Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

Tremella fuciformis is an edible mushroom, also known as snow fungus, snow ear, or silver ear fungus. It is a parasitic mushroom that grows on wet, rotten wood and that consumes other species of mushrooms. It is considered to be a delicacy in China due to its gelatinous consistency and is eaten in dessert soups, puddings, and various savory dishes.

The mushroom is full of various proteins, fiber, and polysaccharides. These polysaccharides in particular are responsible for its gelatinous consistency and ability to retain water, which are characteristics especially sought after in skincare.

Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract shows some promising activities, helping the skin to retain water and collagen. In particular, the polysaccharide-rich extract helped to ameliorate the effects of sun-induced skin damage, restore water and collagen content, and had skin-protecting properties stemming from the antioxidant activity of the extract.

The structure of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides is also important – they are made up of mannose and glucuronic acid (which gives them superior water-retaining properties).