Ergothioneine is a kind of natural antioxidant and a unique cell physiological protective agent, which has many physiological functions such as scavenging free radicals, whitening, anti-aging preventing ultraviolet radiation damage, maintaining DNA synthesis and normal cell growth.Ergothioneine also has a surface inhibitory effect on an enzyme that plays a role in fueling excess melanin within skin's uppermost layers. In doing so, ergothioneine plays a supporting role helping to fade discolorations.

Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant that is highly protective of cells, non-toxic, and is not easily oxidized in water. Ergothioneine can hinder pigment formation and deposit, and whiten the skin. As an antioxidant, Ergothioneine and its derivatives have the effect of reducing or even preventing protein glycosylation. To prevent age-related loss of skin elasticity, modify and improve facial contours, and prevent or improve the appearance of orange skin lines.

For sun protection, in the ultraviolet absorption range, Ergothioneine has a similar absorption wavelength to DNA, a molar extinction coefficient of 1.4*104 M-1 cm-1, λmax257, which can minimize the formation of reactive oxygen species and protect cells from radiation damage, therefore, Ergothioneine can be used as a physiological filter of ultraviolet. Many studies have shown that Ergothioneine can avoid the damage of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, and is a very effective sunscreen ingredient. Inflammation is the body's response to an infection of the skin, and excessive UV exposure and stress are all causes of inflammation. Studies have shown that Ergothioneine has an anti-inflammatory effect in skin cells, and it is even more effective when combined with vitamin C.

Another, Ergothioneine can regulate the redox reaction in the cell, and participate in the regulation of the energy in the cell. It is a physiological protective agent of the cell, and its biological and pharmacological properties are safe and stable. Therefore, adding ergothioneine to the cosmetic formula can not only maintain the stability of other ingredients, but also promote the absorption of active ingredients by skin. It indicates that ergothioneine has a good synergistic effect; and it effectively enhances the efficacy of other ingredients, and achieves skincare effect 1+1>2. When ergothioneine is used in an antioxidant product, not only can it exert a strong antioxidant effect, but it can also work in conjunction with other antioxidants to strengthen its vitality.Ergothioneine (EGT), as a kind of rare amino acid, can be initially found in mushrooms and cyanobacteria. Also, it’s widely distributed in mammalian cells and tissues. Because of its potent and particular anti-oxidation property, ergothioneine is mostly added into cosmetics for the treatment of wrinkle, fine lines, crows feet and other problems related to skin aging.