Hello all!
– I was intrigued to try out the new line from the K-beauty brand I’m From. They like to incorporate some kind of food into their skincare, such as their Rice Line and Honey Line etc. I wanted to try out the Mushroom Collagen Ampoule and the Mushroom Collagen Cream and share my thoughts and experience with you!
NOTE: This brand is Cruelty- Free and these particular products are Fragrance and Essential oil-free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
Why Mushroom? (Tremella Fuciformis Extract):
According to this paper, the Chinese Silver Ear Mushroom Extract provides a Polysaccharide (a large sugar molecule) that is a moisturiser/humectant (pulls water into the skin). It is supposed to have a higher water-retention ability than Hyaluronic Acid (i.e. even more hydrating) thanks to the Glucuronic acid component of this sugar (HA can hold up to x1000 its own weight). The good thing is, both these products contain 20% Mushroom Extract, so it’s a high and effective amount. The extract itself is also not sticky (compared to Hyaluronic Acid serums) and is smooth.
This paper also shows Tremella seems to have an antioxidant effect (protect the skin from free radical damage). This other paper (and this paper) also discusses its wound healing and well-ageing properties. This paper discusses how the extract helps reduce both water and collagen loss (and collagen breakdown) from the skin. A Korean paper discussed the whitening and well-ageing benefits of this extract on the skin as well.
All the experimental papers make it known that these were tested in vitro, and so further research should be done on how well these effects translate onto faces etc. But so far it seems like this mushroom extract is alleged to prevent collagen loss, is photoprotective, wound healing and intensely hydrating. Out of all these papers, this extract at least deeply hydrates the skin, which makes it great for most skin types, especially as it’s not sticky or tacky.
What about Collagen?
These products include Soluble Collagen (i.e. can dissolve in water). This particular collagen is vegan. Collagen is a large molecule that cannot be absorbed into the middle layers of the skin. So, its main property is its very efficient water-binding capacity (it can pull in a lot of water and is very moisturising). It forms a hydrating film on the skin and helps reduce water loss on the skin. It is not an anti-ageing or collagen-stimulating ingredient, but is intensely hydrating so it can help plump up the skin and reduce the look of firm lines because of it. (Papers: 1,2).
Mushroom Collagen Ampoule
Volume: 30ml
Price: £27.52
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK.
What is it + What does it do?: A plant-based ampoule that aims to provide both moisture and resilience to sagging skin. Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom Extract) is included to provide antioxidant benefits and firm up the skin while leaving a light texture.
Directions: ”Apply after toning and tap lightly for absorption. Follow with the I’m From Mushroom Collagen Cream for ”optimal” benefits.”
How I apply it: I’m from even states that due to this consistency; the dropper might be unable to dispense enough ampoule – and yes, I agree! It’s not very good at picking up product and dispensing it. The tip from the brand is to squeeze the dropper outside of the bottle and then while squeezing, put it back into the bottle and release to suck up more product. I have tried this and although it does work better, the brand should reconsider its packaging as it’s not ideal or quick to use.
How Long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
Packaging: Glass bottle with a dropper. I really do not like this dropper and it doesn’t dispense/dispel product adequately (however there’s a tip I’m From mentioned above).
Key Ingredients: Of course, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract (20%) is included which is hydrating. The other key hydrating ingredient is Soluble Collagen (Hydrating). Sugars i.e. Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose are also hydrating. Beta-Glucan (Moisturising).
Other Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Brightening + Skin-barrier reinforcing + Anti-blemish), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Antioxidant + Anti-Blemish), Adenosine (Skin-barrier reinforcing), Squalane + Ceramide NP (Emollients), Panthenol + Liquorice Extract (Soothing + Hydrating).
Full Ingredients: Water, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract (20%), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Soluble Collagen, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Triisostearin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Propanediol, Glucose, Panthenol, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Ceramide NP, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Trehalose, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum.
Fragrance + EO Free?: Yes.
Vegan + Cruelty-Free?: Yes.
Texture:
- As you can see, this has a lightweight texture. It will run down the hand if I tilt it. It does not feel sticky and feels hydrating (almost like a liquid cream but more watery than that).
- This feels cooling and soothing when in contact with the skin and instantly hydrating.
- This did not sting or irritate my skin when applying.
- This does not feel sticky or tacky either.
Is this layerable?: Yes this is fine (doesn’t ball up).
(Left) No Product VS (Right) Product:
- Hopefully you can see the water-based, hydrating and lightweight feel of this product.
Which skin type is this good for?: All skin types could use this. Dry skins could enjoy applying this right before a thicker cream (like the collagen cream below). My Oily-Combo Skin enjoys this lightweight hydrating and moisturising texture.
Video Swatch:
- As you can see from the above, this is a lightweight ampoule and isn’t tacky.
Scent: This doesn’t have a scent to me.
Overall + My Experience: A Hydrating Ampoule! This is both soothing and refreshing on the skin and mildly moisturising too! It’s lighter than a liquid cream and did not irritate my skin. I didn’t notice any drastic changes to my skin but this has helped maintain my skin’s condition and has definitely helped hydrate it. My biggest issue with this product is the packaging, I do not like the dropper and find it difficult to use.
Dupe?: In terms of products that also contain Mushroom Extract, the Mary & May Citrus Unshiu Fruit + Tremella Fuciformis Serum HERE, or the Etude Aloe 99% Gel.
Note: Dry skins may prefer the Byoma Hydrating Serum( Review HERE).
Mushroom Collagen Cream
Volume: 50ml
Price: £30.10
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Soko Glam: LINK
What is it + What does it do?: Containing 30% Mushroom Extract; this is a moisturising cream containing Niacinamide to also help boost the overall radiance of the skin. This does not leave a sticky or tacky finish and is gentle on the skin.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
Directions + How I use it: Apply at the last step of skincare and pair with the Mushroom Collagen Ampoule for ”Optimal Effects.” – I used this in the PM t the end of my skincare routine. I did not need much to be able to spread this around the face and neck. It also didn’t take long for this to settle/absorb which is pleasant!
Layerable?: Yes this doesn’t ball up.
Key Ingredients: 30% Mushroom Extract (Hydrating and Moisturising), Niacinamide (Brightening, Anti-Blemish and Skin-barrier reinforcing + Moisturising), Adenosine (Skin-barrier reinforcing), Ceramide NP (Moisturising), Sucrose + Beta-Glucan (Hydrating and Soothing), Mannose + Glucose (Hydrating).
Note: The Ampoule contains 20% Mushroom Extract whereas the cream contains 30%
Full Ingredients: Water, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract (30%), Glycerin, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Niacinamide, Vinyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Methyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Soluble Collagen, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Beta-Glucan, Sucrose, Ceramide Np, Mannose, Glucose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
Fragrance + EO Free?: Yes.
Vegan + Cruelty-Free?: Yes.
Texture:
- As you can see this is definitely has a creamy texture! It’s smooth when spreading out and slightly cooling. It doesn’t feel sticky, tacky or greasy, but very creamy.
No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)
- This does not feel sticky on the skin. It feels smooth and creamy as you can tell.
Which Skin Type would prefer this?: Normal + Combination + Dry Skins would enjoy this over Oily Skins as this is just slightly too thick for even my oily-combo skin.
Video Swatch:
- As you can see: This has quite a thick and creamy texture. It’s definitely more moisturising than it is hydrating, but it still provides some hydration while wearing.
Scent: This is Fragrance + EO Free and doesn’t smell like anything other than a cream.
Dupes: A similar textured product that also contains Mushroom Extract (actually contains higher than this cream at 50%) is the Kaine – Vegan Collagen Youth Cream (Swatches + Review HERE). In terms of the texture, the Krave Oat So Simple Water Cream is very similar (Review HERE), and the April Skin Artemesia Hydra Gel Cream (HERE).
Overall Effect + Experience: This is a lovely, smooth cream. I can definitely see this being a great makeup primer too. It is slightly more moisturising than it is hydrating/watery, however it doesn’t mean that this doesn’t provide any hydrating benefits (I can feel it). It didn’t drastically change my skin but it felt soothing and moisturising on the skin without irritating it.
- For my Oily-Combo Skin however this is a bit too thick for me, but Normal and Combo + Dry skins could enjoy this.
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Conclusion
These products have been nice to use! I appreciate that both products contain numerous extra additional skin-beneficial ingredients (i.e. like Niacinamide, Panthenol and Adenosine), and that Mushroom Extract does actually provide some benefits (particularly hydrating ones) to the skin. I have enjoyed both textures of these products and they did not worsen my skin’s condition. As someone with Oily-Combo Skin, I prefer lightweight and watery textures; so I have preferred the Ampoule over the Cream as the cream is slightly too thick for me. However, I would definitely recommend the cream to Normal and Dry Skins as it does have a pleasantly smooth texture and it doesn’t feel solely moisturising, there is some watery hydration in there too.
Would I repurchase?: I am disappointed in the packaging of the ampoule (dispensing is a big pain) so although I like the juice inside, I would not repurchase. If I had dry-er skin, I could imagine myself repurchasing the cream.
These have overall helped with the moisture and hydration levels of my skin in a gentle and soothing way while maintaining my skin’s balanced condition. It has not drastically altered my skin,
Check out my other I’m From Product Reviews HERE.
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
My Skincare Regime 
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