Truffe Perigord (Black Diamond Truffle) skincare
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Truffe Perigord skincare formulated around the rare ‘black diamond truffle’ ingredient began serendipitously when founder Bianca Bate and family relocated from the UK to the Dordogne hillsides, South-West France. Discovering their home was actually atop a ‘black diamond’ mine they began to explore how they could translate the holistic surroundings and the benefits of the black diamond truffle into beauty products. I caught up with Bate to hear more about the unique ‘black truffle ingredient,’ it’s ancient skin microbiome supporting properties, and their tree planting scheme that aims to regenerate the ecosystem of the area.
‘Having begun to immerse ourselves in the ancient wisdoms, recipes and foraging tradition of the welcoming local people in the area, we noticed rows of small, olive-like trees planted on our walks up the limestone hills. Then we found out from our neighbour how much truffle he produced and, in 2017, fascinated by the longstanding ‘truffling’ tradition, first planted our own; initially 50 trees and then each year 300 more,’ explains Bate. A chance encounter with the wife of the President of the Local Truffle Association, who explained how she used an infusion of truffle and walnut oil as her daily anti-ageing skincare ritual, initiated the idea for Truffe Perigord skin (and hair) range. Emboldened by conversations with cosmetic and natural ingredient experts, Truffe Perigord skincare concept came about from a moment: ‘when truffle obsessed nature lovers, rooted in ancient French tradition, met nature obsessed skin, hair, beauty experts, backed by science.’
Whilst mushrooms might now be lauded for their wellbeing and adaptogenic properties, I hadn’t seen them utilised in skincare at all. So, what’s the benefits of ‘Tuber Melanosporum,’ also known as Black Truffle, Perigord Truffle and Black Diamond? ‘They have many names and are the most expensive in France. Whilst consumers largely associate them with luxury food, these truffles contain so many trace compounds and minerals beneficial to health, particularly as they can only grow in undamaged environments,’ she continues, ‘the excellence of black perigord truffle in skincare is about how beautifully it supports the skin’s natural intelligence and microbiome. The black truffle is incredibly rich in water soluble nutrients – (natural sugars, amino acids, B-vitamins, and antioxidant compounds) – helping skin to create its best condition, including supporting the microbiome with hydration and barrier comfort through the natural polysaccharides it contains.’ Additionally, they have profound anti-ageing benefits reaching deep into the skin epidermis to help skin cells manage oxidative stress and support cellular energy. Bate concedes that they were ahead of the curve and that we could be in for a ‘Shroom Boom’ as cosmetic scientists are now enthralled with the potency of the truffle ingredient’s anti-ageing properties.
The first Truffe Perigord product to launch was the Crème de Jour (mycorhizienne) and Crème de Nuit; in September 2025, they expanded into shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, facial cleanser and toner.
The curated Truffe Perigord skincare range is created from ‘a low and slow truffle extraction process,’ Bate’s explains, ‘there are two phases in the formulation: the water phase and the oil phase. In the water phase, we add our extracts and natural preservatives, the truffle water infusion is carried out over three days in tightly controlled in 40*C. In the oil phase, we add various natural waxes and oils again in 40*C over five days. The formulation ends up 100% naturally emulsifying finished off with an essential aroma.
The truffle remains the core of the formulation integrated with other hand sourced botanicals: for instance, Perigord Truffle Facial Cleanser with Rose, Hydrasol Toner with Black Truffle and Rose. ‘Rosehip oil is well regarded for how it can help roseacea, problematic skin. The jojoba oil is skin stabilising and Damask Rose is soothing and anti-inflammatory,’ assures Bate. The brand turns to ancient techniques to ensure the best quality of oil through extraction fused with modern science: ‘The Castile Soap technique has been used for thousands of years – we use it for the cleanser – it isn’t full of chemicals and will biodegrade gently once washed away.’
The hero truffle ingredient has such efficacy that Truffe Perigord has segued into haircare: ‘truffles are rich in bioactive compounds that also restore the scalp, which is the foundation for healthy hair and follicles.’
Bate’s respect for nature’s own ecosystem and the health of their home soil means unlike most luxury skincare ranges on the market, Truffe Perigord is part of a circular system designed to regenerate their surroundings: visitors can be part of their ‘Truffle Tree adoption scheme’ as a way to support survival of these rare mushrooms and cultivate a healthy ‘terroir.’
‘Black truffles grow quietly and they actively help trees thrive. They’re organisms that survive by supporting what’s around them — by becoming essential. And we’re part of that system. That relationship is good for us too.’
As someone with a de-regulated nervous system, I have reaped benefits from mushrooms in wellbeing but with the Truffe Perigord skincare, the founders have created a range that holistically connects and soothes skin, mind, body and soul.
Future plans include launching a super concentrated eye serum powered by black truffle extract and oak root (echoing the symbiosis of truffle and tree thriving beneath the soil) and formulating more hair and face oils. I can’t wait to learn more of the Truffe Perigord ancient wisdoms and reap the long-term effects.