Ingredient Spotlight: Tremella Mushroom
When I showed a video of a blooming Tremella mushroom to my friend, her immediate response was, “what in the world is this extraterrestrial thing?!” Based Cambio’s article on the fungus and my friend’s reaction, the general consensus is that this fungus number one: looks weird, and number two: sounds terrifying.
Despite its appearance and name, the Tremella mushroom is ultra-hydrating. It wouldn’t be the first time an alien-looking, yet beneficial ingredient found its way into skincare products (see: Natto).
What is the Tremella mushroom?
Dried Tremella on the left and Rehydrated Tremella on the right
The Tremella mushroom (scientifically known as Tremella fuciformis) is a smooth, flower-like fungus. If Tremella is too intimidating to pronounce, it goes by many other names such as the snow fungus, silver ear fungus, and white jelly mushroom. Though none of these are decidedly attractive names, they do accurately describe how this strange fungus looks.
Though mostly commonly found growing in tropical areas such as South America and the Caribbean, the fungus is popular in Chinese medicine and cuisine. In fact, my mom used to make a bitter pear tonic whenever I had a bad cough. It is believed that when consumed regularly, the Tremella mushroom not only replenishes body liquid and cures dry coughs, but also helps to slow down signs of aging such as wrinkles, freckles, and stress marks.
A Chinese health tonic made with Tremella and lotus seeds
Skincare Benefits
The same effects are expected when the mushroom is used as a skincare ingredient. Due to the mushroom’s water-retentive properties, the cream deeply hydrates and plumpens skin. Seriously, this mushroom can hold up to 500 times its weight in water. Watch it in action!
Final Thoughts
Winter is coming… and with it, dry skin. Earth’s Recipe’s Moisture Bound Cream and Energy Boosting Toner, which both contain Tremella mushroom extract, will help combat cold weather dryness. Use the cream and toner in tandem for the ultimate defense against the harsh winter. Better yet, get a head start now for hydrated and beautifully plump skin.
Get your glow on,
Cathy