The Science Behind Mycena
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Science-backed. Nature-rooted.
How we formulate
Mycena is built on three things: high-purity copper tripeptides, functional mushrooms, and biologically active ancillary compounds. Below is the evidence for each — and independent lab results for the copper peptides we use.
Tested, not assumed
Our copper peptides are produced to our own specifications and analyzed by an independent laboratory for identity, purity, and safety on every batch. Representative results:
| Test | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu purity (HPLC) | ≥ 98.0% | 99.87% |
| GHK-Cu copper content | 8.0–16.0% | 13.74% |
| AHK-Cu purity (HPLC) | ≥ 95.0% | 98.14% |
| AHK-Cu copper content | 8.0–16.0% | 12.27% |
| Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium) | Within limits | Pass |
| Microbial (total plate count, yeast & mold) | Within limits | Pass |
| Identity (mass spec / molecular ion) | Conforms | Complies |
Results from independent Certificates of Analysis on representative batches — GHK-Cu analyzed July 2025, AHK-Cu analyzed December 2025. Our tremella and cordyceps extracts are certified organic in origin and likewise verified for polysaccharide content and purity.
The evidence behind our ingredients
Copper peptides — GHK-Cu & AHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is one of the most-studied peptides in skin science. Research associates it with the skin's own repair signalling — it influences lysyl oxidase, a copper-dependent enzyme involved in collagen and elastin cross-linking, and helps modulate matrix metalloproteinases. In controlled studies, topical GHK-Cu has been associated with increased collagen in a majority of volunteers, comparable to or greater than vitamin C and retinoic acid. AHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-3) is the hair- and scalp-specific copper peptide studied for follicle support.
PubMed: Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci 2018 — PMID 29986520.
Read our full write-up on copper peptides →
Tremella (snow mushroom)
Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides are exceptional humectants. Their many hydroxyl and carboxyl groups bind water into a moisture-holding network; studies show they can retain moisture comparably to — or better than — hyaluronic acid at lower concentrations, and are associated with reduced transepidermal water loss and increased skin hydration.
PubMed: tremella fuciformis polysaccharides and transepidermal water loss — PMID 36091780.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris is rich in cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine — compounds studied for antioxidant support and their role in cellular energy. It's the science behind that bright, awake, well-rested look.
PubMed Central: Cordyceps militaris extracts, antioxidant activity — PMC9030010.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has solid clinical evidence for supporting the skin barrier — it aids ceramide and free-fatty-acid synthesis — and for improving the appearance of tone, texture, and fine lines at cosmetic concentrations.
PubMed: Bissett et al., Dermatol Surg 2005 — PMID 16029679.
Supporting actives
- Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) — a humectant that binds many times its weight in water for immediate, plumping hydration.
- Salicylic acid — an oil-soluble BHA studied for gently exfoliating and clearing follicle-blocking buildup on the scalp.
- Caffeine — an antioxidant studied for supporting local microcirculation at the scalp.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Mycena products are cosmetics and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Ingredient research is provided for education and describes the ingredients, not claims about finished-product performance.