13 Powerful Poria Cocos Extract Skin Benefits

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Poria cocos extract comes from mushroom species in the genus Poria and is popping up in skin care products for its potent antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. Poria cocos extract skin benefits evening out skin tone, soothing irritation, and boosting collagen production.¹

Poria cocos extract is a polysaccharide-rich compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. These properties make it a promising ingredient for treating a variety of skin concerns, including acne, eczema, and wrinkles.²

Hydration is the largest benefit of poria cocos extract. By increasing the skin’s moisture content, poria cocos extract can help to keep the skin looking plump and youthful. This decrease in water loss also makes poria cocos extract an excellent soothing agent for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Hydration is also important for maintaining the skin barrier, which helps to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.

Related: 9 Impressive Hydrating Facial Benefits For Skin

What Is Poria Cocos Extract

Poria cocos is an edible medicinal fungus known as “Fuling” in Chinese and has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for more than two thousand years.  Poria cocos is a white, fleshy fungus that grows on the roots of certain trees in China, Korea, and Japan.

The extract from Poria cocos contains several beneficial compounds, including triterpenoids, sterols, coumarins, and phenols. These compounds give Poria cocos extract its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Poria cocos extract also has a lot of different benefits, like³

• reducing tumors
• helping the immune system
• reducing inflammation
• fighting against oxidation
• helping with aging
• preventing hepatitis and diabetes
• stopping bleeding

With roots in traditional Chinese medicine, poria cocos extract is an essential ingredient in many formulas used to treat a variety of ailments.

Related: A Comprehensive Guide To Traditional Chinese Medicine

Nutritional Value Of Poria Cocos

Poria Cocos is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, C, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium⁴.

• Vitamin D helps the skin by reducing inflammation and boosting immunity
• Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for collagen production.
• Potassium helps to keep skin hydrated and looking plump.
• Phosphorus is necessary for cell growth and regeneration.
• Magnesium helps to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.

Poria Cocos extract also contains compounds like triterpenoids, coumarins, and phenols which have antioxidant properties⁵. These compounds scavenge free radicals and help to protect cells from damage.

Poria Cocos Extract Skin Benefits

1. Hydrates Skin

Poria cocos extract contains high levels of beta-glucans and triterpenes (the special sugars in mushrooms that assist the immune system) and supports the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture, helping to soothe and plump dry skin.⁶

2. Fights Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of poria cocos extract can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce the redness and swelling associated with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.⁷

3. Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Poria cocos extract stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. By increasing collagen production, poria cocos extract can help to reduce the signs of aging and keep skin looking youthful and radiant.⁸

4. Evens Out Skin Tone

Poria cocos extract contains compounds that inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin production is increased in response to sun exposure, resulting in sunspots and uneven skin tone. By inhibiting melanin production, poria cocos extract can help to even out skin tone and give the complexion a more uniform appearance.⁹

5. Soothes Sunburned Skin

The anti-inflammatory properties of poria cocos extract can help to soothe sunburned skin and reduce the redness and swelling associated with a bad sunburn. With the antioxidant properties of poria cocos extract, it can also help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.¹⁰

6. Boosts Immunity

Poria cocos extract contains high levels of beta-glucans, polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system. By boosting immunity, poria cocos extract can help to protect the skin from harmful bacteria and viruses.¹¹

7. Fights Free radicals

Poria cocos extract contains potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and help to protect cells from damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, leading to premature aging and disease. By fighting free radicals, poria cocos extract can help to keep cells healthy and prevent the signs of aging.¹²

8. Brightens Skin

Circulation-stimulating poria cocos extract can help to brighten dull, lackluster skin. The improved circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, giving the complexion a radiant, healthy glow.¹¹

9. Reduces Dark Circles

Puffy, dark under-eye circles are often the result of poor circulation. Poria cocos extract can help to reduce dark circles by stimulating circulation and bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area.¹²

10. Clears Acne

The anti-inflammatory properties of poria cocos extract can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. The antioxidant properties of poria cocos extract can also help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of bacteria and viruses.¹³

11. Soothes Irritation

Inflammation and irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, pollution, and chemicals. The anti-inflammatory properties of poria cocos extract can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling.¹⁴

12. Reduces Redness

Rosacea is a condition that causes redness and inflammation of the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of poria cocos extract can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with rosacea. Red skin can also be caused by sunburn, inflammation, and irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties of poria cocos extract can help to soothe these conditions and reduce redness.¹⁵

13. Fades Scars

Poria cocos extract contains compounds that can help to lighten scars and other dark spots on the skin. The lightening properties of poria cocos extract can help to fade scars and give the complexion a more even appearance. Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin, which can result in dark spots on the skin. The lightening properties of poria cocos extract can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and give the complexion a more even tone.¹⁶

Poria Cocos extract is a natural, sustainable ingredient that has numerous skin benefits. By hydration the skin, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and fighting free radicals, poria cocos extract can help to keep skin looking its best.

Products With Poria Cocos Extract

The best way to use poria cocos extract is to incorporate it into your skincare routine. Below are some products that contain poria cocos extract based on your skin type or concern:

If you have dry skin:

The Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream from StriVectin is perfect for those with dry skin. This cream contains poria cocos extract to hydrate and nourish the skin.

If you want to brighten your complexion:

The BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum with Poria Cocos Extract from Dermalogica is perfect for those looking to brighten their complexion. This ampoule contains poria cocos extract to help improve circulation and give the skin a radiant, healthy glow.

If you have acne-prone skin:

The Super Spot Remover™ Acne Treatment Gel from Origins is perfect for those with acne-prone skin. This serum contains poria cocos extract to help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.

Poria Cocos extract is a powerful, natural ingredient that has numerous skin benefits. By incorporating poria cocos extract into your skincare routine, you can enjoy its many benefits for healthier, more youthful-looking skin.