Reishi

Reishi Extract, derived from Ganoderma lucidum, is a functional mushroom ingredient widely used in traditional East Asian preparations and increasingly incorporated into modern cosmetic formulations. The mushroom is also known as Lingzhi, Reishi Mushroom and Spirit Plant.

The extract contains a diverse range of naturally occurring compounds, particularly polysaccharides and beta-glucans, together with triterpenoids, ganoderic acids, proteins, peptides, phenolic compounds and other secondary metabolites. The relative composition depends strongly on the mushroom part used and the extraction process.

In cosmetics, Reishi Extract is primarily used as a skin-conditioning and skin-protecting botanical ingredient. Cosmetic ingredient databases recognize Ganoderma lucidum extracts for functions including skin conditioning, skin protecting, moisturizing/humectant and antioxidant-related applications.

Recent cosmetic research has also investigated Reishi Extract in topical creams, including its antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibition properties and its compatibility in stable topical formulations.