Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that can protect cells in the human body and is an important active substance in the body. Ergothioneine is safe and non-toxic. It has various physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, detoxification, maintaining DNA biosynthesis, normal cell growth, and cellular immunity.
Ergothioneine has coenzyme-like properties, participates in various biochemical activities of the human body, and has strong antioxidant properties. When applied externally to the skin, it can improve the activity of cortical cells and has anti-aging effects. Ergothioneine absorbs ultraviolet B-zone and can prevent skin photoaging. It can keep melanocytes active, and can always inhibit the glycation reaction of the skin proteins, reduce the production of melanin, and has the effect of brightening the skin. Ergothioneine also promotes hair growth effect.
Ultraviolet UVA in sunlight can penetrate into the dermis layer of human skin, affect the growth of epidermal cells, make skin surface cells die, and cause premature skin aging, while ultraviolet UVB is more likely to lead to the occurrence of skin cancer. Ergothioneine can minimize the formation of reactive species and protect cells from radiation damage. Therefore, ergothioneine can be added to certain cosmetics or skin care products as a skin protectant for the development of outdoor skin care products and protective cosmetics.