What Is Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract?
Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract comes from a blend of two natural materials. The first is Phellinus linteus, a medicinal mushroom long valued in East Asian skincare traditions for its soothing and conditioning qualities. The second is wood powder from Morus bombycis, a type of mulberry tree known for its resilient fiber and antioxidant-rich bark. When these two components are combined and put through a controlled fermentation process, friendly microorganisms break down large molecules into smaller ones that skin can more readily absorb. The result is a nutrient-packed extract rich in polysaccharides, amino acids and trace minerals that help keep the skin surface soft and supple.
Although each raw material has a history in herbal wellness, the fermented blend is a more recent innovation that gained popularity as Korean formulators searched for gentle plant-based alternatives to synthetic emollients. Fermentation not only boosts the bioavailability of active compounds but also helps reduce potential irritants, making the extract suitable for sensitive skin formulas.
The finished ingredient is a brownish liquid or paste that disperses easily in water or glycerin. It is produced by milling Morus bombycis wood into a fine powder, mixing it with Phellinus linteus biomass and a nutrient solution, then allowing selected yeast and bacteria strains to ferment the mixture for several days. After fermentation the slurry is filtered and concentrated, yielding an emollient-rich extract ready for cosmetic use.
You will most often find Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract in moisturizers, sleeping masks, anti-aging serums and soothing post-sun treatments. Its mild nature also makes it popular in sensitive-skin lotions and barrier creams.
Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This fermented blend offers one primary benefit in skincare formulations:
Emollient – The extract forms a thin, breathable film on the surface of the skin that smooths rough patches, reduces moisture loss and leaves the complexion feeling soft and conditioned.
Who Can Use Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract
This ingredient is gentle and works well for most skin types, especially dry, normal and sensitive skin thanks to its softening film-forming action. Combination and oily complexions can use it too, as the extract absorbs without leaving a greasy feel, though very oily users might prefer it in lightweight formulas such as gels or serums.
The extract comes entirely from mushroom and mulberry wood, and the fermentation process relies on microorganisms rather than animal products. Because no animal-derived materials are involved, it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No research links this ferment to issues during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and its molecules are generally too large to penetrate deeply. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any new product to a doctor before use.
Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it can be worn during the day without extra sun risk. As with any emollient, overall feel may vary slightly depending on the rest of the formula and climate conditions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract differ from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects; most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
• Skin redness or itching
• Mild stinging upon application, especially on broken or freshly exfoliated skin
• Allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to mushrooms or mulberry derivatives
• Rare clogged pores or small breakouts if the finished product is heavily occlusive
• Irritation caused by microbial contaminants if the product has been improperly preserved
If any irritation or unexpected reaction develops stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract is mostly composed of water-soluble polysaccharides and amino acids that sit lightly on the skin rather than sinking into pores. It does form a thin flexible film but lacks the heavy lipids that typically trigger congestion. For that reason it earns a low score of 1, indicating minimal risk of blocked pores.
Acne-prone or breakout-prone users can generally use products containing this ferment without concern, provided the rest of the formula is also low in pore-clogging ingredients.
The only time comedogenic risk may increase is when the extract is blended into very rich occlusive bases like thick balms or waxy creams. In that case any congestion is more likely due to the overall vehicle than the ferment itself.
Summary
Phellinus Linteus/Morus Bombycis Wood Powder Ferment Extract is a plant-based emollient created by fermenting medicinal mushroom biomass with mulberry wood powder. Its main job is to soften and smooth by laying down a breathable moisture-holding layer that improves hydration comfort and suppleness.
While the ferment is not yet a mainstream household name it has a steady following among Korean and clean-beauty formulators looking for gentle vegan alternatives to silicone or mineral oil. You will spot it most often in moisturizers masks and barrier creams geared toward sensitive or dry skin.
Safety data show a low irritation profile and a negligible comedogenic score so the ingredient is considered safe for daily use by most skin types. As always when trying a new product it is wise to perform a quick patch test to ensure personal compatibility.