Fungi—an unusual source for cosmetics

Abstract

Fruiting bodies of some wild and cultivatable mushrooms contain medicinal compounds which are being used in traditional medicines and cosmetics. There are numerous potential medicinal products from mushrooms that could be used in cosmeceuticals (products applied topically, such as creams, lotions, and ointments) or nutricosmetics (products that are ingested orally). This paper provides a review of the fungi presently used in cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics with some examples of cosmetic types and products. Species presently used, or patented to be used, in cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics include Agaricus subrufescens (= A. blazei, A. brasiliensis) Choiromyces maeandriformis Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Hypsizygus ulmarium, Inonotus obliquus, Lentinula edodes, Polyporus spp., Trametes versicolor, Tremella fuciformis, Tuber spp., Schizophyllum commune and many other lesser used taxa. Cosmetics incorporating fungi include those for skin care such as anti-aging, anti-oxidants, skin revitalizing, skin whitening and hair products. The mushrooms presently used are traditionally known to produce medicinal compounds and thus were the first to be incorporated in cosmetic applications. There are, however, numerous other mushroom species that are untested, undescribed or not yet cultivatable and that have huge potential for use in the cosmetic industry. Some fungi are also used in biotransformation and the products such as lactic acid and ceramides could potentially be used in cosmetics.

Mushroom Cosmetics: The Present and Future

“…Some of the mycochemicals derived from various mushrooms and their corresponding activities are listed in Table 1 [27][28][29][30][31]. There are still plenty other mushroom species which might have significant potential for use in the cosmetic industry that are currently undetermined, undescribed, or not yet cultivatable [14,32].…”

“…Today, there is a growing consumer demand for cosmetics containing natural and/or organic ingredients as the consumer demand for products that are perceived as healthier, organic, organic, and ecological [13]. Thus, various substances extracted from macro fungi, particularly mushrooms, are now paving their way into cosmetics, such as ceramides, lentinan, schizophyllan, omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, carotenoids, resveratrol, and others [14,15]. Many mushroom ingredients possess potent antioxidant, as well as anti-inflammatory, properties, which are frequently used in an effort to address cosmetic concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture.…”

Trehalose and Abiotic Stress in Biological Systems

“…In addition, trehalose incorporated in cosmetic products may enhance their shelf life and mask the odor of active ingredients and their degradation products, due to its antioxidation properties (Ohtake & Wang, 2011). The high water retention capabilities of trehalose make it useful as a moisturizer in cosmetics (Hyde et al, 2010) …”

Processing, Valorization and Application of Bio-Waste Derived Compounds from Potato, Tomato, Olive and Cereals: A Review

“…In fact, processed foods are often enriched with carotenoids to improve their nutritive value. Furthermore, lycopene is widely applied in the cosmetics formulations [219][220][221].…”