Ever wondered what mushrooms have to do with glowing skin? Turns out, quite a lot.
Globally, mushrooms are celebrated in beauty for their skin benefits. Take snow mushroom (Tremella fuciformis): it can hold hundreds of times its weight in water, like hyaluronic acid but, with smaller particles for smoother, deeper absorption.
Other star species such as reishi, chaga, shiitake, and cordyceps bring anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, brightening, and barrier-supporting properties to the mix. Research shows that mushrooms help hydrate, calm, and protect the skin, while also slowing the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin.
Enter Blu Beryl, South Africa’s very own mycelium-based skincare brand, where heritage meets science. Developed in collaboration with biotechnology innovators Sawubona Mycelium near Durban, Blu Beryl launched its beta-glucan-rich hydrating and anti-aging serums in 2022. The source of the beta-glucan? Schizophyllum commune or the split gill mushroom. Beta glucan is the main ingredient in all the mushrooms responsible for the super hydrating properties that rival hyaluronic acid.
All Blu Beryl formulations contain mushroom bioactives that were locally fermented using liquid mycelium cultivation, unlocking the potent bioactive compounds of mushrooms in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way. The mushroom strains themselves are carefully sourced from South Africa’s rich biodiversity, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, bringing a uniquely local and heritage-grounded dimension to every product.
Every product undergoes research, safety, and biological efficacy testing, ensuring that hydration, barrier repair, soothing, and anti-wrinkle benefits are delivered for all skin tones. With eco-friendly alternatives to traditional ingredients, think mycelium instead of snail slime, Blu Beryl proves that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
With global consumer interest in beta-glucan skincare rapidly growing. The market reached ~USD 534 million in 2023 and is projected to hit ~USD 789 million by 2029. Blu Beryl is riding the wave in a uniquely South African, proudly science-led, and tradition-rooted way.
Whether you’re hydrating, calming, fighting wrinkles, or embracing mindful skincare, mushrooms and Blu Beryl are here to make your journey natural, effective, and heartfelt.
