Reishi (INCI: Ganoderma Lucidum Extract) is one of the vital mushrooms whose fruiting body serves as the starting material for cosmetic raw material extraction. CONIUNCTA® provides this extract in liquid form and in three water-based carrier variants: Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol. For formulators, this results in a flexibly usable mushroom extract that is defined by the characteristic polysaccharides of the fruiting body and, depending on the choice of carrier, covers different requirements ranging from pure cosmetics to food applications.
The Fruiting Body of Ganoderma lucidum as a Raw Material Basis
Botanically, the extract is obtained from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. The native extract has a drug-to-extract ratio (DER) of 1:10; 1 kg of CONIUNCTA® extract contains the hydrophilic components of around 30 g of dried mushroom parts. The extract content is approximately 30% across all carrier variants. Extraction is carried out using CONIUNCTA® AVE technology, a vacuum-assisted high-shear homogenization process with rapid cell disruption and aqueous extraction. This gentle process is designed to reproducibly transfer the water-soluble components of the fruiting body into the liquid matrix. Details on the process can be found on our page about AVE technology.
Polysaccharides as a Characteristic Component
As the characteristic class of compounds, the data sheet documents polysaccharides, to which the CDS assigns the functions moisturising and film-forming. A quantitative concentration statement for a single marker is not recorded in the dossier; the statement on polysaccharides is qualitative in nature. For formulators, this means: the extract is characterized via its compound class and its physicochemical parameters, not via a standardized lead marker content.
Batch-specific analytical data are available as a customer-specific service. GC-MS analyses and further batch-related analyses (HPLC/DAD, GC/MS, LC-MS) are available upon request. The respective valid parameters for pH, relative density and refractive index can be found in the batch-related CoA.
Documented Claim Areas
The CDS states the following claim areas verbatim: astringent, balancing, soothing, elasticity support and pore-refining. These statements describe the application directions of the extract as recorded in the document. We expressly point out that advertising claims on the final product must be substantiated by an independent assessment carried out by the finished product manufacturer in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 655/2013. Responsibility for the evaluation of claims in the specific finished product thus lies with the responsible person of the respective product.
Comparison of the Three Carrier Variants
CONIUNCTA® offers the Reishi Extract in three water-based carrier systems that differ in composition and suitability:
- Glycerin variant (INCI: Glycerin, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract): aqueous-glycerinic extract with approx. 70% glycerin (≥99.5%, anhydrous) and approx. 30% extract content. This variant is the only one suitable for both cosmetics and food.
- Pentylene Glycol variant (INCI: Aqua (Water), Pentylene Glycol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract): pentylene glycol/water mixture as standardization medium, extraction with purified water. Suitable for cosmetic applications.
- Propylene Glycol variant (INCI: Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract): propylene glycol/water mixture as standardization medium. Suitable for cosmetic applications; this carrier variant is not suitable for food use.
The choice of carrier variant is guided by the target formulation, the desired INCI declaration and the intended application (cosmetics or food). For all variants, the documented use concentration in cosmetics is 2 to 5%. Only the glycerin variant is suitable for food; a percentage specification for food application is not documented and is provided upon request. Our technical team is happy to clarify specific formulation and dosage questions individually. An overview of further water-soluble raw materials can be found in our collection of glycerin extracts.
Regulatory Status, Safety and Food Suitability
According to the safety data sheet, the Reishi Extract is not a hazardous substance and carries no classification under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008: no pictogram, no signal word, no H- or P-statements. It is not classified as dangerous goods under ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA. When handling, vapors and aerosols should not be inhaled and eye protection should be worn; special skin protection is not required. The recommended storage temperature is 15 to 25°C, tightly sealed. Shelf life is 24 months when stored in a dry place between 10 and 30°C in the original sealed container.
From a regulatory perspective, the botanical or fungal extract is exempt from registration requirements under REACH Annex V No. 8; the carrier substance is registered by the manufacturer. For food application, it is relevant that the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum is not considered novel under the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283; food use is limited to the glycerin variant. The extract is suitable for vegan use. Further documents are available via our technical documentation. Please note that color changes may occur depending on storage and temperature, and that in the case of turbidity or precipitation, filtration is possible without affecting product quality.
Position within the CONIUNCTA® Mushroom Range
The Reishi Extract joins the growing range of mushroom extracts from CONIUNCTA®. Formulators looking for further fungal raw materials will find them in our collection of mushroom extracts. Our technical team is available to help with the specific selection of the appropriate carrier variant, batch-related analytical data and clarification of food suitability. View the Reishi Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop and inquire for your project.
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