Why we add mushrooms to our skincare
There’s a mushroom craze. Sundries on toast, portobellos in burgers…
Now you can find mushrooms in your skincare formula! Topical application of this ingredient offers countless functional benefits, especially when used in conjunction with stronger (and potentially biting) agents.
In general, mushroom extracts have a calming effect. They help prevent and fight off attacks caused by stronger active ingredients. A godsend for sensitive skin types and skincare beginners.
Albatrellus Confluens, the mushroom extract in De-Crease (our brand new Retinal Eye Serum!), is rich in Grifolin derivatives, which in vitro studies (i.e. in a test tube, in a lab) have shown can activate TRPV1 receptor inhibition. Stay tuned. When the TRPV1 receptor is activated, it causes an inflammatory response, which can lead to irritation: redness, stinging, itching, burning. BUT! As I said, Albatrellus Confluens inhibits TRPV1 receptors in vitro, so this ingredient theoretically has the potential to reduce skin irritation.
Mushroom extract is just one of the MVPs that work very harmoniously in our eye serum. Its soothing and protective properties help minimize skin irritation after use with Retinol, a powerful form of Vitamin A (the gold standard in anti-aging treatments). A quick word on peptides that tighten sagging skin and Niacinamide for its skin-strengthening properties. Overall, this serum is clinically proven* to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and improve hydration, firmness, and texture in the eye area.
Back to the pizza topping that became a skincare savior. The Go-To Mushroom Extract, specifically for wrinkle removal, is harvested from Finland’s boreal forests. One of the richest biomes in the world. These mushrooms grow organically and form a symbiotic (i.e. mutually beneficial) relationship with the trees. The fungi help maximize the health and strength of the trees, and in return, the trees provide nutrients that allow the fungi to grow and thrive.
Because the mushrooms are harvested sustainably (by hand) by experienced Finnish farmers, there is no harm to the population or the ecosystem at large. The entire fungal organism lives within the root-like structure, so these fleshy guys multiply very quickly on the forest floor.
Mushroom Facts! We only use the fruiting bodies of Albatrellus confluens. When you imagine wild mushrooms, the first thing that comes to mind is the cylindrical, poisonous parts. (Only they’re not red with white spots. Sounds poisonous.)
Mushroom ingredients are well tolerated by all skin types. We bet you’ll be seeing this ingredient on the back of many cosmetic bottles soon.
*Based on a 12-week clinical trial with 30 participants.
