Snail Mucin in Skincare Benefits for Healthier Skin

Last updated on January 11th, 2025 at 03:31 pm

If you’re looking for an ingredient that can truly transform your skincare routine, look no further than snail mucin. Also known as snail secretion filtrate, this unique and potent ingredient has gained popularity in the beauty world for its impressive benefits. Snail mucin is not the gooey slime that you might imagine. In this post, you will learn the benefits of snail mucin in skincare for healthier, glowing skin.

Snail slime is an extract from snails packed with nutrients that are beneficial for the skin. Apart from Snail slimes, K-Beauty is also known for using other “unconventional” natural ingredients such as Bee Venom, Starfish Powder, and Salmon Egg Extracts in their skincare products.

Snail secretion filtrates contain nutrients such as glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, antimicrobial and copper peptides. All these together increase skin hydration and improve the early signs of aging.

One of the core principles of K-Beauty is the early prevention of visible signs of aging. As such, K-Beauty lay emphasis on hydration, anti-aging and brightening effects which led to their research on Snail slime.

What Is Snail Mucin?

Snail secretion filtrate or slime or mucin is an extract produced by African giant land snails and the common brown garden snail. These snails are known for their antimicrobial and skin regenerative properties. You would find it labelled as snail secretion filtrate or SSF on products.

According to CosRx spokesperson, snail mucin is extracted when the snails are kept in the dark to move around for 30 minutes. The snails move around releasing their mucin behind. The whole process does not harm the animal. This is worth a try if you don’t mind the use of animal extracts.

The secretion is packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, zinc, and antioxidants. These components are known for their ability to repair, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin.

The Benefits of Snail Mucin for Your Skin

1. To Treat Radiation Dermatitis

Radiation dermatitis is a form of radiotherapy that causes skin irritation. A Spanish scientist carried out a clinical study with acute radiodermatitis for 3 months and reported that Snail Mucin improved the signs of redness, itchiness and burning sensation. Snail mucin is packed with proteins and growth factors that help repair damaged skin, reduce scars, and calm irritation.

So if you are dealing with acne scars, blemishes, redness, or itchiness, you can give snail mucin a try.

2. Provides Deep Hydration

Snail mucin provides deep hydration for your skin. It’s rich in hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient that draws moisture into your skin, leaving it plump, soft, and hydrated. If you struggle with dry or dehydrated skin, snail mucin could be a game-changer for you.

3. It has antioxidant properties

Snail Mucin contains two powerful antioxidants which are; superoxide dismutase and glutathione s-transferase. These antioxidants scavenge free radicals that destroy collagen and elastin within the dermal layer of the skin. Thus improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Anti-aging Properties

Snail Mucin stimulates fibroblast formation. This is the cell that produces collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. In addition, they downgrade the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin thus improving fine lines and wrinkles. A Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology conducted research on 15 participants over the course of 3 months and they reported significant improvement in the skin.

If you enjoy K-Beauty and you don’t mind their use of “unconventional” use of natural ingredients, then this is worth a try.

5. Strengthens Skin’s Barrier

A strong skin barrier is essential for healthy, resilient skin. Snail mucin supports the skin’s natural barrier function by providing it with essential nutrients and hydration. This helps protect the skin from external aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions, keeping your complexion healthy and glowing.

How to Incorporate Snail Mucin Into Your Skincare Routine

Adding snail mucin to your routine is easy, and it goes well with most other skincare ingredients. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to prep your skin.
2. Toner: Apply a hydrating toner to balance your skin.
3. Essence/Serum: Apply snail mucin essence or serum directly to your face. Gently pat it in for better absorption.
4. Moisturizer: Lock in with your favourite moisturizer.
5. Sunscreen: In the morning, finish off with sunscreen to protect your skin.

Who Can Benefit From Snail Mucin?

Snail mucin is suitable for almost all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, you can benefit from the hydrating, healing, and anti-aging properties of this ingredient. It’s particularly beneficial for those dealing with:

• Dehydration: Snail mucin is a hydration powerhouse, making it perfect for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
• Acne Scars: Its healing properties can help fade acne scars and improve overall skin texture.
• Sensitive Skin: With its soothing effects, snail mucin is gentle enough for sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation.
• Aging Skin: The collagen-boosting and antioxidant benefits make it an excellent choice for those looking to combat signs of aging.

The Best Products With Snail Slime

CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

This is one of my favourite Essence which I am still using at the moment. You should apply this product after toners and before moisturizing. CosRx Snail Mucin Essence combines lots of skin goodies to ensure that you stay properly hydrated. The likes of SSF, butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate and arginine help restore skin moisture and stimulate cells to produce collagen.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

This product is a combination of Snail Mucin and Bee Venom. Bee Venom is another raved-about skincare ingredient that improves facial wrinkles. Aside from these duos, this product is packed with hydrating ingredients that ensure radiance and even skin tone.

Seoul Ceuticals Snail Repair Cream

This moisturizing snail mucin cream contains lots of skin-repairing ingredients that keep the skin barrier from damage. It also helps increase cell turnover for clearer, healthier and even-toned skin. If you have sensitive skin, I suggest you do a patch test.

CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

This eye cream contains 72% snail filtrate plus niacinamide, peptides and emollients to help with dark circles and eye puffiness. Since the skin around the eyes is usually oil-dry, the presence of sunflower seed oil, niacinamide, peptides and our superstar ingredient help supplement the lack of oil. As a result, the skin under the eye starts looking better and more radiant.

iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum

This cream contains two highly concentrated ingredients such as snail filtrate and Centella Leaf Water to help calm and repair the skin. It also contains my favourite Niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin and make the skin look fresher and smoother.

Conclusion

Snail Mucin is a spotlight ingredient in K-Beauty which can be found in sheet masks, serums, and moisturizers. The ingredients in snail mucin have anti-aging properties that boost the formation of collagen and elastin in the dermis.

So far so good, my skin has benefited from Snail Mucin since I started using it. Have you heard of snail mucin before? Let me know what you think of it.