Mushroom based Cosmeceuticals: An Upcoming Biotechnology Sector

ABSTRACT: Mushrooms have been an established source of nutrition for hundreds of years. They are recently being exploited for their potential applications in other sectors as well. One of their emerging applications has been in the cosmetic industry where their bioactive properties are being used either as cosmeceutical for topical administration or as nutricosmetics for oral administration. Certain genera of mushrooms which are being used in cosmetic industries are Lentinula, Ganoderma, Pleurotus, Cordyceps, Inonotus, Tremella, Grifola, Schizophyllum, Pleurotus, Coriolus, Ganoderma, Euphorbia, Pistacia, Trametes, Agaricus, Phellinus, Antrodia. The mushroom extracts and their bioactive metabolites show excellent anti-oxidant, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, moisturizing and skin whitening effects making them ideal and multi-functional cosmetic components. The mounting benefits of various mushroom extracts in skin and hair care products have also fast-tracked the commercial production of mushrooms which is worth mass attention. The present review discusses about the role, diversity, properties and commercial status of mushrooms that are being exploited by the cosmetic industry.