What Is Snail Mucin? (2024)

FAQs

What Is Snail Mucin? ›

Snail mucin is the mucus that snails secrete. Snails can produce different types of mucin for different purposes. For example, the mucin from a snail's foot helps the snail lubricate its path and stick to surfaces. It's what allows the snail to travel upside down.

Snails have been eaten by humans for thousands of years, but thankfully extracting their mucin doesn't involve killing the snail. Methods of mucin harvesting vary between manufacturer, so since we stock COSRX we're detailing how they do it.

Snail mucus is composed of ingredients such as Proteins (Collagen and Elastin), Hyaluronic acid, Copper peptides, Antimicrobial peptides, Antioxidants, Glycolic acid, Allantoin, and more. All of these components are beneficial for your skin in different aspects – that's what gives snail mucin its many benefits.

Snail mucin may have anti-aging, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help treat breakouts and help protect your skin from skin cancer. However, limited research has been conducted on snail mucin, and it may not be the most effective solution if you're looking to treat acne or dry skin long-term.

1 However, you should not use snail mucin if you are allergic to snails or mollusks.

Is snail mucin good for your skin? Yes. It does appear that certain types of snail mucin have moisturizing and protective qualities that are good for your skin. Snail mucin contains antioxidants that may help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sagging.

Who Should Use It: In general, snail mucin can be used on all skin types, though its hydrating properties make it especially choice for those with dry skin, says Dr. Lain. And unless you're allergic to the ingredient, it's generally well-tolerated by most.

And it's expert-approved, too! Jaliman says that it is a product that she would recommend. Since it contains both 96% snail mucin and panthenol, she says that it's "great for moisturizing and healing." Plenty of shoppers have raved about the formula, saying that it's a "game-changer" and that the "hype is real."

Is snail mucin better than hyaluronic acid? As a moisturiser, pure hyaluronic acid packs a punch, is superior to snail mucin and has longer lasting effects. Snail mucin has added benefits in terms of other ingredients like proteins, enzymes, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans.

There is no smell to speak of but it does have a slimy snail-y texture ( it is 96% slime!) and can be a bit tacky once its all said and done. I have also used this on some iron burns to help it heal faster and minimize scaring with a lot of success. alter the effectiveness of the vitamin C and vice versa.

How quickly does snail mucin work? ›

It's so much snail slime, that as you pump it out of the bottle and start applying it to your face, you'll notice how viscous and syrupy the consistency is. I'll cut to the chase and tell you that after two weeks of use, my skin feels elastic and soft to the touch.

Dr. Lal says that these products can be used once or twice per day, but that snail mucin moisturizers tend to be on the heavier side and may be best used as a night cream. If you're ready to add snail mucin to your skincare routine, check out some of our experts' favorite snail mucin skincare products below.

Some of these ingredients are also used for building collagen in the skin (essential for repair, regeneration and plump skin). It's also worth mentioning that snail mucin doesn't clog pores and shouldn't cause breakouts.

Morning Ritual: After cleansing your face in the morning, apply your snail mucin serum. Let it absorb fully, then follow up with a moisturizer and, most importantly, SPF. Sunscreen is your final, non-negotiable step – it shields your skin from UV damage, which can counteract the benefits of snail mucin.

A: Yes, indeed! Whether you're battling oily skin, navigating the dry skin landscape, or striking a balance with combination skin, both snail mucin and hyaluronic acid can play nice. They hydrate without making your skin feel greasy and repair without triggering sensitivity.

No snail mucin-based products are vegan, as they contain animal by-products. However, many brands sell cruelty-free products — where the snails are not harmed. There are a few things to look out for to know if a brand is truly cruelty-free.

Let's cut to the chase – no, snail mucin is not considered vegan.

Snails are generally safe to handle, but there are a few things you should do to make sure you don't cause them any harm. Before picking up your snail, wash your hands with soap and water. This will help to remove any potentially harmful lotions, oils, and natural elements that a snail may absorb off of your skin.