Fungal-Based Cosmetics: Formulation and Usage

Dr. Soumya Ghosh is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Oman (since January 2024) and as a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa (since February 2025). He previously worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of the Free State, South Africa (2019–2023).After completing his Ph.D. in Microbiology at Stellenbosch University, South Africa (2011–2015), he pursued his first postdoctoral fellowship at Thompson Rivers University, Canada (2016–2017). Upon returning to India, he briefly served as a Visiting Faculty in Microbiology at Kuchaman College, Rajasthan. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Ghosh gained international research experience as a Research Fellow at the Biological Center, University of Groningen, The Netherlands (2005), followed by positions at the Centre of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, Germany (2005–2008), where he also completed his Biologie-Diplomarbeit (2005–2006), and at the Technical University of Munich, Germany (2008–2010).Dr. Ghosh earned his Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Garware College, Pune, India (1999), and subsequently a Master’s degree in Zoology from Pune University (2001). His research spans a broad spectrum, ranging from plant biology to microbial diversity, with a focus on bacteria and fungi. In recognition of his scientific contributions, Dr. Ghosh was awarded the C3 scientist rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa (January 2024), as well as the Arab Society for Fungal conservation Outstanding Achievement Award of 2023, Egypt. Furthermore, since September 2024, he has been recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University, USA.Dr. Helen Onyeaka is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK, an industrial microbiologist, and a sustainability advocate with over 25 years of experience in food safety, microbiology, and sustainable food systems. She is the Deputy Director of the Birmingham Institute of Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA) and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).Her research focuses on microbial physiology, foodborne pathogens, predictive microbiology, and sustainable food packaging innovations. Her contributions to applied microbiology and food security have earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious Basil Jarvis Food Security and Innovation Award.As an educator, Dr. Onyeaka leads postgraduate and undergraduate modules in Food Microbiology, Food Safety, and Chemical Engineering and supervises PhD and MSc research projects. She is also actively involved in professional development training, designing and delivering Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs for Food Safety Inspection Officers, industry professionals, and international trainees, including specialists from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Dr. Onyeaka is engaged in global sustainability initiatives, collaborating with academia, industry, and policymakers to address critical challenges in food systems, climate resilience, and microbiome research.

• Chapter 1. Fungal-Based Cosmetics – An Introduction.- Chapter 2. Exploring Cultivable Fungi for Medicinal Cosmetics.- Chapter 3. Bioactive Compounds of Fungal Extracts Used as Cosmetics Ingredients.- Chapter 4. Fungi Extracts and Their Use as Antioxidants in Cosmetic Ingredients.- Chapter 5. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fungal Extracts in Cosmeceutical Formulation.- Chapter 6. Anti-Tyrosinase Activity of Fungal-Based Cosmetics.- Chapter 7. Fungal-Based Cosmetics and Their Anti-Hyaluronidase Activity.- Chapter 8. Anti Collagenase and Anti-Elastase Activities of Personal Care Products Made from Fungal Extracts.- Chapter 9. Anti-Microbial Activity of Fungal Based Ingredients in Cosmetics.- Chapter 10. Bio-Transformational Effect of Fungal-Based Cosmetics.- Chapter 11. Emollient, Exfoliation, Skin Lightening, and Anti-Aging Properties of Fungal-Based Cosmetics.- Chapter 12. Fungal-Based Cosmetics: Formulation and Usage- Chapter 13. Commercially Available Cosmetics with Fungal-Based Ingredients 2- Haircare Products.- Chapter 14. Commercially Available Cosmetics with Fungal-Derived Bioactive Compounds: Hand Sanitizer, Washing Soap, and Saponification Products.- Chapter 15. Fungal Carotenoids and Their Cosmeceutical Effects on Human Bodies.- Chapter 16. Fungal-Derived Ceramides for the Cosmetics Industry.- Chapter 17. Polysaccharides Obtained from Fungi and Their Usage in Cosmetics.- Chapter 18. Nano Cosmetics and Fungal-Based Cosmetics: Similarities and Differences in Formulation and Usage.- Chapter 19. Fungal Food Supplements and Nutraceuticals for a Healthier Life: Techniques and Application.- Chapter 20. Stability of Fungal-Based Cosmeceutical Formulations.- Chapter 21. Challenges to the Industrial-Scale Production of Fungal-Based Cosmetics.