Exploring the Benefits of Snail Mucin in Skincare Products

Snail Slime and Mucin in Skincare Products

As a dermatologist, patients often ask me about the latest skincare trends and whether they live up to the hype. One ingredient that has become quite popular recently is snail slime serum, also known as snail mucin or snail secretion filtrate. Here’s what you need to know about this unique ingredient and if it is worth the expensive price.

Serum with Snail Mucin

Snail serum has become a popular ingredient for antiaging. But is it right for you?

Find the best products for your skin by taking the quiz I use in my medical practice to prescribe custom skin care routines for my patients. It will diagnose your Baumann Skin Type and help you build a skin care routine from over 70 medical grade skincare brands.

snail mucin products

Best Creams and Serums with Snail Mucin

Snail creams provide hydration by drawing moisture into the skin and preventing water loss. The mucus forms a protective barrier while delivering nutrients into the deeper layers. These snail mucin creams can be used as moisturizers over other antiaging serums.

Snail Serums and Gels

Lightweight gels and serums containing snail mucus can be applied to the skin to boost hydration, fade scars, and speed healing. The mucin is rapidly absorbed, making it suitable for application under creams or makeup.

Snail Mucin Eye Creams

While snail mucin has many benefits, I don’t typically recommend it for the delicate eye area unless you have dry skin around the eyes and no puffiness.

The humectant properties that help snail mucin hydrate the skin can actually cause puffiness and swelling around the eyes in those susceptible to eye bags. The mucus pulls moisture into the thin skin around the eyes, leading to fluid accumulation and swollen eyelids. People who already suffer from puffy eyes or undereye bags should avoid snail mucin eye creams. The water-binding effect can exacerbate puffiness.

However, snail mucin is helpful for addressing fine lines and dryness around the eyes. Using it in the morning routine is probably the best way to use snail mucin eye creams, because eyes get puffier at night with less effects from gravity and movement.

Snail Mucin Masks

Snail mucus masks deeply hydrate while brightening and smoothing the skin. The mucus is able to penetrate efficiently thanks to the occlusive mask format that “slugs” ingredients into your skin. These masks may contain sheet masks soaked in snail secretion filtrate or wash-off masks with concentrated mucin.

I could not find any good masks- you can use a snail mucin cream and cover it with an occlusive moisturizer to help increase penetration into the skin.

what is snail mucin?

What is Snail Slime?

Snail slime refers to the mucus that snails secrete to moisturize and protect their skin. This mucus, also called snail mucin, contains nutrients, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and antimicrobial peptides that are beneficial for the skin when applied topically. The snail mucus is composed of components that help hydrate, heal, and protect snail skin, which also translate to benefits for human skin.

Humectant Abilities

Snail mucin acts as a humectant when applied topically to the skin. Humectants are hydrophilic substances that attract and bind moisture. The glycoproteins and hydrating components in snail slime essentially act as water magnets to pull hydration into the deeper layers of the skin. This increased moisture in the dermis then plumps up the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The humectant properties of mucin allow it to provide continuous hydration that keeps skin looking smooth, supple, and radiant and jello-like.

Antioxidant Abilities

Snail mucus contains antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals on the skin. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and accelerate aging when they accumulate. Things like UV exposure, pollution, and stress create reactive oxygen species that lead to more free radical formation. The antioxidants in snail secretion filtrate, like glutathione, can prevent and repair some of this free radical damage to slow signs of aging. By counteracting oxidative stress, the mucin preserves youthful skin.

benefits of snail mucin

Skin Benefits of Snail Mucus

Research has shown that snail mucus can provide several benefits when applied topically as a skincare ingredient:

Improves hydration and moisture retention

Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration

Reduces signs of photoaging and wrinkles

Fades hyperpigmentation and acne scars

Soothes irritated, inflamed skin

Provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Snail mucin has been found to improve hydration and moisture retention in the skin. The hydrating properties help the skin maintain suppleness and elasticity. Studies show the mucus is able to enhance the skin’s barrier function, preventing moisture loss while drawing hydration into the deeper layers.

In addition, snail mucin promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration. Components like allantoin and glycoproteins enable skin cell turnover and repair. This allows the snail mucus to help treat scars and speed healing after procedures.

Snail slime has also been shown to reduce signs of photoaging and wrinkles. Antioxidants in the mucus neutralize free radicals from UV exposure that damage skin and cause aging. This helps minimize wrinkles and skin laxity over time.

Furthermore, the mucus helps fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars by evening skin tone and inhibiting excess melanin production. The antimicrobial peptides also reduce acne-causing bacteria.

Snail mucin has demonstrated soothing effects on irritated skin by calming inflammation. The glycopeptides and elastin in the slime provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Overall, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of snail mucus make it helpful for various dermatologic conditions while keeping skin healthy and youthful.

mucin for specific concerns

What Skin Concerns Can Snail Slime Treat?

Acne and Pimple Scabs

Snail mucus shows promise for improving acne and helping pimples and pimple scabs heal more quickly. The antimicrobial peptides found in snail slime help fight C. acnes bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts. This helps prevent new pimples from forming. For existing breakouts, the glycolic acid in mucin acts as a chemical exfoliant to unclog pores by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. The allantoin and proteoglycans also promote skin regeneration to help acne scabs heal faster. The anti-inflammatory activity calms the redness and swelling of inflammatory acne. Overall, the components in snail secretion filtrate combat acne while facilitating rapid wound healing to clear up pimples and prevent scarring.

Stretch Marks

The glycoproteins in snail slime may minimize the appearance of stretch marks by promoting collagen production. The antimicrobial peptides in the mucus also support healing of these skin lesions. However, it is doubtful that snail slime will do much to help stretch marks so don’t waste your money on it for stretch marks. Choose a retinoid instead.

Wrinkles

Snail mucin is able to temporarily plump out fine lines and wrinkles by increasing moisture levels in the skin. This hydrating effect causes the skin to swell slightly, smoothing out wrinkles. However, this wrinkle reduction is temporary and lasts only as long as the skin remains hydrated. The antioxidants found in snail secretion also protect against UV damage from the sun that causes wrinkling over time. While the hydrating properties provide a temporary tightening effect, snail mucin does not permanently get rid of wrinkles or dramatically rebuild collagen. But the moisturizing and protective benefits may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent new wrinkles from forming with consistent use.

How is Snail Mucin Extracted?

Snails are collected humanely and placed over mesh nets in a controlled environment. As the snails move around, their mucus is deposited onto the nets. This mucus is then carefully collected and processed into skincare products. The snails are unharmed in this process and can continue producing more mucin.

research on snail mucin

Research Studies on Snail Mucin

There are not a lot of evidence based studies on snail mucin, but some studies have demonstrated benefits.

In 2008, a group of researchers (3,12) found that secretions from the Cryptomphalus aspersa mollusk displayed antioxidant and skin regenerative activity in lab tests. Specifically, the snail secretion was found to contain compounds that stimulate fibroblast growth and extracellular matrix production. It also regulated enzymes involved in wound healing. Overall, the researchers concluded the snail mucus supports skin repair.

Another study in 2012 showed that Cryptomphalus aspersa secretions increased cell proliferation and migration in human skin cells in vitro. The snail mucus was found to activate pathways involved in cell survival and regeneration. This provided evidence that snail slime could help heal wounds. (3, 10,12)

A 2009 clinical trial treated 27 patients with partial-thickness facial burns using a cream containing Helix aspersa snail mucus. Researchers found the snail mucin cream was a safe, natural option that accelerated healing and epithelialization compared to standard burn treatments. (3,17)

In another study in 2009, 15 patients with photodamaged skin were treated with Cryptomphalus aspersa mucus for 3 months. Significant improvements were observed in clinical markers of photoaging like wrinkles and skin texture. (3,18)

Finally, a 12-week double-blind trial in 2013 showed that a cream with Cryptomphalus aspersa mucus visibly reduced wrinkles and improved skin texture when applied topically.(3,14)

Overall, these studies demonstrate the regenerative, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects of snail mucin observed in cells, animals, and human subjects. More research is underway on the mechanisms and applications of this secretion.

While more research is still needed, the initial studies on snail mucus are promising. Formulated properly at effective concentrations, snail slime will provide real benefits for hydrating, healing, and rejuvenating the skin. But here is the most important point- its really a humectant and there are much cheaper options like glycerin.

mucin in your routine

Where to Use Snail Mucin in your Skincare Routine

It depends on your Baumann Skin Type, but snail mucin is usually step 2 or 3 of you morning skin care routine.

Learn more about skin care routine steps here.

Let me help you build the best skincare routine for your skin type. Take the skin care quiz to see if snail mucin is right for you.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected