In case you’re a fan of Korean skincare and the famous “glass skin” effect, then you surely know about snail mucin. Snail mucin is one of the most popular ingredients in Korea’s beauty industry. It’s a natural moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft. Snail mucin is often used in products like masks, moisturizers, serums and creams. It’s part of many anti-aging products because it helps fight wrinkles without causing harm to your skin cells.
I used snail mucin for the first time, a couple of years ago, in a moisturizer. It helped me with fading my acne scars and left my skin smooth. I loved this unusual but very efficient active ingredient, so here is what you need to now about it.
You may have heard of snail mucin, but what is it exactly? How do you use snail mucin for skin? What are the benefits? If you’re curious to find out the answers to all of these questions and more, this article will cover everything you need to know about snail mucin extract!
Contents
What is snail mucin extract?
Snail mucin (also known as snail slime, snail filtrate or snail serum) is a natural substance produced by snails. It is a protein-rich fluid that is secreted by the mucus glands of snails to aid in their movement, defence and respiration. This unique substance has been used as an ingredient in skincare products for centuries due to its many benefits on the skin.
In fact, snail mucin in skincare has been a “thing” since 400 B.C. in Ancient Greece, when people would use snail secretions to treat inflammation. Moreover, snails were known as “anti-aging devices”.
Nowadays, many skincare brands, especially K-beauty brands, have launched product ranges based specifically on snail mucin.
What does snail mucin do?
Snail mucin is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare products and it’s also known as “snail slime”. It is made from the mucus of snails, which, for humans, helps to repair damaged skin cells. This secretion also helps improve the appearance of skin by reducing scars and wrinkles while hydrating and moisturizing dry areas such as the face and hands.
Snail mucin is an excellent natural moisturizer, as it contains both hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycolic acid, which have both proven to reduce skin dryness. It also has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and fine lines, preventing the signs of aging. With its anti-inflammatory benefits, snail mucin can help heal irritated or acne-prone skin, while also brightening your complexion.
Snail mucin benefits
Snail mucin is one of the most effective natural ingredients for skin care. It has many benefits, including anti-aging and acne reduction, as follows:
Snail mucin for acne
Snail secretion contains peptides which have been proven to reduce acne breakouts by up to 92%. There are even studies that show how this ingredient can help lessen redness from pimples while healing them at the same time so they don't leave dark marks behind! If you're looking for something natural but effective, then snail mucin may be right up your alley.
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Snail mucin for anti-aging
The amino acids in snail mucin are responsible for its anti-aging properties. These amino acids help to repair damaged cells that cause wrinkles and fine lines on your face, which makes the skin look younger and healthier. You can use a snail mucin cream or lotion to reduce fine lines around your eyes and mouth area as well as reduce wrinkles on your forehead. Snail mucin also helps tighten up loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss so that it looks firmer and less saggy than before.
Snail mucin before and after - what to expect
Okay, so what does snail mucin do? When applied to skin, here’s what to expect:
- Hydration – snail mucin works similarly to hyaluronic acid, drawing moisture to your skin and hydrating it from the inside. Snail mucin products promote natural regeneration of your skin tissue. And we all know that a hydrated skin is the base to achieving the famous glass skin effect promoted by K-beauty, right?
- Wound healing – snail mucin has been used in wound healing for centuries now because it has vitamins and minerals that speed up the recovery of burns and open wounds;
- Irritation calming – the Allantoin found in snail mucin is known to soothe irritation, which makes this substance perfect for people with sensitive skin, as well as other skin concerns such as psoriasis or rosacea;
- Collagen production – the growth factors found inside a snail mucin serum, for example, will help boost your collagen production, which is an important element if you want to prevent early aging;
- Exfoliation – you might not expect a substance like snail mucin to offer both hydration and exfoliation at the same time, but because this substance has both hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid in its composition, this is possible. Glycolic acid has exfoliation properties!
These are, generally speaking, the key snail mucin skin benefits when using it on a regular basis. In case you need guidance on when to use snail mucin on your skin and if this ingredient is fit for your complexion, it is always advised to speak to your dermatologist.
Skincare actives comparisons
Snail mucin vs. hyaluronic acid
Snail mucin draws in water to your skin just like Hyaluronic acid leaving you with intensely hydrated skin. This will help you repair the skin barrier and promote healing, regeneration of the tissues. Well hydrated skin is the key to glass skin just as K-beauty highly promotes!
Snail mucin vs. retinol
Snail mucin and retinol, although being two different ingredients, have some similarities as well. Snail mucin is, in fact, an active ingredient that can replace retinol. Retinol is known as a more aggressive ingredient, which is also why adding retinol into your skincare routine is advised to be made slowly and gradually. This is not the case with snail mucin, which is gentler with the skin and can also be used in combination with other active ingredients, unlike retinol.
How to apply snail mucin on skin
Before applying snail mucin, wash your face thoroughly with warm water then pat dry with a towel until completely dry before continuing with application process method. In general, snail mucin is found in various types of skincare products such as toners, essences, serums and moisturizers. You can either use a professional product specifically formulated with snail mucin, or you can add it yourself as an added ingredient to your usual products.
Usually, snail mucin can be applied before your moisturizer, lotion or oil. For example, you can apply it before your hydration cream in the morning or before your oil at night. Or, alternatively, you can apply it as the last step in your skincare routine.
It all really depends on the products you’re using and the specific indications for each of them. When purchasing a snail mucin essence or a snail mucin moisturizer, for example, make sure to read the instructions on the label in order to know when to include it into your already existing routine.
As a general advice, it is usually recommended to use snail mucin products at room temperature; otherwise, this active ingredient may sting if you have sensitive skin.
FAQs about snail mucin
Is snail mucin cruelty-free?
Yes, some K-beauty snail mucin products are 100% cruelty-free. Snail mucin is a huge deal in K-beauty and animal testing and animal cruelty is a very important topic in Korea as well. Moreover, the quality of the snail mucin extract is closely related to the way the snails live, what they eat and everything else in-between, which is why cosmetic companies take care of every little aspect, especially the way the snail slime is extracted.
Is snail mucin vegan?
Snail mucin is not vegan, as vegan is not the same as cruelty-free. A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan – and such is the case with snail mucin as well. Because the slime comes directly from snails (it is, in fact, a substance produced by an animal), similar to honey, for example - this means it’s not vegan.
Does snail mucin work?
Yes, snail mucin has excellent results when used in skincare products. In fact, a study from 2019 made on 25 women has shown great results related to anti-aging and hydration after 12 weeks of using snail mucin products on a regular basis.
Is snail mucin good for your skin?
Thanks to its hydrating, acne-fighting and anti-aging properties, snail mucin has been proved to be effective for various skin concerns. Of course, each one of us is different and can have different results, which is why it’s always advised to be patient and test products to find what works best for you and your complexion.
Can I use snail mucin every day?
It is generally safe to use products formulated with snail mucin every day and even twice a day if desired – but this, of course, depends on your skin’s sensitivity and the products you’re choosing. Generally speaking, the results will be even better if you use products formulated with combinations of active ingredients such as snail mucin and vitamins, antioxidants or other acids.
How long does it take for snail mucin to start working?
As with any product, it will take a bit of time and dedication to see results. If you’re a fan of Korean skincare, then you must know that consistency and patience and two key qualities when it comes to effective skincare. Generally speaking, you should see visible results after about three months of using snail mucin products.
What should I use after snail mucin?
Snail mucin is usually used before the moisturizing step, which means it will be followed by a hydrating cream in your morning routine or a hydrating oil in your evening routine. This, of course, varies depending on the type of product you’re using.
Does snail mucin clog pores?
If you have oily skin, then you’re surely dealing with clogged pores and it’s probably a challenge finding light products and ingredients that won’t cause breakouts on your skin. The good news is that snail mucin doesn’t clog pores, on the contrary!
Hugs!
Adrienne | Co-founder of OMMA Cosmetics
Photo sources: Unsplash