Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract?

Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract comes from the shiitake mushroom. Instead of using the cap and stem, manufacturers grow the mushroom’s root-like mycelium in a controlled tank, feed it a nutrient solution then let it ferment. After the broth has reached the right activity level it is filtered to remove solids, leaving a clear liquid rich in skin-loving compounds. This liquid is concentrated and purified into the extract that ends up in skincare.

Chemically the filtrate is packed with beta-glucan polysaccharides, amino acids, B vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants. These nutrients help support the skin’s surface and protect it from everyday stress.

Shiitake has a long history in Asian wellness rituals and its soothing properties made their way into beauty labs in the early 2000s. As fermentation gained popularity for making ingredients gentler and more bio-available, formulators began using fermented shiitake to boost hydration and defense in modern products.

You will most often spot Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract in lightweight serums, hydrating essences, anti-aging creams, calming masks, barrier repair moisturizers and after-sun gels.

Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This mushroom ferment offers two main actions that make it a versatile addition to skincare formulas:

  • Skin conditioning: The polysaccharides form a soft film on the surface that attracts and locks in water, leaving skin feeling smooth and comfortably hydrated. Amino acids help support the skin’s natural moisturizing factors so the complexion looks plump and healthy.
  • Skin protecting: Antioxidants and beta-glucans help neutralize daily environmental stress like pollution and blue light. They also reinforce the skin barrier which can reduce redness and sensitivity over time.

Who Can Use Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract

This ferment is gentle and water based so it suits nearly all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Its lightweight texture will not leave a greasy feel and the barrier supportive beta glucans can calm easily irritated skin. There are no known reasons it would be unsuitable for any specific skin type unless the user has a rare mushroom allergy.

The extract is produced from shiitake mycelium grown in a nutrient broth without any animal derived additives so products that use it are typically acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. It is still smart to check the full ingredient list because other components in the final formula may come from animal sources such as beeswax or collagen.

Current research shows no special risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when this ingredient is used topically. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product label to a qualified healthcare professional before adding it to a routine.

Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sunscreen habits are still recommended.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline potential effects but most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic levels.

  • Redness or mild stinging in individuals with a mushroom allergy
  • Itching or small bumps if the formula also contains other ferment based ingredients that aggravate fungal acne
  • Temporary tightness if the product is paired with very strong exfoliants that compromise the barrier
  • Contact dermatitis in the rare event of sensitivity to a preservative used alongside the extract

If irritation or any unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0. Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract is a water based ferment rich in polysaccharides and amino acids, with virtually no fatty acids or waxy residues that could clog pores. Because it is lightweight and quickly absorbed, it poses minimal risk of blocking follicles or trapping sebum. This makes it suitable for those who are prone to acne or breakouts. If the final formula also contains heavy oils or butters its overall pore-clogging potential will depend on those other ingredients, not the mushroom ferment itself.

Summary

Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Ferment Filtrate Extract conditions skin by forming a thin moisture binding film and reinforcing natural moisturizing factors. It also protects skin by supplying antioxidants and beta glucans that help neutralize environmental stress and strengthen the barrier. Although not as mainstream as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, this shiitake ferment has been gaining quiet popularity among brands focused on barrier repair and gentle hydration. Topical use is considered very safe with low irritation potential, yet it is always wise to patch test any new product containing the ingredient before using it on larger areas.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search