidant and soothing effects, making it a superior natural alternative.

Which mushrooms are most studied in skincare?
Tremella, turkey tail, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps.

How soon will I see results?

Hydration is immediate. Improvements in tone, elasticity, and barrier strength become evident with consistent use over several weeks.

LESSE Reading: Tremella

Skin Benefits of Tremella fuciformis

Formulating Cosmetics with Tremella fuciformis Extract

Macrofungal Extracts for Anti-Aging Skincare: A Review

Mushrooms in Modern Skincare: Anti-Aging and Therapeutic Uses

Mushroom Bioactives for Treating Skin Conditions

This is the first of a two-part series. Sign up for our newsletter to receive part II, an in-depth review of adaptogenic Turkey Tail Mushroom—which we wild harvest from certified organic land, and extract using 100% solar technology.