«Snow mushroom» extract popular in Korean skincare. Polysaccharides in the composition hold water and work as a hyaluronic-acid alternative with smaller molecules.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Small lab studies show high moisture retention by the mushroom's polysaccharides. Human clinical RCTs are scarce, so the ingredient lines up as a well-tolerated humectant without a confirmed anti-aging effect.
Tremella Fuciformis Extract is derived from the 'snow mushroom', used in East Asia for a thousand years as food and traditional medicine. It entered Korean and Japanese skincare in the 2010s as a plant alternative to hyaluronic acid. Composition and mechanism. The main actives are polysaccharides (glucuronoxylomannan and derivatives). The molecular weight is lower than native hyaluronic acid: mid fractions 100-400 kDa versus 1000-1800 kDa. Thanks to the smaller size, tremella polysaccharides reach slightly deeper into the stratum corneum and form a film that holds water there. A humectant with strong moisture-binding capacity. Where applied. Korean serums and essences (Pyunkang Yul, Beauty of Joseon), sheet masks and hydrogel patches, moisturising gels. In Europe it appears in the premium segment: Sesderma Hidraderm Hyal, Sensilis Skin Drink, Mesoestetic specialty lines. Use levels in finished formulas: 0.1-1%. Evidence base. Direct randomised trials on skin are few. In vitro and in small open series (Reshetnikov 2000, Wu 2019) tremella polysaccharides give hydration comparable to 0.5% hyaluronic acid and retain water for up to 8 hours. Mild antioxidant effects shown in keratinocyte models. Safety. CIR has not evaluated it separately, but fungal polysaccharides have been used in food and cosmetics for decades without serious reactions. Non-sensitising, non-comedogenic. Pregnancy – safe topically. Lactation – no data, but the risk is minimal because large polysaccharides have no systemic absorption. Suited for. Dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin, layered Korean hydration routines, post-procedure recovery.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Tremella Fuciformis Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Tremella Fuciformis Extract suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.
«Snow mushroom» extract popular in Korean skincare.
The INCI name is Tremella Fuciformis Extract. It may also appear as: Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Snow Mushroom Extract.
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Suitable for