I started my skin care journey at the age of 40 and since then have tried more serums, creams, and oils than I care to admit, so when I heard about snail mucin a couple of years ago, you’d think I would be first in line to try it, right?
Wrong.
I have to admit that I didn’t give snail mucin a chance because the thought of slimy skin care turned my stomach. I’ve never had an aversion to snails. As a matter of fact, ever since I was a kid, I would save them from the untimely death of a shoe fall on the pavement and would relocate them ever so gingerly so that they could “go home and find their families”. Snails are cute. I like them. I just didn’t think I wanted their ectoplasm on my skin.
Fast forward to a few months ago, and now I am a self-professed lover of all things snail-beauty. Snail mucin was nothing like I thought it would be and everything I hoped it would be….and if you’ve been curious or hesitant about what this stuff is, how it works, and why it just might be what your skin needs…then this blog post is for you!
So let’s start with answering this question: What exactly is snail mucin?
Snail mucin, also known as snail secretion filtrate, is derived from the mucus or excretions that snails produce (slime!!), and is known for its many benefits when it comes to improving the health and appearance of your skin. On a natural chemical compound level, snail mucin is made of a mix of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans. This is major skin food, folks.
On to the next question: Why is snail mucin so good for your skin?
Let me count the ways!!!
Snail mucin is incredible for your skin because it delivers super charged hydration due to the fact that it is a natural source of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This means that when you use skincare products that contain snail mucin, your skin will be able to retain more moisture, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
This ever beneficial slime-stuff also contains glycolic acid, which is a natural exfoliant that helps to gently remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and dullness leaving your skin looking radiant and healthy.
Snail mucin is also known for its healing properties since it contains allantoin, which is a natural compound that can help to soothe and heal damaged skin. So, if you have acne, scars, or other skin irritations, using skincare products that contain snail mucin can help to speed up the healing process and promote healthier, calmer skin.
That’s not all! Snail mucin can also help to brighten the skin because of the peptides it contains. These are natural compounds that help improve skin tone and texture giving a more lifted and even-toned appearance while helping to protect the skin barrier from outside irritants. The allantoin in snail mucin also stimulates cell regeneration, and the copper peptides are essential for collagen production. So…you could say that this stuff helps keeps the hands of time off of your face for a while longer!
Now, I know you’re wanting the answer to THIS question: How Is Snail Mucin Harvested?
I know I HAD to know the answer to this question because I didn’t like the thought of snails being crushed or tortured in the name of skin care. So, I jumped back into my research rabbit hole and found out that these little creatures are not harmed in the production and harvesting of their slimy-ness. Slime mucin is harvested by keeping snails in a comfortable and controlled environment where they can move along at their less-than-lightening-speed pace leaving their trails of slime behind which are later collected. Snails that are allowed plenty of rest and a calm environment produce more copious and beneficial amounts of mucin…so in essence, happy snails bring us happy skin!
Last question: How Do You Use Snail Mucin?
Over the last 2-3 years, I’ve seen this goopy skin care ingredient really take off particularly in Korean skin care brand lineups. Finding a product that contains this ingredient is pretty easy now. I’ve tried snail mucin sheet masks, night creams, and serums. If you aren’t a fan of even a hint of slimy texture, then I would recommend opting for a cream like the Mizon Black Snail All In One Cream. This has all the benefits of mucin, but feels like a nice light face cream.
After the initial hesitance, I have learned to embrace the slime so the sheet masks are a great way to give your face a super boost of snail mucin (snail spa day at home!). I really like CosRx Snail Mucin Sheet Masks. I also use the CosRx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence as a part of my daily skin care routine. It feels a little slimy going on, but sinks beautifully into my skin with no sticky residue.
Should you give snail mucin a try? I say, why not! If you’re looking for a highly effective, natural, and gentle way to support your skin then this is a great addition to your beauty regimen. Don’t let the thought of squishy, smooshy, slime keep you away. I think you’ll like this stuff. Really! 🙂
**Disclaimer: As an affiliate, I make a small portion of sales made via some of the links in my blog.
