Dermatologists break down the benefits and potential risks of these increasingly popular beauty products.

Fungus had a big year in 2023 as the antagonist of HBO’s “The Last of Us.” But outside the fictional realm, these organisms found viral fame for a more positive reason: the potential skin benefits of mushrooms.

It turns out they aren’t just great for eating. Mushroom skin care has been all the rage this year, as seen on TikTok and in several recent skin care product innovations.

But what exactly can mushrooms do for our dermis? Below, medical professionals break it down.

What is mushroom skin care?