TL;DR: Tremella mushroom and hyaluronic acid are both humectants, but tremella has a smaller molecular size, which means deeper skin penetration. Per Dr. Dendy Engelman, tremella's particles "are smaller than hyaluronic acid, so it penetrates the skin more easily." Tremella also delivers antioxidant and collagen-supporting benefits HA can't match. Verdoie harnesses tremella in both halves of Le Shroom Stack™.
What are tremella mushrooms?
Tremella mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, dating back to the imperial Tang dynasty for their ability to support a soft, supple appearance. The active component is their high polysaccharide content, particularly beta-glucans, that gives tremella its moisture-retention power.
What are the skin benefits of tremella?
-
Hydration that rivals or exceeds hyaluronic acid. Per Dr. Dendy Engelman, "the particles are smaller than hyaluronic acid, so it penetrates the skin more easily"
-
Collagen support through dehydration prevention. Tremella's humectant action stabilizes skin cells, preserving elasticity
-
Antioxidants that combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage skin and accelerate aging
How does hyaluronic acid compare?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, known for binding and retaining water. It's popular for surface plumping, but its molecule is large and penetrates less effectively. HA tends to sit on top of the skin, providing hydration at the surface only.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
-
Water attraction: HA holds water molecules, providing surface hydration
-
Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles through hydration
-
Collagen support as a natural component of collagen structure
Why does Verdoie use tremella?
Tremella offers what hyaluronic acid can't: a plant-based source with nutrient-rich bioactives and a long history of traditional use. Verdoie harnesses tremella in Le Complément Alimentaire to beckon moisture into skin cells from the inside, and in La Crème Hydratante for high-concentration topical beta-glucan delivery that trains the skin barrier to retain more moisture over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does tremella work like hyaluronic acid?
A: Better, in some ways. Tremella penetrates deeper, hydrates comparably or more effectively, and adds antioxidant and collagen-supporting benefits that pure hyaluronic acid doesn't offer.
Q: Can I use both tremella and hyaluronic acid?
A: Yes. They complement each other well: tremella for deeper hydration, HA for surface plumping.
Q: Is tremella safe for sensitive skin?
A: Yes. Tremella is widely recommended for sensitive and reactive skin because of its anti-inflammatory profile and gentle humectant action.
Q: Does Verdoie contain tremella in every product?
A: Yes. Tremella is one of four hero mushrooms in Le Shroom Stack™, concentrated in both Le Complément Alimentaire and La Crème Hydratante.
Author: Verdoie Team
Last updated: April 2026
Sources
-
NCBI: Differences in the Moisture Capacity and Thermal Stability of Tremella
-
Allure: Snow Mushroom Might Be a Better Hydrator Than Hyaluronic Acid