One quarter of the 5% mushroom complex, contributing beta-glucans: the polysaccharides that hold water at the surface of the skin.
(Ganoderma lucidum · INCI: Ganoderma Lucidum Extract)
Antioxidant · Beta-glucan rich · Calming · Sensitive-skin suited · Part of the M-Veil mushroom complex
5 min read · One of four mushrooms in the M-Veil complex
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum, is a mushroom long used in East Asian herbal tradition, where it's known as lingzhi, the mushroom of immortality. It's one of four mushroom extracts in Philogeni's M-Veil complex, present at 1.25% within the 5% total complex, valued for its beta-glucans and antioxidant compounds.
Why menopausal and perimenopausal skin changes
As estrogen declines, skin becomes drier, more reactive and less able to defend itself against environmental stress. Its antioxidant reserves thin and the barrier grows more easily irritated. Mushrooms like reishi earn their place here on two counts: their antioxidant compounds help defend skin against the visible effects of environmental stress, and their beta-glucans are known in skincare for supporting hydration and a comfortable, soothed-looking barrier.
What reishi does for menopausal skin
- Antioxidant defence: reishi is rich in polysaccharides, triterpenes and polyphenols that help defend against the visible effects of environmental stress. This antioxidant activity has been observed in laboratory studies on skin cells (see the research below).
- Beta-glucan support: its beta-glucans are valued in skincare for supporting hydration and a comfortable barrier.
- Calming: suited to reactive, easily-irritated skin, helping it look calmer and comforted.
- Gentle: well-tolerated and appropriate for sensitive, menopausal skin.
What the research shows
Reishi's skin research is mostly laboratory-based, carried out on cultured skin cells rather than in clinical trials, so it is best read as promising mechanism rather than proven outcome. Within that context, the findings are consistent. Reishi’s antioxidant activity has been looked at repeatedly in the laboratory, and the findings point the same way each time. What that means for a face is narrower, and worth saying plainly: in this formula reishi is here for its beta-glucans, which hold water at the surface and help skin feel comfortable and look less tight. The laboratory work is why we were interested. The hydration is what we dose it for.
Ingredient profile
- INCI: Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
- Common names: Reishi, lingzhi
- Key compounds: beta-glucans, triterpenes, polyphenols
- Function: antioxidant defence, barrier and hydration support
- Concentration: 1.25%, its share of the 5% four-mushroom M-Veil complex, dissolved in oil
- Suited to: sensitive, reactive and menopausal skin
Featured in
Start with the Resilience Balm, our most-loved formula, or explore the M-Veil™ Antioxidant Serum. In both, reishi sits within the four-mushroom M-Veil complex, alongside bakuchiol and CoQ10. Read more in why mushrooms matter for menopausal skin.
Common questions
What does reishi do for skin?
Reishi contributes antioxidant compounds and beta-glucans, valued for defending against the visible effects of environmental stress and supporting a hydrated, comfortable-looking barrier.
Is there clinical research on reishi for skin?
The research on reishi for skin is largely laboratory-based, showing antioxidant activity in cultured skin cells rather than in clinical trials.
Is reishi good for sensitive, menopausal skin?
Yes. It is gentle and well-tolerated, and its calming character suits reactive skin.
What are the other mushrooms in the complex?
Reishi works alongside chaga, cordyceps and maitake in our four-mushroom M-Veil complex.
References and further reading
- Reishi polysaccharides and UVB-stressed skin fibroblasts (in vitro study, 2017). PubMed Central
- Ganoderma lucidum extract and keratinocyte antioxidant protection. Pharmaceuticals, 2020, 13(9), 224. DOI
- Ganoderma lucidum extract, antioxidant defence and cellular ageing in dermal fibroblasts (2025). PubMed Central
- Venturella G, et al. (2021). Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(2), 634. DOI
At a glance
- Common name: Reishi (lingzhi)
- INCI: Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
- Key compounds: beta-glucans, triterpenes, polyphenols
- Cosmetic function: antioxidant, barrier and hydration support
- Concentration: 1.25% (within the 5% mushroom complex)
- Found in: M-Veil™ Antioxidant Serum, Resilience Balm
- Status: vegan, part of the M-Veil complex
One of four mushrooms in the M-Veil complex, reishi brings antioxidant and barrier support to menopausal skin. Shop the Resilience Balm or explore the M-Veil™ Antioxidant Serum.
