Mushroom Cosmetics: The Present and Future

Abstract

Mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries and have recently been exploited for potential components in the cosmetics industry. Numerous mushrooms and their ingredients have been known to be beneficial to the skin and hair. The representative ingredients are as follows: phenolics, polyphenolics, terpenoids, selenium, polysaccharides, vitamins, and volatile organic compounds. These compounds show excellent antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects, which make them ideal candidates for cosmetics products. This review provides some perspectives of mushrooms (and/or extracts) and their ingredients presently used, or patented to be used, in both cosmeceuticals for topical administration and nutricosmetics for oral administration. With the small percentage of mushrooms presently identified and utilized, more mushroom species will be discovered, verified, and cultivated in the future, boosting the development of relevant industry. Combining with progress in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems pharmacology, mushrooms can find their way into cosmetics with multiple approaches.

1. Introduction

Mushrooms are fungi belonging to the higher phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota that have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae, sing. lamella) on the underside of the cap [1,2]. In fact, the name mushroom refers to a fruiting body, formed by several hyphae that grow upwards and produce spores (basidiospores). Mushrooms have long been appreciated for their flavor, texture, and nutrition as culinary mushrooms, but also for pharmaceutical and tonic attributes as medicinal mushrooms [3]. The number of mushroom species on Earth is currently estimated at 150,000, yet perhaps only 10% (approximately 15,000 named species) have been identified [4,5]. Mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and excellent sources of β-glucan, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, panthothenic acid, and folic acid, etc. [6,7]. It has reported that mushrooms provide beneficial effects as invigorating vital energy, maintaining one’s optimal weight, favoring longevity, and avoiding unnecessary aging [8,9]. Recently mushrooms have drawn worldwide attention as the most interesting natural sources with diverse and unique bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, hepatoprotective, reducing glucose and lipidic levels [10,11]. They make up a vast, and yet largely untapped, source of powerfully new pharmaceutical products.

Cosmetics are products that are used to cleanse and beautify the skin, also referred to as personal care products [12]. 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, 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. As shown in Figure 1, the nutritive, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and antioxidant properties of mushrooms make for their prospective usage in cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics [16].

In this review some major ingredients of mushrooms and important effects, such as moisturizing and anti-aging (including the whitening and antioxidant activity), will be comprehensively discussed, and it will be proposed that mushrooms and their extracts (and/or ingredients) are one of the most ideal choices in the application of cosmetic products.

2. Mushrooms: Nutritional and Medicinal Facts

For centuries, people across the world have been using wild mushrooms for food, medicine, and cosmetics, as well as for other economic and cultural purposes. Nowdays several types of mushrooms are incorporated in topical creams, lotions, ointments, serums, and facial preparations as cosmetic ingredients. These mushrooms include Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Reishi or Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Fu Ling (Wolfiporia extensa), Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis), cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis latifolia, formerly Sparassis crispa), and jelly fungi (Tremella spp.), which are traditionally used in Eastern Asian countries, such as China, Japan, and Korea [17,18,19]. Portobello mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), elm oyster mushroom (Hypsizygus ulmarius), and tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius), are more recognized in Western countries [20,21,22]. Other popular mushrooms include Agaricus subrufescens, Coprinus comatus, Hericium erinaceus, Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii, Phellinus linteus, Schizophyllum commune, and Volvareilla volvacea [23,24,25,26]. There are numerous potential mycochemicals from mushrooms that could be used in cosmeceuticals or nutricosmetics. Some of the mycochemicals derived from various mushrooms and their corresponding activities are listed in

Table 1. Mycochemical analysis and activities from various mushrooms.

Mycochemicals	Mushroom Species	Activities	References
Alkaloids	Agaricus bisporus, Coprinus comatus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Volvareilla volvacea	Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant	[27]
Carbohydrate	Agaricus bisporus, Lyophyllum shimeiji, Pleurotus ostreatus, Termitomyces eurhizus, Volvareilla volvacea	Antimicrobial	[24]
Flavonoids	Lactarius deliciosus, Lentinus edodes, Macrolepiota mastoidea, Russula griseocarnosa	Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant	[25]
Glycosides	Flammulina velutipes, Grifola frondosa, Hypsizigus mamoreus, Lentinus edodes, Pholiota nameko	Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant	[17,25]
Phenols and Polyphenols	Agaricus bisporus, Lentinus edodes, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Sparassis crispa, Tricholoma equestre	Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant	[16,27]
Protein and amino acids	Agaricus bisporus, Coprinus comatus, Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Sparassis crispa, Volvareilla volvacea	Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory	[19]
Saponins	Agaricus bisporus, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Termitomyces albuminosus, Wolfiporia cocos	Anticancer, Antioxidant	[26]
Steroids	Agaricus subrufescens, Marasmius oreades, Panellus serotinus, Pleurotus eryngii, Stropharia rugosoannulata	Anti-inflammatory	[32]
Tannins	Agaricus bisporus, Lentinus edodes, Lentinus sajor-caju, Volvareilla volvacea	Antimicrobial, Antioxidant	[25]
Triterpenoids	Ganoderma colossum, Lepista nuda, Naematoloma sublateritium, Panellus serotinus, Scleroderma citrinum, Tricholoma matsutake	Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory	[16,31]

[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].

The topical extraction process of mushroom ingredients can also be used for cosmetics preparation. Both fruiting bodies and mycelia of wild and cultivatable mushrooms represent ample sources of active components. The compounds so obtained from mushrooms are relatively complex mixtures of metabolites, in liquid or semisolid states, or in dry powder form, and are intended for external or oral use for cosmeceuticals or nutricosmetics. The mushroom extracts are often cited as potent antioxidants and natural moisturizers because they can offer a slightly different set of absorbable nutrients than other typical ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and all of the other usual suspects [33]. They contain antioxidants, as well as compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat many skin problems caused by inflammation and excessive free radical activity.

2.1. Beneficial Components of Mushrooms

Many studies have been done to find out more about the different components in mushrooms that are beneficial to the skin. It was found that mushrooms contain many bioactive metabolites, such as lectins, polysaccharides, phenolics and polyphenolics, terpenoids, ergosterols, and volatile organic compounds [11]. Mushroom polysaccharides, including lentian, schizophyllan, polysaccharide Kerstin (PSK), and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), are now available on the pharmaceutical market. A large amount, if not all, higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms contain biologically-active polysaccharides in fruiting bodies, cultured mycelia, and cultured broth [22,34].

Mushroom chitosan is also widely used in cosmetology as an emulgatory, gel-forming, protective, and anti-bacterial agent [33]. Chitin-glucan is a copolymer found in the cell wall of several mushrooms with good moisturizing properties, can help fight against some of the signs of skin aging, and has potential for use in skin moisturizing and anti-aging formulations [35]. Tremella extracts make an exotic addition to comprehensive skin care products which are applicable in treatment of neurodermatitis and sclerodermatitis [36]. Some mushrooms are also used in biotransformation and the products such as lactic acid and ceramides could potentially be used in cosmetics [37]. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used in cosmetic preparations in dermatology to hydrate and smooth dry, flaking skin. Ceramides are also used in cosmetics as epidermal hydrating agents, but they are expensive due to scarcity. Some mushroom extracts are even capable of accelerating the skin turnover rate and repairing dermal molecular components that provide structure and elasticity to the skin [38].

2.1.1. Phenolic and Polyphenolic Compounds

Phenolic and polyphenolic compounds are aromatic hydroxylated compounds, possessing one or more aromatic rings with one or more hydroxyl groups, being commonly found in many mushrooms [39]. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological effects due to free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds can be classified as simple phenols and phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, kojic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, and other associates, and polyphenols, which are further classified into many groups, such as flavonoids, tannins, stilbenes, and so on [40]. Kojic acid is commonly found in several mushrooms which is useful as a natural skin lightener and has been added to creams, lotions, and serums as a remedy for age spots and discolorations [41]. Kojic acid is assumed to help inhibit melanin production on the surface of treated skin, thereby lightening the new skin cells that form after the dead ones are exfoliated.

Flavonoids are the most common and widely distributed group of plant phenolics and have been shown to be highly effective scavengers of most types of oxidizing molecules, including singlet oxygen and various free radicals. The antioxidant activities are considered to be possibly involved in DNA damage and tumor promotion [42,43]. Flavonoids can be classified into flavonols, flavones, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavonoids. The health-promoting effects of flavonoids have been identified as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities, inhibition of bioactivating enzymes, or induction of detoxifying enzymes [44].

2.1.2. Terpenoids

Terpenoids are a large and diversified group of organic compounds similar to terpenes, derived from five-carbon isoprene units. Most known terpenoids in mushrooms were found in Ganoderma spp., containing a wide range of terpenes and terpene derivatives, such as ganodermic and ganoderic acids, ganoderals, ganoderols, ganodermanontriol, lanostane, lucidone, and ganodermanondiol, which show immumomodulating and anti-infective activities [45,46]. Carotenoids are widely used in cosmetics, especially in sun lotions, which are organic pigments found in many mushrooms and can be split into two classes, xanthophylls and carotenes [47].

2.1.3. Selenium

Selenium (Se) is an ultra-trace essential element for mammals and essential in different selenoproteins and/or selenoenzymes. Agaricus bisporus and Lentinus edodes are edible mushrooms that accumulate Se in their bodies [48,49]. Selenium compounds in selenized garlic such as γ-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine and Se-methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys) are potent anti-tumor agents [50]. Selenium can benefit bone health and strengthen the teeth, hair, and nails, which is widely applied in shampoo.

2.1.4. Polysaccharides

Most of mushroom polysaccharides are homoglycans or heteroglycans (depending on types of monosaccharide molecules in polysaccharides) and are able to combine with other proteins to make peptidoglycan or polysaccharide–protein complexes. Polysaccharides, especially β-(1-3)-d-glucan, which have anti-cancer properties have been found in numerous fungi and are used in cosmetics, e.g., in Pleurotus spp. [51]. β-(1-3)-d-Glucan with triple helical structure was first isolated from the fruiting body of Lentinus edodes in the late 1960s in Japan [52]. Since then schizophyllan from Schizophyllum commune, lentinan from Lentinus edodes, protein-bound PSK from Coriolus versicolor, and β-(1-6)-d-glucan from Agaricus subrufescens have been isolated by different groups [53,54,55]. Lentinan is an active compound incorporated in cream which can stimulate the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease [56]. All these polysaccharides showed immune-modulation activity and some have been incorporated into cosmetics products.

3. Cosmetics: Category and Progress

Cosmetics can be classified into two categories of cosmeceuticals for topical application and nutricosmetics for oral one. Cosmeceuticals applies only to products applied topically, such as creams, lotions, and ointments, while nutricosmetics are known with similar perceived benefits but that are ingested orally (so-called inner beauty). There are many requirements for cosmetics products, but most importantly they should be safe to use, with no side effects, and have positive effects on the skin. In recent years, natural products have attracted extensive attention in cosmetics. There are numerous products from fungi that are being exploited in cosmeceuticals or nutricosmetics, and many potential products are yet to be used [14]. Shiitake mushroom, alone, has several applications in cosmetics, ranging from an exfoliant to an anti-inflammatory, encourages faster skin renewal, and increases skin elasticity as a skin brightener. Reishi mushrooms have been used in anti-aging skincare products since the 1980s, starting with Japanese brand Menard. In the early 2000s, mushrooms hit the Western market for skincare applications. Mushroom extracts, capsules, and oils are also used for topical applications as they offer their own anti-aging skin care benefits. Some of cosmetic products containing mushroom extracts or ingredients are summarized in

Table 2. Cosmetic products containing mushrooms and their ingredients.

Product Name	Mushroom/Extract Included	Function
Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, U.S.	Lentinula edodes	Lift away dirt, oil and makeup and fight signs of aging
One Love Organics Vitamin D Moisture Mist, U.K.	Lentinula edodes	Part lightweight moisturizer and part toner
Osmia Organics Luz Facial Brightening Serum, U.S.	Lentinula edodes extract	Skin looking bright and luminous
CV Skinlabs Body Repair Lotion, U.S.	Ganoderma lucidum	Wound-healing and anti-inflammatory
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Face Mask, U.S.	Ganoderma lucidum	Anti-inflammatory properties
Four Sigma Foods Instant Reishi Herbal Mushroom Tea, U.K.	Ganoderma lucidum	Immunity boost
Kat Burki Form Control Marine Collagen Gel, U.K.	Ganoderma lucidum	Boost collagen, improve elasticity and provide hydration
Menard Embellir Refresh Massage, France	Ganoderma lucidum	Skin anti-aging
Moon Juice Spirit Dust, U.S.	Ganoderma lucidum	Immune system
Tela Beauty Organics Encore Styling Cream, U.K.	Ganoderma lucidum	Provide hair with sun protection and prevent color fading
Yves Saint Laurent Temps Majeur Elixir De Nuit, France	Ganoderma lucidum	Anti-aging
Vitamega Facial Moisturizing Mask, Brazil	Agaricus subrufescens (also known as A. brasiliensis)	Renew and revitalize skin
Kose Sekkisei Cream, Japan	Cordyceps sinensis	Moisturizer and suppress melanin production
Root Science RS Reborn Organic Face Mask, U.S.	Inonotus obliquus	Anti-inflammatory to help soothe irritated skin
Alqvimia Eternal Youth Cream Facial Máxima Regeneración, Spain	Schizophyllum commune	Anti-aging and lifting
Sulwhasoo Hydroaid, Korea	Schizophyllum commune extract	Hydrating cream promoting clear, radiant skin
La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Night Solution, Switzerland	Tremella fuciformis	Moisturizer which nourishes, revitalizes and hydrates skin
BeautyDiy Aqua Circulation Hydrating Gel, Taiwan	Tremella polysaccharide	Moisturizing gel
Surkran Grape Seed Lift Eye Mask, U.S.	Tremella polysaccharide	Improve skin around eyes
Hankook Sansim Firming Cream (Tan Ryuk SANG), Korea	Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus	Make skin tight and vitalized
La Bella Figura Gentle Enzyme Cleanser, Italia	Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinula edodes extracts	Antioxidants and vitamin D
Pureology NanoWorks Shineluxe, France	Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, and Mucor miehei	Anti-age and anti-fade
Snowberry Bright Defense Day Cream No. 1, New Zealand	Mushroom extract	Hydrate and illuminate dull skin, along with anti-bacterial properties to help prevent acne
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, U.S.	Mushroom peptides	Diminish fine lines and wrinkles by aiding regulation of collagen and elastin

. In the following section, we will focus on the effects of moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin whitening of mushrooms and their ingredients afterwards.

3.1. Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids intended to enhance beauty through ingredients that provide additional health-related function or benefit [57]. Topically, they are applied as cosmetics, but contain ingredients that influence the skin’s biological function [58]. The lines of cosmeceutical products consist of both veterinary and human therapy. The main product lines of veterinary cosmeceuticals are shampoos and anti-ectoparasites, among which Mera-pet (Merapet Inc., Ahmedabad, India) is probably the most popular brand in Western markets. The main product lines of human cosmeceuticals are anti-aging, with a few anti-acne or moisturizing products. Common brands include Bliss (Hut.com Ltd, Cheshire, UK), La Roche (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland), Nu-Derm (Obagi Medical Products Inc., Irvine, CA, USA), and SensiClear (Mission Scientific Skincare Inc., Gold River, CA, USA). Almost all now include products related with mushrooms and mushroom extracts [59].

3.2. Nutricosmetics

Nutricosmetics are nutritional supplements whose purpose is to support the function and the structure of the skin. Characterized by oral supplementation of nutrients, nutricosmetics are also known as “beauty pills”, “beauty from within”, and even “oral cosmetics”. The major claim is the anti-aging effect, reducing wrinkles by fighting free radicals generated by solar radiation [60]. Nutricosmetics are usually based on combinations of the following ingredients: carotenoids, polyphenols, several vitamins, mushroom extracts (e.g., polyphenolic isoflavones), micronutrients, glycopolyglycans, amino acids, other mushroom-based elements, and polyunsaturated fatty acids [61]. Some nutricosmetics examples are Grifola frondosa fruit body extracts with beneficial influences on skin quality and body exterior appearance, and Sparassis crispa oral supplements with healing effects on diabetic wounds and synthesis of type I collagen and epithelization.

4. Moisturizing Effect

The water content of the stratum corneum and skin surface lipids are important factors in the appearance and function of skin [62]. Moisturizers decelerate the loss of skin humidity and minimize fine wrinkles. They also increase hydration of the stratum corneum and improve physical and chemical properties of skin surface, making it moist, smooth, and soft [63]. Traditional moisturizing ingredients, such as pantothenic acid, 6-palmitoyl-l-ascorbic acid and hyaluronic acid, are known as an effective moisturizing activity in cosmetic formulations.

The polysaccharide isolated from a hot water extract of a Tremella mushroom without adding a chemical reagent was found to have a novel effect of inhibiting melanin formation effects and lightening the spots on the skin when applied to the skin [64,65]. In addition, the Tremella polysaccharide showed excellent moisturizing effects. Another study revealed that cosmetics added with 0.05% Tremella polysaccharides had better moisture retention capacity than that added with 0.02% hyaluronic acid [66]. A carboxymethylated polysaccharide (CATP) derived from water-insoluble crude Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide obtained a moisture retention rate of 65.7% after 96 h, which were slightly lower than chitosan (70.3%). These results indicated the significant moisture retention capacity of CATP comparing to chitosan [67]. The moisture retention capacity of water extracts of Auricularia fuscosuccinea (Montagne) Farlow was found as potent as that of sodium hyaluronate, but less than that of Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extracts [68]. The mushroom powder of Fomes officinalis (also known as Laricifomes officinalis) was applied to an anhydrous cosmetic composition for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and improving the appearance of skin imperfections [69]. All of these showed potential application of mushroom polysaccharides as effective moisturizing agents in cosmetics.

5. Anti-Aging Effect (Lifting and Firming)

Aging is a gradual process that results in a dysfunction and reduced reserve capacity of all body organs [63]. Anti-aging research refers exclusively to slowing, preventing, or reversing the aging process. Aging may be intrinsic or extrinsic [70]. Restated, the score of the aging process at any time depends on the outcome of dynamic interactions between biological (intrinsic), psychological (intrinsic and extrinsic), and environmental factors. The final pathway to all of the mechanisms of aging is apparently the same and involves disruption of the network of collagen and elastin [71]. Anti-aging cosmeceuticals are, therefore, designed to repair and/or maintain the body’s maintenance and repair systems (MRSs) [72]. Antioxidants play a large role in the MRSs. Several types of mushrooms are used in topical creams, serums, and facial preparations as anti-aging ingredients.

5.1. Antioxidant Activity

There have been numerous studies of antioxidant activity of mushroom with various application in cosmetics. Lentinula edodes and Volvariella volvacea extracts demonstrate antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities [73,74]. This pharmacological effect is correlated with phenolic compounds content in mushrooms as already known for grape fruits and wine [75]. Lentinula edodes is also an inducer of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), two antioxidant enzymes which are known for protecting skin from oxidative damage and reversing fibrosis through reversion of myofibroblasts back to fibroblasts [76]. l-ergothioneine, a thiourea derivative of histidine which could reduce the oxidation to mitochondrial membrane, was discovered in high concentrations in Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Grifola frondosa, and portabellas (brown Agaricus bisporus) [77]. The antioxidant and immune activity of glucan from Phellinus ribis was evaluated in mice using lymphocyte proliferation assay [78]. The glucan isolated from an alkaline extract from a somatic hybrid mushroom of Calocybe indica var. APK2 and Pleurotus florida showed antioxidant properties with immune activation of macrophage, splenocyte, and thymocyte [79]. Therefore it is not surprising that intrinsic antioxidant properties demonstrated in vitro, with Ganoderma lucidum or Phellinus linteus can be transferred in vivo after mushroom consumption as food or nutriceutical food [7,80].

5.2. Anti-Wrinkle Activity

Wrinkle formation is one of the primary characteristics of skin aging; the major cause of fine wrinkles is the loss of structural protein (type I collagen) in the dermal layer of skin [72]. Elastase is a metalloproteinase involved in the degradation of elastin in skin aging and the inhibition or the repair of wrinkle formation while matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are induced by collagen and elastin degradation. Extract of the mycelium of Tricholoma matsutake (pine mushroom) significantly decreased elastase activity in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the levels of MMPs [81]. These extracts might prove to be an effective biomaterial for anti-wrinkle treatment in cosmetics products. The methanol extract from the fruiting body of Dictyophora indusiata (veiled lady mushroom) was evaluated for its anti-cholinesterase, skin anti-wrinkle and melanogenesis inhibitory activity [82]. The collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities of the extract were comparable with the positive control epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which suggested a good candidate natural anti-cholinesterase and skin care agents.

The pro-inflammatory catalytic activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) also plays a key role in the aging process. COX-2 is a rate-limiting factor in the production of prostaglandins (PGs), including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which causes vasodilatation and induction of other inflammatory mediators in the skin [83]. Thus, COX-2 inhibitory compounds could potentially be very useful in a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic applications. The hexane extracts of Grifola frondosa mycelia, consisting of three ergosterol compounds, were reported with COX-2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities [18]. The ethanol extract of fruiting bodies of Elaphomyces granulatus (deer truffle) was evaluated for their COX-2 inhibitory activity in mouse macrophages RAW 264.7 revealing two active compounds of syringaldehyde and syringic acid [84]. All of these could be incorporated as beneficial compositions against skin aging.

6. Skin Whitening Effect

White skin is an aspiration of every woman because it signifies wealth and beauty, especially in Asia. Melanin synthesis was the major source of skin color and played an important role in protection of UV-induced dermal irritation [85,86]. The biosynthetic pathway for melanin formation in various bioforms is mainly regulated by tyrosinase in two distinct oxidation reactions [87]. Basically, tyrosinase catalyses the hehydroxylation of tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and the oxidation of DOPA to DOPAquinone, which is further converted to eumelanin (brown-black pigment) or pheomelanin (yellow-red pigment), depending on different physiological conditions. Thus, tyrosinase inhibition is the most common approach to achieve skin whitening [88].

Many mushrooms have presented tyrosinase inhibition activity including Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus hortensis, Ganoderma spp., and Phellinus baumii. The methanol extract from fruiting bodies of Phellinus baumii showed inhibitory activities of tyrosinase and melanin synthesis by dose dependent manner in B16/F10 melanoma cells [89,90]. Flammulina velutipes extracts were also demonstrated to suppress melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in B16 murine melanoma cells [91]. Compared to other basidiomycetes, Ganoderma lucidum exhibited the highest inhibition against tyrosinase activity [92]. Currently many of the facial mask cosmetics in the market contain Ganoderma extracts.

7. Hair Cosmetics

Hair cosmetics are designed to both maintain the hygiene of the scalp and manipulate the structural properties of hair [93]. The formulations of hair cosmetics include shampoos, conditioners, serums, hair styling products (sprays, waxes, gels, and mousses), straightening products, bleaching agents, perming agents, and hair dyes [94]. Prescription medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are often focused on improving scalp hair density [95]. Many postmenopausal women may achieve a better cosmetic look if the medical prescription is combined with cosmetic hair care products, which may increase hair fiber diameter in a nonpermanent way.

Shampoos are formulated for cleansing the hair and scalp and have been adapted to the variations associated with hair quality, hair care habit, and specific problems, such as treatment of oily hairs, dandruff, and for androgenic alopecia [96]. Tremella mushrooms contain a hydrophilic agent—polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties largely used in cosmetology [36]. A small silk film shiitake mushroom extract has been included and patented as a haircare cosmetic composition. Another composition for promoting hair growth in humans was issued with Ganoderma lucidum combined with three other plants and zinc which could stimulate hair growth in a human male by diminishing dihydrotestosterone or prostatic hyperplasia levels [97].

Like the rest of the body, healthy hair requires the delivery of vital nutrients to the hair follicles. Deficiency of these nutrients, as well as external factors like harsh chemical treatments, unhealthy lifestyle, and prolonged illness can cause hair problems. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, antioxidants and minerals like iron, selenium, and copper, which are all useful in both promoting healthy and strong hair and preventing hair loss and dandruff. The inclusion of mushrooms and/or extracts into haircare cosmetics is of great potential in the cosmetic industry.

8. Conclusions

As a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds, mushrooms are now being exploited for potential ingredients in the cosmetics industry. Several mushrooms and their extracts are either presently used or patented to be used as cosmetics products for their antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects.

As aforementioned, the mushroom species presently identified and utilized only account for a small percentage of total amount, and more species will be discovered, verified, and cultivated. All of these indicate further exploitation and boosting of the development of the cosmetic industry. With interdisciplinary studies combined with genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems pharmacology, the molecular mechanisms of medicinal effects of mushrooms (so-called the research area of molecular cosmetology) will be revealed and more mushrooms can find their way into cosmetics with multiple approaches.