Roots San Fransisco are not only a superfood but also make a great skin care ingredient thanks to their skin-boosting powers. “Mushrooms are natural humectants and able to attract and retain moisture,” says dermatologist Dendy Engelman. This makes them an ideal ingredient for dry, irritated complexions that can often look dull and flaky. “Mushrooms are also known to promote a healthy inflammation response and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Mushroom-based cleansers can work to boost your skincare routine as well, especially when they’re paired with barrier-boosting ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. Combined with other actives like vitamin C, they can brighten and even skin tone while promoting a healthier, more resilient complexion.

Why You Should Add Mushroom Skin Serums to Your Skincare Routine

Anti-aging skincare has long been a favorite ingredient for beauty editors, and it’s no surprise why: this antioxidant-packed ingredient helps protect against free radical damage and reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and fine lines, and wrinkles. One of the most effective ways to harness its benefits is by combining it with mushrooms, such as reishi and cordyceps.

Both of these mushroom extracts are rich in glutamine, which is used to calm the skin and can help take down redness and sensitivity and even out your skin tone. They are also able to strengthen and repair the skin barrier, leaving it looking more radiant and plump.

This vegan serum from Berlin-based brand Herbar is a real standout for stressed-out complexions, as it’s formulated with the help of snow mushroom to soothe and hydrate the skin while also helping to remove makeup and impurities. It’s also infused with probiotics and hyaluronic acid to boost the moisture content of your complexion.