Behind the Scenes: Extracting Mushroom Magic for Phat Sudz Soaps

When you lather up with a bar of Phat Sudz soap, you're experiencing something most commercial soaps can't offer: the concentrated power of organic mushroom extracts. But getting from whole mushrooms to those gorgeous liquid extracts in our soaps takes time, patience, and a deep respect for the process.

Why We Extract Our Own Mushrooms

At Phat Sudz, we don't just toss dried mushrooms into our soap pots and call it a day. Mushrooms have incredibly tough cell walls made of chitin—the same substance that makes up insect exoskeletons. To unlock the skin-loving antioxidants, minerals, and beneficial compounds trapped inside, we need to extract them properly.

The three jars pictured show different mushroom extracts at various stages, each destined to become part of our handmade, organic soaps. The rich brown extracts, the golden amber liquid, and the deep, dark tincture all represent hours of careful work—and the potent botanicals your skin will thank you for.

The Dual Extraction Method

Creating quality mushroom extracts requires a two-part process:

The Alcohol Stage involves soaking organic mushrooms in high-proof alcohol for several weeks. This pulls out compounds like triterpenes and other constituents that simply won't dissolve in water. The darker extracts you see often come from this stage, carrying the deep, earthy essence of the mushrooms.

The Water Stage follows, where we simmer the same mushroom material in hot water to capture water-soluble compounds like polysaccharides and beta-glucans—the compounds known for their hydrating and skin-barrier-supporting properties. This typically creates the lighter, golden-hued extracts.

When we combine both extractions, we get a full-spectrum liquid that contains the complete range of beneficial compounds each mushroom has to offer.

From Mason Jar to Soap Bar

Once our extracts are ready, they're incorporated into our small-batch soap recipes alongside certified organic oils. These mushroom extracts infuse each bar with antioxidant protection, natural anti-inflammatory properties, and the deep nourishment that makes Phat Sudz soaps truly special.

The varying colors you see in our extracts tell the story of different mushroom varieties—each bringing its own unique profile to support healthy, radiant skin. Whether it's the calming properties of Reishi, the revitalizing compounds in Chaga, or the skin-brightening benefits of Turkey Tail, every extract is crafted with intention.

Slow, Intentional, and Worth It

This extraction process isn't quick, and it isn't cheap. But at Phat Sudz, we believe luxury comes from respecting the ingredients and the process. When you use our soaps, you're getting mushroom extracts in their most potent, bioavailable form—free from pesticides, chemicals, and shortcuts.

From forest to mason jar to soap bar, every step is designed to bring the ancient wisdom of mushrooms into your modern skincare ritual.

Ready to experience the difference of truly extracted mushroom skincare?

Explore Our Handmade Soap Collection