Cordyceps
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
funghi family: cordycipitaceae

Internal Benefits:
Although some experts agree we need more research on the health benefits of mushrooms, many believers think cordyceps is special because it delivers a plentiful supply of oxygen to the body, fueling its cells. “It boosts adenosine triphosphate—our body’s main energy source—which can be felt within 15 minutes of ingesting the mushroom,” says Seiberlich.

External Benefits:
When applied to the skin, it offers the same stimulatory effect. According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, “The biggest skin benefit of cordyceps is that it’s vitalizing, making it perfect for those who are struggling with dark circles, dryness or a lackluster complexion.”

Reishi
Ganoderma lingzhi
funghi family: ganodermataceae

Internal Benefits:
Nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi contains high concentrations of beta-glucans and triterpenoids—two powerhouses that boost immune strength, balance hormones and reduce the side effects of seasonal allergies. “These antioxidants also act as a brain tonic and have long been used to enhance mood and support concentration,” says Bacon.

External Benefits:
As we age, our body’s ceramides—the protective skin barrier that locks in hydration—begin to deplete. Applying this mushroom topically may slow this process (also thanks to beta-glucans), a reason why more brands have been adding reishi to the top of their ingredient list. Chen says reishi has been “highly praised in herbal medicine for thousands of years due to this effect on the skin’s longevity.”

Tremella
Tremella fuciformis
funghi family: tremellaceae

Internal Benefits:
The Chinese University of Hong Kong performed a study on rats in which scientists examined whether the tremella mushroom (aka snow mushroom) would have an effect on blood and liver lipid levels. After four weeks, scientists reported a significant decrease in the rat’s LDL cholesterol, which revealed that ingesting tremella may lessen the chances for heart attack and stroke.

External Benefits:
“Tremella mushrooms have high polysaccharide levels and work like hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into the skin,” says Severin. “But, because they’re smaller in size than hyaluronic acid molecules, polysaccharides—they hold five times more water than hyaluronic acid—draw moisture even deeper into the skin.”

Chaga
Inonotus obliquus
funghi family: hymenochaetaceae

Internal Benefits:
Chaga is a very powerful detoxifier, which is largely the result of its high levels of antioxidants. “It contains more antioxidants than almost anything else you can find in nature, so it’s great for fighting free radicals,” says Seiberlich. The longer our body can fight free radicals, the slower we will show signs of bodily deterioration (hence why it’s called the “beauty mushroom”).

External Benefits:
The chaga mushroom is full of melanin, which helps shield skin from dangerous UV rays, possibly reducing its likelihood of premature aging. But Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD warns that “the next new thing is not always better than what we have”: traditional sunscreen. “There is also a limit to how much benefit you can get from layering various antioxidants.”