University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy Introduction: Mushrooms have traditionally been studied for their nutritional and medicinal properties; however, growing interest has recently emerged in their potential applications in cosmetics. Increasing evidence suggests that mushrooms are a rich source of valuable cosmeceuticals, particularly compounds with anti-aging properties, which are among the most sought-after in skincare. As the market for mushroom-based cosmetics continues to expand, there is a clear need for further scientific research in this area. Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a fungi species that parasites on oaks and produces characteristic irpicoid fruiting bodies; in recent years, it has gained popularity as a commercially cultivated edible species with potential health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential cosmetic benefits of lion’s mane mushroom. Experimental: The effect of drying was assessed using two methods: heat drying (38°C, 24 h) and freeze-drying (-40°C, 0.12 mbar, 24 h). Additionally, the influence of solvent polarity was evaluated using water and water-ethanol mixtures containing 30%, 50%, and 70% ethanol. The resulting extracts were subjected to chemical and biological characterization, with a focus on compounds and activities beneficial for skincare. Total carbohydrates were quantified via the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Sugars and polyols were analyzed using HPLC, and glucan content was determined with a Megazyme® β-Glucan Assay Kit. Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro using ABTS, CuPRAC, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Antityrosinase activity was evaluated via an in vitro enzymatic assay. 2025 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode info:eu-repo/semantics/abstract application/pdf 573120 bytes Malović, Anja Nikolić, Joka Jovanović, Aleksandra Pjanovic, Rada Banjanac, Katarina Veljković, Milica Djordjevic, Verica Petrovic, Predrag Application of Lion's Mane Mushroom in Cosmetics: The Influence of Drying Method and Solvent startpage: 172 endpage: 173 eng Application of Lion's Mane Mushroom in Cosmetics: The Influence of Drying Method and Solvent https://phaidrabg.bg.ac.rs/o:36335 ISBN: 978-86-7401-396-0