We’re used to hearing about collagen and vitamins when it comes to skin and hair supplements—but what if we told you mushrooms might be the next big thing in beauty?
It’s no secret that the beauty world is becoming more holistic. We want products that make us look great, yes—but increasingly, we’re reaching for the ones that help us feel good too. Recent data shows around 17 million people in the UK take supplements regularly, and a sizeable portion are turning to them for beauty benefits. In fact, searches for “supplements for better skin” have shot up by 235% in the past year.
It’s something Dr Rayyan Zafar, a Scientist at Imperial College London and Chief Scientific Officer at Moodeys, is deeply familiar with. He’s been looking into lesser-known, natural ingredients that offer real benefits—both inside and out. And according to him, mushrooms like Chaga and Lion’s Mane could be powerful additions to your routine.
Meet the Mushrooms: Chaga and Lion’s Mane
While you may not find them in your average skincare bottle, these mushrooms are proving to be more than just health store staples. Take Chaga mushroom—this antioxidant-rich fungus is loaded with a form of melanin (yes, the same pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their colour). According to Dr Rayyan, that means Chaga could play a role in supporting your skin tone and helping to maintain your hair’s natural colour and texture. It’s even thought to have a role in slowing visible signs of ageing like dullness and fine lines, thanks to its impressive levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD)—a natural compound that helps neutralise oxidative stress.
And that’s not all. Chaga also supports the immune system, helps lower inflammation, and can regulate cholesterol and blood sugar. So, it’s working harder behind the scenes than most of us realise.
Then there’s Lion’s Mane, most often known for its cognitive benefits. But this clever little mushroom also supports the production of NGF (nerve growth factor), which not only benefits the brain but also nerves that connect to the scalp and hair follicles. Translation? Less stress-related hair loss, better circulation, and potentially healthier, fuller-looking hair.
Supplements Alone Aren’t Magic—But They Can Help
Of course, Dr Rayyan is the first to say that no supplement will give you perfect skin and hair overnight. “A good diet, rest, and regular movement are the foundations,” he explains. “But ingredients like Chaga and Lion’s Mane can give your body extra support, especially when stress and lifestyle start to show up on your skin and hair.”
Where to Try Them
You can pick up Chaga and Lion’s Mane as individual supplements in health stores and pharmacies, but if you’re looking for a blend that works well together, Moodeys’ Happy Hour might be the one to watch.
This naturally sourced, organic supplement includes both Chaga and Lion’s Mane, alongside other mood-supporting ingredients. It’s designed to reduce feelings of anxiety, balance mood during PMS and menopause, and yes—support better skin and hair from the inside out. There’s even high-quality saffron extract in the mix (the best in the world, according to Moodeys), which is known for its mood-boosting and hormonal support benefits.
Priced from £44, Happy Hour is formulated to help you feel and look good—because let’s face it, the two go hand in hand.
Samples first for £6.49
Not quite ready to dive in? You can try a sample first for just £6.49, which personally we feel is a great way to try without too much commitment.
Have you already tried the ‘magic of mushrooms’? Do let us know… (beauty related, of course!)
