How truffles are revolutionising skincare: from the court of Catherine de' Medici to Netflix's dating show Single's Inferno, the culinary delicacy is now coveted for its anti-ageing properties
For thousands of years, gourmands have sought out truffles – considered a food of the gods – for their rich fragrance and woody flavour. Culinary use of the ingredient, which is technically the fruiting body of subterranean fungi, was documented in ancient Roman texts by Pliny the Elder, it was beloved by the Etruscans before that.
Centuries later during the Renaissance, Italian noblewoman turned French queen Catherine de' Medici brought the white truffle to the French court. And in 1954, Marilyn Monroe reportedly requested truffles for her and Joe DiMaggio's wedding meal.
White truffles are lauded for their hydrating, brightening, firming and soothing properties. Photo: Shutterstock
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While we may now be accustomed to splurging on indulgent truffle-capped pasta dishes and snacking on addictive French fries sprinkled with truffle salt, the prized fungi is also moving from menus to our vanity tables.
Eagle-eyed viewers of the Netflix dating show Single's Inferno may have glimpsed a spray bottle on the contestants' vanities; even more beauty fans have seen it used in one of the many
K-beauty tutorials touting the product, d'Alba's First Spray Serum, as a must-have.
Seen in K-beauty tutorials – d'Alba's First Spray Serum. Photo: Handout
The viral formula, developed to be misted on clean skin, as well as during and over make-up for a hydrated, luminous complexion, is infused with white truffle sourced from truffle mecca Alba, in Piedmont, Italy. It's a serum, setting spray and refreshing mist all in one, with
TikTok users and make-up artists alike applauding the dewy, radiant finish it gives.
In fact, d'Alba's entire offering – from its hit spray serum and treatment face masks, to another fan favourite, the Double Serum & Cream – revolves around the prized ingredient. The brand cites white truffle as containing large amounts of vitamins C and B12 (beloved for their effectiveness at preventing hyperpigmentation, or fading it if it has already occurred),
as well as key minerals and amino acids for anti-ageing benefits like improved skin elasticity. Elsewhere, the fungus is lauded for its hydrating, brightening, firming and soothing properties.
Black truffles, on the other hand, more subtly flavoured than their white counterparts, are used in skin and haircare products for their moisturising benefits, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the likes of acne, eczema and rosacea.
They may not look special, but black truffles have excellent moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
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