Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract

Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) stem extract is a botanical antioxidant/soothing claim ingredient typically used at low concentrations, but as a complex plant extract it contains multiple bioactive compounds that can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in a minority of reactive or eczematous patients. Clinical patch-test data on this specific stem extract is limited and product-to-product variability (extraction solvents, contaminants, residual proteins) increases uncertainty, so I rate it as mild irritation potential rather than categorically “gentle,” especially for compromised skin. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare, Ganoderma Lucidum (reishi) stem extract is often used at very low levels (around 0.0005–0.05%) as part of multi-botanical “complexes,” where it functions primarily as a marketing/soothing antioxidant support ingredient and is typically listed mid-to-late INCI. Higher-strength consumer serums/ampoules and “single-hero” botanical formulas can reach ~1–5% when the supplier material is a standardized extract designed for direct addition at percent-level (with the upper end limited by solubility, color/odor, and stability rather than regulation). Rinse-off products generally sit toward the lower half of the range due to short contact time, while leave-on products more commonly occupy the upper half.