This Underdog Ingredient Works Better Than Hyaluronic Acid to Plump and Hydrate

Ask anyone who has dry or dehydrated skin what their favorite skincare ingredient is, and they'll likely say hyaluronic acid. The ingredient has gained an immense and devout following from skincare lovers due to its ability to bind to water molecules in the skin and lock in moisture. Produced naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid is the beauty industry's favorite way to quickly achieve plump, hydrated skin.

But what if we told you that there was another skincare ingredient out there that works just as well as, if not better than, hyaluronic acid? What if we told you that it is starting to gain traction as the next go-to hydrating ingredient? It's time to meet snow mushroom. Yes, an actual fungus, it offers the skin supreme hydrating powers along with powerful antioxidant effects. Ahead, learn all about this skin-loving ingredient and shop a selection of the best snow mushroom products that money can buy. 

What Is Snow Mushroom?

According to board-certified dermatologist Corey Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, "Snow mushroom is the most common in regard to skincare, but you may also hear the ingredient called snow fungus because, technically, it is a fungus. You'll also hear it called snow ear or silver ear. Its proper name is tremella fuciformis."

The fungus itself is white, spongy, and gelatinous and is found in a variety of geographical areas but most densely in the tropics. When harnessed in expertly formulated skincare products, it provides powerful benefits, most notably deep hydration and antioxidant effects. 

How Does It Benefit the Skin?

The aforementioned hydrating and antioxidant benefits are what set it apart from other skincare ingredients. "The primary benefit of snow mushroom in skincare products is an incredible boost of hydration," Hartman says. "There is also research to show that snow mushroom can help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals. By protecting against harmful free radicals, snow mushroom can decrease fine lines and wrinkles and help even the skin's tone." 

Audrey Kunin, MD, dermatologist and founder of DermaDoctor, agrees. "Snow mushroom provides moisturizing, plumping benefits to the skin. Anyone with dry or finely lined skin may be interested in trying a product containing this fungus. It also has antioxidant benefits," she says.

How Does It Compare to Hyaluronic Acid?

While hyaluronic acid has been touted as the best, most hydrating skincare ingredient money can buy, snow mushroom just might give it a run for its money. Kunin says it only provides approximately half of the hydration of hyaluronic acid, but it's thought to penetrate deeper into the skin than hyaluronic acid, which brings with it major benefits.

"There is research to show that snow mushroom molecules are smaller than hyaluronic acid molecules, which means it can more effectively reach deeper layers of the skin for a richer, more effective hydration," Hartman explains. So in other words, both skincare ingredients are effective, but snow mushroom can penetrate further, effectively plumping and hydrating the deeper layers of the skin. 

What Skin Type Is Snow Mushroom Best Suited For? 

Like hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom can be beneficial for all skin types because it's lightweight and hydrates without clogging pores. However, dry and dehydrated skin types can benefit from snow mushroom the most for obvious reasons. So can aging skin for two reasons. First, when the skin is hydrated, it appears smooth and plump, so fine lines and wrinkles will look less visible. Second, snow mushroom defends against free radicals, which are known to fast-track the aging process. 

Kunin says snow mushroom can be used as often as desired: "There are no downsides to weaving snow mushroom into your skincare regimen unless you are allergic to mushrooms."

Hartman agrees. "Typically, anyone can use products with snow mushroom as an active ingredient, but check with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding," he says.

Shop 10 Skincare Products With Snow Mushroom

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