Chaga Mushroom Extract

INCI: Inonotus Obliquus Extract
Also known as: Birch chaga
BotanicalsantioxidantbotanicalAnecdotal evidencePregnancy safe
68
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
0/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
0.5%–3%
How It Works

A birch-tree fungus rich in melanin precursors and antioxidants. Marketed as a high-ORAC botanical for skin.

Polysaccharides + betulinic acid + superoxide dismutase mimic antioxidant network actions.

pH Range
5.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Antioxidant
  • Soothes
  • Strengthens barrier
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingSensitivity
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
3%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–3%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Chaga tea consumed traditionally in Siberia.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Marketing-driven ingredient with modest clinical evidence.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Chaga Mushroom Extract.

3 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial
Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.
Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013
View Study →
Systematic Review
Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.
Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Ceramide-dominant emollients improved skin barrier function by 63% within 6 weeks.
Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C
Cutis, 2006
View Study →
Pairs Well With
ReishiVitamin C
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

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