Gynostemma is a climbing vine from the cucumber family, native to parts of Asia and long brewed as an herbal tea, where it earned the nickname "herb of immortality." In gynostemma skincare, the plant is valued as an adaptogenic botanical, and HAOMA uses it in Mycelium Eye Cream to help firm, brighten and revitalize the look of tired eyes.
Below, we look at where gynostemma comes from, why it carries such a grand nickname, and how it works alongside mushroom mycelium and Prickly Pear in an eye cream.
What Is Gynostemma?
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a perennial climbing vine in the same plant family as cucumbers and gourds. It grows wild in parts of China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, often in shady, mountainous areas. Its leaves usually grow in clusters of five, which is where the "pentaphyllum" part of its name comes from.
In China, the plant is known as jiaogulan, and its leaves have long been dried and steeped as a tea. Botanists note that the leaves contain a group of plant compounds called gypenosides, which is part of why the plant has attracted interest from herbalists and formulators alike.
You may also see gynostemma called "southern ginseng." The two are different plants, but the nickname reflects how highly gynostemma has been regarded in traditional herbal practice.
Why is it called the "herb of immortality"?
The nickname comes from folk tradition. In parts of China, jiaogulan tea has long been treated as an everyday tonic, and over time that reputation gave the plant its poetic name, "herb of immortality."
It is worth being clear about what that name means. It is a cultural nickname, not a promise. No plant stops time, and no skincare ingredient does either. What the name does tell you is that gynostemma has a long history as a respected botanical, and that history is part of what draws formulators to it today.
Gynostemma Skincare: Why Use It Around the Eyes?
Gynostemma is often described as an adaptogen. In herbal tradition, adaptogens are plants associated with helping the body handle everyday stress. In skincare, the term is used more loosely to describe botanicals chosen for skin that looks tired or run down by long days, late nights and screen time.
The eye area is a natural place for that kind of ingredient. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, so it tends to be the first place where fatigue shows. Common concerns include:
- Dark circles that look deeper after a short night
- A loss of firmness or bounce in the under-eye area
- Fine lines that look more pronounced when skin is dry
- An overall dull, tired look
An eye cream built around adaptogenic botanicals aims to address the look of these concerns gently, without heavy textures that can feel uncomfortable on thin skin.
Inside Mycelium Eye Cream
Mycelium Eye Cream ($95, 0.5 oz) combines three key elements:
- Mycelium: the root-like network of functional mushrooms, the foundation of HAOMA's mushroom-powered formulas.
- Gynostemma: the adaptogenic "herb of immortality" described above.
- Prickly Pear: a desert cactus fruit with a long history of use in skincare.
Together, they help firm, brighten and revitalize the look of tired, aging eyes and brighten the look of dark circles. If you want to know more about the mushroom side of the formula, read our guide to six mushrooms used in skincare.
Who Is Gynostemma Skincare For?
An eye cream with gynostemma is a good fit if you recognize yourself in any of these:
- You wake up looking more tired than you feel.
- Your under-eyes look darker after busy weeks or long screen days.
- You want a firmer, smoother look around the eyes without a heavy texture.
- You enjoy botanical and mushroom-based formulas and like to know the story behind each ingredient.
It also suits people who are new to eye cream. The routine is short, and a single jar lasts a long time because only a tiny amount is needed each time.
How to Use Mycelium Eye Cream
Eye creams work best with a light touch and a consistent routine. Here is how to apply it:
- Cleanse first. Start with a clean face, morning and evening.
- Take a small amount. A rice-grain-sized dot is enough for both eyes.
- Warm it on your ring finger. This finger naturally applies the least pressure.
- Tap, do not rub. Gently tap along the orbital bone, from the inner corner outward, staying clear of the lash line.
- Let it settle, then continue with your moisturizer.
- In the morning, finish with SPF. Sunscreen protects the delicate eye area too.
Not sure where eye cream fits in your lineup? Our guide on when to apply eye cream covers the correct order step by step.
Pair It: The Mycelium Restore Duo
If you want to bring the full mycelium approach into your week, the Mycelium Restore Duo ($155) pairs Mycelium Eye Cream with the Resurfacing Gel Mask.
The Gel Mask is a weekly treatment that combines Shiitake and other functional mushroom actives with Glycolic Acid and Willow Bark. It dissolves dull surface cells, refines the look of pores and leaves skin smoother and brighter without feeling stripped. Avoid applying the mask too close to the eyes, then follow with eye cream as usual. It also makes a considered gift for the mushroom-curious person on your list.
Try Gynostemma for Yourself
If your eyes are the first place your week shows up, gynostemma skincare is a gentle, botanical way to bring back a brighter, more rested look. Explore the full Mycelium Collection, or start with Mycelium Eye Cream and give it a few weeks of steady morning and evening use.
FAQ
What does gynostemma do for skin?
In skincare, gynostemma is used as an adaptogenic botanical for skin that looks tired. In HAOMA's Mycelium Eye Cream, it works with mycelium and Prickly Pear to help firm, brighten and revitalize the look of the eye area.
Is gynostemma the same as ginseng?
No. Gynostemma is sometimes called "southern ginseng," but it is a different plant from a different family. It is a climbing vine related to cucumbers, while ginseng is a root.
Can I use Mycelium Eye Cream morning and night?
Yes. Apply a small amount with your ring finger after cleansing, morning and evening. In the morning, follow your moisturizer with sunscreen.