What Is Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract?
Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract comes from the mycelium of the bird’s nest mushroom, Cyathus stercoreus. The mycelium is the thread-like network that lives underground and feeds the mushroom. When processed for cosmetics, the mycelium is grown in controlled conditions, then harvested and subjected to water or mild solvent extraction to pull out its useful compounds. These compounds include polysaccharides, amino acids and antioxidants, all valued for helping skin hold moisture and feel smoother.
Interest in mushroom extracts rose in the 1990s, when formulators began looking for plant-based alternatives to synthetic conditioning agents. Cyathus stercoreus stood out because its mycelium showed strong humectant properties in early lab tests. Since then suppliers have refined large-scale fermentation methods that yield a consistent, vegan friendly ingredient.
You will usually see Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract in moisturizers, hydrating serums, sheet masks, soothing after-sun gels and anti-aging creams where it works alongside emollients and oils to improve the overall feel of the formula.
Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for its skin conditioning ability, meaning it helps make skin feel softer, smoother and better hydrated through a mix of moisture-binding sugars and surface-smoothing proteins.
Who Can Use Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract
Because this extract works mainly as a water-binding skin conditioner it suits most skin types. Dry or dehydrated skin will benefit the most thanks to its humectant sugars, while normal and sensitive skin typically tolerate it well since it is gentle and free of common irritants. Extremely oily or acne-prone users can still use it, but if the finished product contains heavy oils the overall formula rather than the mushroom extract itself might feel too rich.
The ingredient is sourced from fermented mushroom mycelium so it contains no animal-derived material, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians when supplied by a cruelty-free manufacturer.
Current data shows no specific risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is applied topically in cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any new skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider before use just to be safe.
Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more vulnerable to sunburn. It is water-soluble and plays well with most common skincare actives, giving formulators flexibility in a routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions and are not expected to reflect the typical user experience when the ingredient is correctly formulated.
- Mild redness or stinging
- Itching or localized rash in individuals sensitive to fungi or mushroom proteins
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
- Irritation triggered by other components in the finished product rather than the extract itself
- Spoilage-related reactions if the product is contaminated due to inadequate preservation
If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1
Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract is water-soluble and lightweight with no oily or waxy residues, so it is very unlikely to clog pores. In most finished formulas it acts purely as a moisture-binding humectant which keeps the rating at the lowest end of the scale. A score of 0 means virtually non-comedogenic while 1 reflects a small margin of uncertainty that depends on the other ingredients in the product.
Because of this low rating the extract is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
If a product containing the extract feels rich or occlusive the pore-clogging risk will come from heavier oils or butters in that specific formula, not the mushroom extract itself.
Summary
Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract is used mainly for skin conditioning. Its natural sugars pull water into the top layers of skin while its proteins help smooth the surface, so skin feels soft and looks healthier. These actions make it a handy supporting player in moisturizers, serums and calming gels.
It is not the most famous mushroom ingredient out there, but formulators who need a gentle vegan humectant turn to it more and more as shoppers look for plant-based options.
Current research and market use show the extract is safe for topical application with very low risk of irritation when used as directed. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a product containing Cyathus Stercoreus Mycelium Extract before full use to make sure your skin agrees with it.