The must-try skincare ingredient of 2023—snail mucin

Unconventional ingredients have been used in the cosmetic business through the years—think snail venom, bird poop, infant foreskin, bull semen—and 'snail mucin' aka 'snail secretion filtrate' stands out as one of the popular ones of all of them. Snail secretion—yes, you read that right! This seemingly bizarre ingredient is gaining attention as a coveted addition to beauty routines worldwide.

In fact, as more and more celebrities are raving about the efficacy of including snail mucin in their beauty regimens, its popularity is growing. Renowned model and actress Emily Ratajkowski once revealed on her Instagram that snail mucin essence was her secret weapon for combating her stressed pandemic skin. And it's not just Hollywood stars who are singing praises of snail mucin—beauty influencers like James Welsh and Hyram Yarbro have also spoken highly of this unique ingredient and its benefits for the skin. 

Yet, what exactly is snail mucin and why is it sweeping the cosmetics industry? So, without any further ado…

Let's decode what snail mucin actually is! 

Though it may sound strange, snails really produce this substance to shield their delicate skin from the harsh environment. And many women gush about its transformational impact on their complexion, making it a prominent ingredient in Korean beauty. Don't let the ‘snail slime’ turn you off—snail mucin has been a beloved beauty secret in Korea for decades. Those who have tried it swear by its ability to improve skin texture, fade dark spots, and deeply hydrate. Feels like you have stumbled upon that one true product you need, right? 

Onto the main question: Is snail mucin really good for your skin?
If you are tired of dealing with dry, lacklustre skin—snail mucin might just be the answer to your skincare woes. For real! Also, the high concentration of hyaluronic acid present in snail mucin products deeply moisturises and nourishes your skin. In fact, it's a fantastic ingredient for those who wish to improve their skin's aesthetic appearance and feel or heal dry skin.

With peptides that promote collagen formation and aid in minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, snail mucin also offers anti-ageing qualities. And if you're looking to brighten and even out your complexion, snail mucin has enzymatic properties that gently exfoliate the skin and fade hyperpigmentation. Snail mucin is an absolute champion for healing and soothing sensitive skin, but that's not all. Anybody who struggles with redness, irritation, or acne-prone skin should consider it because of its anti-inflammatory benefits.

So, is snail mucin really worth all the hype?
Given that it is truly known to boost your skin health, snail mucin is a brilliant hydrating addition to your skincare routine. Despite detractors who claim it is merely a fad, this coveted ingredient, has persevered for decades among Korean women who attribute their youthful, bright complexion to its effectiveness. It is suitable for all skin types. However we always advise testing it out before you use it extensively. But don't be wary of trying it out—you never know how beneficial it can be for your skin! 

Dermatologist Dr Daniel Sugai says, “I'm a big fan of snail mucin. It is nice because it's packed with hyaluronic acid. It also has soothing, wound-healing properties.” But he also says that the use of snail mucin in your skincare regimen is not a must-have, unlike your basic routine of cleansing, moisturising, and sunscreen. However, after incorporating evidence-based supplements such as retinoid or vitamin C, you may want to think about including snail mucin as an additional option.

When it comes to these popular snail mucin products—there are several trusted brands that have legit earned a cult following among skincare aficionados. Here are a few that are worth taking a look at: 

Cosrx

Known for its affordable and effective skincare products—Cosrx offers an Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence that is beloved by many. 

Benton Inc. 

With its commitment to natural and gentle skincare, Benton boasts a Snail Bee High Content Essence that combines snail mucin with bee venom for maximum hydration and rejuvenation.

Missha

A Korean beauty brand renowned for its high-quality skincare offerings, Missha has a Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream that is a favourite among snail mucin enthusiasts. 

Mizon

And Mizon, another popular Korean skincare brand, offers a Snail Repair Intensive Essence that contains high amount of snail mucin extract to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Now that we have dissected the use of snail mucin in the beauty world, you are probably on board with our belief that it's not just all hype and endorsements. But if you are not, several detailed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this unique ingredient in enhancing skin hydration, texture, and overall appearance—so there is some sound science behind it. 

The greatest thing, though? Nowadays, it's more uncomplicated than ever to include snail mucin into your skincare regimen and take advantage of its many benefits because of the extensive range of reputable companies and products accessible. It's time to put your anxieties aside and give snail mucin a genuine try—whether you're a serious beauty devotee or are a bit apprehensive to test out new skincare products. You never know, it could be exactly what your skin needs to have that glowing, dewy complexion of your dreams.

Feature and Square Image: @glowwithava / Instagram