Snail Mucin 101: A Detailed Guide

Everyone wants clear and healthy skin — even if that means slathering snail slime all over it. Yes, the latest in out-there skin-care ingredients is the mucus that’s left behind when the slow little creature crawls by.

Technically called snail mucin, the ingredient has long been popular in South Korea, which some consider the most forward-thinking and innovative in the beauty world, and has made its way to other parts of the world, including the United States.

“It’s a massive trend at the moment and for a good reason,” says Georgia Smith, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Skin Sister, who is based in Sydney.

Here, learn more about what snail mucin is, how it’s used, and how you can introduce it to your skin-care routine (if you’re not too grossed out, that is).

What Is Snail Mucin?

Quite literally, snail mucin is a snail’s secretion. You may also see it referred to as “snail secretion filtrate” (SSF) on the ingredient list of skin-care products.

“Chemically speaking, snail mucin is a complex mix of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans,” Smith says. Some of those, such as hyaluronic acid, may sound familiar if you’re well versed in skin care.

Wondering how someone might reach the conclusion that snail mucin is good for the skin in the first place? According to a story from the Associated Press, workers on a snail farm in Chile in the 1980s noticed their hands were unusually soft and credited the snails with the positive effects.

Today, it’s a big business. According to a perspective published October 2021 in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, the snail mucin skin-care market is expected to grow to $770 million by 2025. Snail slime is generally collected by keeping snails in a dark room and having them slide along a surface that can collect their slime, such as glass or mesh, according to an article in Racked.

Potential Benefits of Snail Mucin

Snail mucin is a new ingredient and still niche, so it hasn’t been studied widely when compared with many other popular skin-care ingredients.

But it may offer a few distinct benefits to the skin. “It’s packed with good stuff that your skin will love,” Smith says.

Moisturizes Skin

Products containing snail mucin may be a good choice for people with dry skin. “It contains hydrating characteristics that serve to strengthen the skin barrier and keep moisture in,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.

This is due to the hyaluronic acid, which immediately hydrates the skin, Smith says. While research on snail mucin is scarce, the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid are well documented. According to a study published June 2021 in Dermatology and Therapy, hyaluronic acid serum increased skin hydration by 134 percent immediately after application and improved plumpness, smoothness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Fights Premature Skin Aging

Smith says snail mucin promotes collagen, and others report anecdotally that snail mucin may help offset some of the signs of skin aging, which may be good news for your skin health and for anyone seeking a more youthful look. Previous research found using a serum with 40 percent snail mucin for 12 weeks minimized the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Yet the study was very limited — it was small and involved only 25 women — and more research is needed.

The mechanism here may be the glycolic acid found in snail mucin. “The glycolic acid stimulates collagen formation, which not only reduces fine lines and wrinkles but also gives your skin a beautiful, young shine,” Dr. Chacon says.

Helps Wounds Heal

Snail mucin may come in handy if you’re dealing with a scrape or cut. “Snail mucin is also known for its healing benefits as it’s been shown to enhance wound healing, and it can improve the appearance of scarring,” Smith says. It may also help with acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, says Ahmed Chaudhry, MD, a dermatologist and consultant with Scandinavian Biolabs based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Protects Against Skin Cancer

There’s some preliminary research suggesting snail mucin could also help treat skin cancer. A study published May 2018 in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy suggests snail mucin helped combat melanoma cells and could be used against skin diseases, though more rigorous research is needed.

Forms of Snail Mucin

As snail mucin has become popular, it’s been added to all sorts of formulas. Here are the most common:

Snail Mucin Serum

For the biggest dose of snail mucin, go for a serum. “If you want to utilize snail mucin as a multi-purpose anti-ager, search for it in a serum, since it will have a larger concentration of the component,” Chacon says.

Snail Mucin Essence

An essence is a thin, water-based product. Smith says it’s a great starting point if you’re new to skin care or want to dip your toe into the snail mucin trend.

Snail Mucin Cream

You’ll also find the ingredient added to moisturizers or creams. If wrinkles are a concern, the thicker the cream, the better. “A thick cream will ensure your skin is reaping the benefits of snail mucin while nourishing your skin at the same time with added lipid input,” Smith says.

Potential Side Effects of Snail Mucin

Snail mucin is well tolerated and there are no negative side effects to note. However, it’s always a good idea if you have sensitive skin to test the product on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t have a reaction.

Does Snail Mucin React With Other Ingredients?

Since snail mucin hasn’t been mainstream for long, there isn’t much research on it yet. So it’s too soon to say definitively if snail mucin reacts with other ingredients, but there’s no current research to suggest it does.

One thing to note is that snail mucin is not vegan friendly — it comes from a snail after all.

Is Snail Mucin Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

Yes, snail mucin is safe to use during pregnancy, Chacon says. “You can incorporate snail mucin products into your beauty routine,” she says.

Again, since it is a new ingredient with very little research done, it’s a good idea to consult your doctors before starting to use a new product while pregnant or nursing, Smith says. Your dermatologist or your ob-gyn may have a different take.

Can I Use Snail Mucin if I’m Managing a Skin Condition?

Although research on using snail mucin to help ease symptoms of skin conditions is lacking, anecdotally speaking, the ingredient may help and poses a low risk for harm, some dermatologists suggest.

“A product containing snail mucin would be great for anyone suffering from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea,” Smith says. “The ingredient is known for its healing benefits and has no irritating components, so in my professional opinion it would be a great addition for anybody suffering with these skin conditions.”

Chacon agrees and says the anti-inflammatory properties could minimize redness, hyperpigmentation, and eczema.

Snail Mucin Alternatives

Smith says cica (Centella asiatica) is a similar ingredient that you may find in other skin-care products. “This active ingredient contains terpenoids, which have been studied to enhance wound healing when applied topically just like snail mucin,” she says. “Cica can also speed up cell production and collagen production just like snail mucin is said to.”

Unlike snail mucin, cica contains plenty of antioxidants, which fight free radicals to protect your skin. “All in all, there has been more research done on cica compared with snail mucin, so I would say it would be a great alternative if you weren’t sure about adding snail mucin to your routine,” Smith says.

Using Snail Mucin: What to Look for in the Skin-Care Product

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a skin mucin product:

Consider the other ingredients in the product. “While snail mucin is great on its own, it’s especially good to layer or mix with other actives,” Smith says. She recommends looking for a snail mucin product that also has retinol for anti-aging or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help clear breakouts and reduce scaring.

Check the concentration. “If you’re looking for a product with a high percentage of snail mucin, check to see the ingredient label,” Smith says. “The higher the percentage, the sooner the ingredient will appear in the label.”

Layer with vitamin C. Smith recommends adding a vitamin C serum to your routine to brighten the skin and address pigmentation. “You won’t find a product with both [vitamin C and snail mucin] as vitamin C is notoriously hard to formulate, but you can layer the two on top of each other,” she says. “I would first put on the snail mucin serum, wait for it to fully soak in, then add my vitamin C serum on top.”

How to Add Snail Mucin to Your Skin-Care Routine

Snail mucin is easy and, at least based on existing research, appears to be safe for everyone to use. Dr. Chaudhry recommends starting slow, say by using the product just once every couple of days, to allow your skin to adjust and avoid any negative reactions.

Ready to get started? Consider the following.

Where Snail Mucin Should Fall in Your Routine

Because snail mucin offers moisturizing benefits, it’s great to use at night, Chacon says. That way, your skin has the entire night to soak it in.

When to incorporate it in your routine depends on the product you’re using. Serums should be used before creams, essences should be used next, and creams should be the last step.

How Often Should You Use Snail Mucin?

There’s no guide to how often you should use snail mucin, and there’s no need to worry about going overboard. “However, depending on your skin type, you may need to adjust the frequency with which you use them,” Chaudhry says. “For example, those with dry skin may need to use snail mucin products more often than those with oily skin.”

Is Snail Mucin Suitable for Use in the Morning and Night?

Chacon says it’s perfectly fine to use snail mucin once or twice a day (morning and night).

Dermatologist-Recommended Products Containing Snail Mucin

If you’re interested in trying out a snail mucin product, here are three recommended options:

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

COSRX has an entire line of snail mucin products, and the essence stands out to Chaudhry. “This is a light yet hydrating Korean beauty staple,” Chaudhry says. “Formulated with 96 percent snail secretion filtrate, this essence helps to brighten skin tone and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Cosrx.com

Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream

Chacon recommends this product, which is safe for sensitive skin and is free of fragrance, artificial coloring, and parabens. You’ll also spot the snail secretion filtrate at the top of the ingredient list, meaning a significant percentage of the product comes from snail slime.

Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream, Walmart.com

SeoulCeuticals Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

This Korean skin-care brand is a great place to start if you’re ready to jump on the K-beauty bandwagon and comes recommended by Chacon. Their repair cream is packed with a concentration of 97.5 percent snail mucin.

SeoulCeuticals Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream, Amazon.com

Summary

“While more research is needed to confirm the full extent of the benefits of snail mucin, there is no doubt that it is a powerful skin-care ingredient,” Chaudhry says.

So far there aren’t any side effects to note — just plenty of potential upsides, including hydrated, younger-looking skin. It may even help you manage skin conditions and is believed to be safe to use during pregnancy. That said, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor if you have an underlying condition or are pregnant.

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.

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