Provides multi-molecular moisture depth, with Tremella contributing non-tacky film formation and its own AQP3/HAS3 activity alongside Hyaluronic Acid binding surface water across different molecular weights.
Read the passport흔목이버섯추출물 · 전성분
Tremella Fuciformis
A natural botanical macromolecule extracted from snow mushroom, rich in glucuronoxylomannan heteropolysaccharides, known for a strong capacity to bind and retain water on the skin 1,2 while delivering Nrf2-mediated antioxidant protection 1 and SIRT1 pathway activation 3 in cultured skin cells.
GentlenessGentle — four of fiveEvidenceIndicativeTopical
- INCI
- TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT, TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS POLYSACCHARIDE
Also called Snow Mushroom · Silver Ear Mushroom · White Jelly Leaf · TFPS · Tremella Polysaccharide
Early-stage page
This ingredient page is still early. We're actively researching before it's ready to stand fully on its own — check back as more sections are verified.
The short answer
Four lines, each compressed from the section it links to. Every line carries the sources of the claim it compresses.
- What it does
UVA-Induced Photodamage Protection in Cultured Dermal Fibroblasts (Mechanism-Tier, In-Vitro)
See the evidence - Where it goes
hydrating toner, serum, or moisturizer step · day and night
See how to use it - What shows, and when
14 days: Continued skin elasticity support and a strengthened epidermal barrier, based on the cultured-cell findings above.
Source2
See the timeline
How to use it
Where it sits in the seven-step ladder, and the record's own fields for the habit.
아침DayDay: used
저녁NightNight: used
day and night
Cleanser클렌저
Toner토너 sits here
Essence에센스
Serum세럼 sits here
Eye cream아이크림
Moisturizer크림 sits here
Sunscreen자외선차단제
Filled steps are where Tremella Fuciformis commonly appears. No product is recommended.
Everything here comes from the sources below. None of it is a product recommendation.
- Time of day
- day and night
- Where it sits
- hydrating toner, serum, or moisturizer step
- Starting frequency
- daily
- Amount
- few drops of serum or pea-sized amount of cream
- Application
- Apply evenly to clean, dry or slightly damp face, neck, and chest as a serum, lotion, or cream. Pat gently to encourage absorption. Excellent as a non-sticky hydrating base under makeup or sunscreen.
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed as dry polysaccharide powder is hygroscopic.
Plays well with / keep apart
One card per pair. Where the partner has its own passport, the name links to it.
Do layer it with
Combines Tremella's antioxidant and hydration support with Niacinamide's lipid-synthesis and melanosome-blocking activity, providing barrier repair and tone brightening.
Read the passportWhat to expect, and when
The record's own timeline. Each step keeps the source of the study it came from.
- Immediate
Initial skin plumping, smoothing of dry surface lines, and a lightweight moisture-locking film.
- 14 days
Continued skin elasticity support and a strengthened epidermal barrier, based on the cultured-cell findings above.
Source2
- 28 days
Continued antioxidant support against environmental stress, based on the cultured-cell findings above.
Is this safe for me
Everything the record says about suitability, consolidated. Pause-first comes first.
Before you start
Exceptionally gentle and hypoallergenic for all skin types. Individuals with rare mushroom or fungal spore allergies should patch-test prior to widespread facial application.
Good match for
Exhibits an outstanding biocompatibility profile with zero irritation or photosensitivity reported in the reviewed studies, serving as an ultra-soothing hydrating active for reactive and sensitive skin.
Best match
dehydrated skin
damaged skin barrier · sensitive skin · aging skin · environmentally stressed skin
Routine
hydrating toner, serum, or moisturizer step
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not medical advice · ask your own clinician
Pregnancy. A 2011 dermatology review of skin-care product safety in pregnancy names hydroquinone (high systemic absorption) and tretinoin (evidence controversial) as the actives of concern, and states that most other topical skin-care products act locally and produce minimal systemic absorption; Tremella fuciformis is not named among the flagged concerns 6. This is general topical-product reasoning rather than an ingredient-specific safety trial. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor before use.
Breastfeeding. Topical application is applied locally with minimal expected systemic absorption; no ingredient-specific breastfeeding safety trial was located. As a general precaution common to topical actives, avoid applying directly to the breast or nipple area, since incidental transfer to a nursing infant has not been studied for this ingredient. If you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor before use.
| Common, and it usually settles | Stop using it |
|---|---|
| None typically expected. Tremella is exceptionally biocompatible and reported with a comfortable feel in the reviewed studies. | persistent redness |
| localized itching | |
| burning sensation | |
| allergic hives |
Allergen history
A dedicated search of the peer-reviewed literature (PubMed) for Tremella fuciformis topical allergic contact dermatitis, contact allergy, or fungal-spore cross-reactivity case reports found no indexed results. This is a genuine absence of PubMed-indexed confirmation -- it neither confirms nor rules out the mushroom/fungal-spore allergy caution carried in this record from the research packet, which is transcribed here rather than independently source-verified.
Who should not use it
Not yet researched
Research in progress — check back soon. How we verify
What it will not do
- The water-binding and film-forming hydration demonstrated with purified Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS) cannot be assumed for unrefined raw mushroom powders that lack proper extraction.
- The cellular Nrf2 and SIRT1 antioxidant activation observed in cultured cell models cannot replace broad-spectrum UV filters (sunscreens); none of the sources behind this record measure photoprotection on live human skin.
- None of this record's claims establish a transepidermal water loss (TEWL) reduction, a wrinkle-depth improvement, or superiority over hyaluronic acid on human skin -- all evidence is in-vitro and mechanism-tier.
- The systemic immunomodulatory and gut-microbiota results observed for Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide in an oral-administration atopic-dermatitis mouse model -- where oral dosing significantly outperformed topical application in the same study -- cannot be equated to a topical cosmetic lotion, and are not the basis for any claim in this record 5.
The evidence
One card per claim. Concentration, form, population and limitation sit with it, always visible.
Grade legend
- Indicative
- Limited
- Moderate
- Strong
UVA-Induced Photodamage Protection in Cultured Dermal Fibroblasts (Mechanism-Tier, In-Vitro)
IndicativeIn UVA-irradiated cultured human dermal fibroblasts, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS) pretreatment reduced markers of oxidative stress, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and preserved collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid content within the cell model.1
- Tested concentration
- 0.1% to 0.5%
- Which form
- Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS)
- Population and duration
- UVA-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts pretreated with Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides, evaluated across oxidative stress markers and ECM protein synthesis
- Limitation
- Evaluated entirely in cultured cells, not human skin. No clinical human trial data exists for standalone photoaging or photoprotection outcomes -- this is a mechanism-tier finding, not an efficacy claim, and does not establish that a finished topical product prevents or reverses visible photoaging.
Aquaporin-3 and HAS3 Protein Upregulation in Cultured Keratinocytes (Mechanism-Tier, In-Vitro)
IndicativeIn cultured human keratinocytes (HaCaT), Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS) significantly increased Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) gene expression and Hyaluronan Synthase-3 (HAS3) protein levels; no significant effect on Hyaluronan Synthase-2 (HAS2) or Filaggrin (FLG) gene expression was observed for this polysaccharide in the same study.2
- Tested concentration
- 10 to 50 mcg/mL (0.001% to 0.005%)
- Which form
- Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS), Whole Tremella Fuciformis Extract
- Population and duration
- Cultured human HaCaT keratinocytes treated with Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, a comparator Tremella polysaccharide, and hyaluronic acid, evaluated over 24 hours
- Limitation
- This study's primary subject was a polysaccharide from a different Tremella species; Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFPS, this record's ingredient) was included only as one of two comparators. TFPS's own AQP3 increase (up to 47% at the lowest tested dose) was more modest than the study's primary polysaccharide. TFPS showed no significant effect on HAS2 or Filaggrin gene expression, unlike that comparator. TFPS's own HAS3 protein increase was real and substantial but was NOT the highest of the three materials tested -- hyaluronic acid itself produced a larger HAS3 increase than TFPS in the same study. Evaluated entirely in cultured keratinocytes, not human skin; a TEWL reduction claim is not measured by this study.
SIRT1-Mediated Protection Against Oxidative Injury in Cultured Skin Fibroblasts (Mechanism-Tier, In-Vitro)
IndicativeIn hydrogen-peroxide-injured cultured human skin fibroblasts, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS) pretreatment reduced oxidative stress markers and cell death by upregulating the SIRT1 pathway.3
- Tested concentration
- 50 to 200 mcg/mL
- Which form
- Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS)
- Population and duration
- Hydrogen-peroxide-injured cultured human skin fibroblasts pretreated with Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, evaluated for cell viability, reactive oxygen species, and SIRT1 pathway markers
- Limitation
- Evaluated entirely in cultured cells subjected to an acute chemical injury model, not human skin exposed to real-world oxidative stress. No clinical validation in human volunteers exists -- this is a mechanism-tier finding, not an efficacy claim.
Open
How we verify Large-scale, double-blind, randomized vehicle-controlled clinical trials in human volunteers evaluating purified Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide as a standalone topical monotherapy for TEWL reduction and wrinkle-depth improvement.
Questions & related
Common questions · 자주 묻는 질문
Is Tremella Fuciformis a substitute for Hyaluronic Acid?
Not as a direct substitute. In cultured keratinocytes, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFPS) increases Aquaporin-3 and HAS3 protein levels, but in the same study its own HAS3 increase was not larger than hyaluronic acid's -- hyaluronic acid produced the bigger increase on that specific marker. Tremella is better understood as an additional hydrating and antioxidant active that can be layered alongside hyaluronic acid, not shown to outperform it.
Can Tremella Fuciformis be used on acne-prone or sensitive skin?
Yes. Tremella fuciformis is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and deeply soothing. It delivers hydration without heavy oils, making it a good fit for congested, acne-prone, or highly reactive skin barriers.
The clinical recordHow it works · Forms · Manufacturing · Regulations · Study ledger · Gaps · Sources
How it works
Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS) forms a light, flexible hydration film over the stratum corneum and is reported to bind and retain substantial amounts of water 4. At the cellular level, in cultured keratinocytes it upregulates aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) protein expression, though not hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS2) or filaggrin (FLG) in the same study 2. In cultured dermal fibroblasts, it activates the Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidant pathway, protecting against UVA-induced oxidative damage 1, and separately activates the SIRT1 longevity pathway to protect against hydrogen-peroxide-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis 3.
- Aquaporin-3 and HAS3 Upregulation in Keratinocytes
Glucuronoxylomannan heteropolysaccharides increase AQP3 gene expression and HAS3 protein levels in cultured human keratinocytes, enhancing water transport and hyaluronan-synthesis capacity, though not HAS2 or filaggrin expression in the same study.
What that rests on: in-vitro comparative gene and protein expression assays
Source2
- Nrf2/Keap1 Antioxidant Cascade Activation
Drives nuclear translocation of Nrf2 by downregulating Keap1, raising endogenous SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px enzyme activity to scavenge UVA-induced ROS and preserve type I collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid content in cultured dermal fibroblasts.
What that rests on: in-vitro human dermal fibroblast assays
Source1
- SIRT1 Longevity Pathway Activation
Upregulates SIRT1 expression in cultured skin fibroblasts, suppressing hydrogen-peroxide-induced apoptotic markers (p16, p21, p53, caspase-3) and activating pro-survival ERK/Akt signaling.
What that rests on: in-vitro human skin fibroblast injury model
Source3
Reading the label
- Find this name
- 흔목이버섯추출물 (Tremella Fuciformis) — Snow Mushroom Extract, the natural whole-fungus extract.
- Judge production transparency
- Manufacturers disclose polysaccharide assay percentages, heavy-metal limits, and microbiological purity.
| Attribute | Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide (TFPS) | Whole Tremella Fuciformis Extract |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The purified polysaccharide fraction responsible for the water-binding and cell-signaling activity studied in the sources below. | A holistic botanical liquid extract combining the purified polysaccharide's hydration activity with additional trace fungal nutrients; not separately isolated or tested apart from F001 in the sources below. |
| Official INCI | TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS POLYSACCHARIDE | TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT |
| Where it comes from | Fruiting body of Tremella fuciformis Berk. | Whole fruiting body of Tremella fuciformis Berk. |
| How it is made | Isolated from cultivated snow mushroom fruiting bodies via hot-water or enzyme-assisted extraction, followed by ethanol precipitation, membrane ultrafiltration, and freeze-drying to isolate high-purity glucuronoxylomannan heteropolysaccharides. | Aqueous or hydroglycolic extraction of whole snow mushroom fruiting bodies, preserving polysaccharides alongside trace natural minerals, amino acids, and polyphenols. |
| Gentleness | Exceptionally gentle, non-irritating, and biocompatible across all skin types in the reviewed studies. | Highly soothing and gentle on sensitive or reactive skin barriers. |
How it is actually made
- Origin regions: South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan
- Cultivated snow mushroom fruiting bodies undergo controlled hot-water or enzyme-assisted extraction. The crude extract is filtered, subjected to ethanol precipitation, ultrafiltered to isolate 100-1500 kDa heteropolysaccharide fractions, and spray-dried or freeze-dried into a fine, white, water-soluble powder.
- Potency is verified by assaying total polysaccharide content (>= 85.0% by phenol-sulfuric acid method) and confirming monosaccharide ratios (mannose, xylose, glucuronic acid) via HPLC or GC-MS.
- Manufacturers disclose polysaccharide assay percentages, heavy metal limits, and microbiological purity. Enzymatic cleavage conditions and precise molecular weight fractioning parameters are kept confidential.
Where the ceiling is set
European Union
- The rule
- EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
- What it allows
- Not named in Annex II (prohibited) or Annex III (restricted) substances. Listed in the CosIng database under TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT and TREMELLA FUCIFORMIS POLYSACCHARIDE with the functions Skin Conditioning Agent and Humectant -- a function/inventory listing, not a regulatory approval.
South Korea
- The rule
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) Cosmetics Safety Standards
- What it allows
- Not found on any MFDS restricted-ingredient list. It is not on the MFDS publicly notified functional anti-wrinkle or whitening list, so Korean formulators pair it with Niacinamide or Adenosine for simplified functional cosmetic notifications.
What the evidence rests on
Study records
In-vitro cellular and molecular photodamage study2021
Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides inhibit UVA-induced photodamage of human dermal fibroblast cells by activating up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 pathways
TFPS pretreatment significantly reduced intracellular ROS and MDA levels, increased CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px enzyme activity, up-regulated Nrf2 while down-regulating Keap1, and increased the content of type I collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in UVA-damaged human dermal fibroblasts.
Where it falls shortEvaluated in cell culture models; human clinical trials are necessary to quantify long-term photoprotective efficacy in vivo.
Source1
In-vitro structural characterization and comparative gene/protein expression study2026
Structural Elucidation and Moisturizing Potential of a Polysaccharide Derived from Tremella mesenterica, Compared with Tremella fuciformis and Hyaluronic Acid
TMP (the study's primary subject, a different Tremella species) produced the largest increases in AQP3 (55-57%), HAS2 (22%), Filaggrin (22%), and HAS3 protein (475% at 50 mcg/mL). TFP (Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, this record's ingredient) showed a more modest AQP3 increase (47% at 10 mcg/mL, 36% at 25 mcg/mL), no significant effect on HAS2 or Filaggrin, and a real HAS3 protein increase of 397% at 50 mcg/mL -- lower than both TMP (475%) and hyaluronic acid (439%) at the same concentration. TFP also showed cytotoxicity above 100 mcg/mL.
Where it falls shortThe study's primary research subject is Tremella mesenterica polysaccharide, a different species from Tremella fuciformis; TFP figures come from its role as a secondary comparator, not the study's main investigation. Conducted in cultured keratinocytes; clinical trials in live human subjects are required.
Source2
In-vitro cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis assay2017
Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide suppresses hydrogen peroxide-triggered injury of human skin fibroblasts via upregulation of SIRT1
TFPS pretreatment (100-200 mcg/mL) concentration-dependently suppressed hydrogen-peroxide-induced oxidative stress, ROS accumulation, and cell apoptosis in skin fibroblasts by upregulating the SIRT1 pathway; the protective effect was reversed by a SIRT1 inhibitor, confirming SIRT1's necessary role.
Where it falls shortTested in H2O2-injured cell monolayers, an acute chemical injury model; in-vivo clinical evaluation in human volunteers is required.
Source3
Systematic scientific review2023
The potential cutaneous benefits of Tremella fuciformis
Comprehensive review confirming Tremella fuciformis's role in antiaging, photoprotection, wound healing, and skin barrier protection via water retention, antioxidant Nrf2 activation, and immunomodulatory activity; the authors state that most existing studies are limited to in vitro and in vivo animal models and that future clinical research is needed.
Where it falls shortNotes that most existing literature sits in cell culture and animal models, calling for expanded human clinical trials.
Source4
In-vivo animal dermatitis model and immunomodulatory trial2022
Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides alleviate induced atopic dermatitis in mice by regulating immune response and gut microbiota
Both topical and oral TFPS improved transepidermal water loss, epidermal thickening, and ear edema in atopic-dermatitis mice, but oral administration showed significantly better efficacy than topical application; oral TFPS also increased regulatory T cells and altered gut microbiota composition, mechanisms not applicable to a topical cosmetic product.
Where it falls shortA preclinical mouse model of induced atopic dermatitis, not a human clinical trial; the study's own finding that oral dosing outperforms topical application means this record's topical claims cannot draw on its immunomodulatory or gut-microbiota findings, only on the boundary it establishes.
Source5
Study
Source6
What is still missing
Large-scale, double-blind, randomized vehicle-controlled clinical trials in human volunteers evaluating purified Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide as a standalone topical monotherapy for TEWL reduction and wrinkle-depth improvement.
Every claim in this record is limited to cultured-cell (in-vitro) evidence; the independent percentage improvement in TEWL or wrinkle depth on live human skin remains an estimate based on cell-culture gene/protein expression and preclinical models.
NeedsA randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial assessing pure TFPS serum vs vehicle on human subjects over an extended period, measuring TEWL and wrinkle depth by validated instrumentation.
Sources on file
- Fu H, You S, Zhao D, An Q, Zhang J, Wang C, Wang D, Li M. Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides inhibit UVA-induced photodamage of human dermal fibroblast cells by activating up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 pathways. J Cosmet Dermatol (2021)(opens in a new tab)
- Song GR, Park HR, Lee HW, Choi SY, Kim YA, Park BJ, Shin KS. Structural Elucidation and Moisturizing Potential of a Polysaccharide Derived from Tremella mesenterica. Molecules (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide suppresses hydrogen peroxide-triggered injury of human skin fibroblasts via upregulation of SIRT1. Mol Med Rep (2017)(opens in a new tab)
- Mineroff J, Jagdeo J. The potential cutaneous benefits of Tremella fuciformis. Arch Dermatol Res (2023)(opens in a new tab)
- Xie L, Yang K, Liang Y, Zhu Z, Yuan Z, Du Z. Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides alleviate induced atopic dermatitis in mice by regulating immune response and gut microbiota. Front Pharmacol (2022)(opens in a new tab)
- Bozzo, Chua-Gocheco & Einarson. Can Fam Physician (2011)(opens in a new tab)