Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the primary causes of skin ageing, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. As the cosmetics industry searches for natural, effective ingredients to combat these effects, a new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Pu et al., 2025) suggests that a fermented extract of the Haitian Djon Djon mushrooms could offer protective benefits for skin health.
Djon Djon (also spelled djondjon or djon-djon) is the common name for black edible mushrooms used as a delicacy in some Haitian dishes, such as diri djondjon. The name djondjon does not refer to a single species of mushroom, but is rather a colloquial name for a group of several edible, taxonomically distinct species. However, some researchers suggest that the most common species is Psathyrella cf. hymenocephala. Species from Cantharellus and Inocybe have also been identified in dried mixtures sold in Haitian markets.
Djon Djon Mushrooms. Image Credits: Kwanzaa Culinarians
Investigating the Skincare Potential of Fermented Djon Djon
Researchers from Beijing Technology and Business University, along with partners in the US, investigated the skincare benefits of a Djon Djon fermentation broth (DDF) produced using Saccharomyces yeast. They tested its effects on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and fibroblasts (HSF cells), focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen production.
The team exposed skin cells to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to mimic oxidative damage and UVB radiation to replicate sun-induced ageing. They then measured key biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), type I collagen (COL-I), hyaluronic acid (HA), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α).
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
The fermented Djon Djon extract demonstrated several promising effects:
Reduced Oxidative Stress: DDF significantly lowered ROS levels in HSF cells, with 1% DDF proving more effective than ascorbic acid (50 µg/mL) at scavenging free radicals.
Increased Skin Defence Enzymes: H₂O₂ exposure reduced CAT levels, but treatment with DDF restored them, suggesting an enhanced antioxidant defence mechanism.
Boosted Collagen and Hydration: COL-I and HA levels were significantly increased in fibroblast cells treated with DDF, indicating potential anti-ageing effects.
Lowered Inflammation: DDF reduced UVB-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in keratinocytes, suggesting that it helps prevent sun-induced inflammatory damage.
This research supports the growing interest in fermented mushroom-based skincare. The bioactive compounds in DDF, including polysaccharides and peptides, appear to provide multiple skin benefits. Importantly, RNA sequencing revealed that DDF influenced the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway, which is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation in ageing skin.
Unlike synthetic antioxidants, fermented fungal extracts offer a natural, sustainable option for cosmetic formulations. The ability to modulate key inflammatory and oxidative pathways suggests that DDF could be an effective ingredient in anti-ageing and UV-protective skincare products.
Challenges and Future Directions
While the results are promising, further research is needed to:
Validate long-term safety and efficacy through clinical trials on human subjects.
Optimise fermentation conditions to enhance bioactive compound production.
Evaluate formulation stability for commercial skincare applications.
The study by Pu et al. (2025) highlights the potential of Djon Djon mushroom fermentation as an innovative approach to skincare. With its demonstrated ability to combat oxidative stress, boost collagen, and reduce inflammation, DDF could soon find its way into next-generation cosmeceuticals. As interest in fungal biotechnology grows, fermented mushrooms may play an increasingly important role in sustainable skincare solutions.
Citation: Pu, C., Shi, D., Ingrassia, M., Gedeon, H., Chu, T., Zhang, J., & Wang, C. (2025). Skincare Benefits of a Postbiotic Ferment Produced Through Djon Djon Mushroom Fermentation by Saccharomyces. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24:e70067. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70067