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when you think When it comes to skincare, snail mucin probably isn’t the first product that comes to mind. But snail secretion filtrate (a mucus these tiny mollusks produce to move, stay hydrated, and defend themselves from environmental threats) has somehow crept to the top of the cosmeceutical pole.
Simply put, snails have an impressive, multitasking slime system. They secrete different types of goo for various purposes: an antimicrobial barrier on their back, a collagen-filled lubricant to grease their trails, and a calcium-rich adhesive that helps them stick to surfaces and travel upside down.
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What is snail mucin?
In the laboratory, cosmetic researchers have identified at least five types of mucous cells in the garden snail alone, each of which produces a different biochemical composition. Among them, glycosaminoglycans They are the most precious jewels in the world of skin care. These molecules have a natural ability to absorb water, making them favorite ingredients in bulking moisturizers. Snail slime is also packed with elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamins (A, C, E, and more). These compounds are essentially a line of stars that help with skin regeneration, hydration, and protection against bacteria.
Beyond cosmetics, many people are exploring the medical potential of mucin for wound healing in diabetes, eye health, and even cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. For example, Scientists are working on developing eye drops using snail slime.which could help control certain eye diseases. With antimicrobial and antioxidant components, snail mucin is used to treat burns, gastric ulcers, and post-surgical infections.
Some studies showed that snail mucin worked better than commercial antibiotics (including amoxicillin and streptomycin) in treating wounds. When given with medications, slime can also improve drug delivery by helping the body’s mucous membranes better absorb the treatment. First studies They even suggest that it could potentially protect against melanoma.
Why is it fashionable?
It may seem like slug syrup appeared out of nowhere, but it already exists in cosmeceuticals. for centuries. The ancient Greeks used it to treat colds and infections. Hippocrates, “the father of medicine,” supposedly ground up snails and used the byproduct to treat skin inflammation. People in southwestern Cameroon The extract of terrestrial mollusks has long been used to treat burns, relieve headaches and prevent infectious diseases such as scabies and ringworm. in italyThe gastropod sticky substance is used to treat dermatological problems such as acne, warts and calluses.
In the 1980s, Chilean farmers noticed that their hands became softer and cuts healed faster when they handled snails for the French food market. This boosted the popularity of snail mucin in South America, and it was first integrated into cosmetics by the Chilean skincare brand Elicina in 1995. South Korea followed suit in the early 2000s. Today, K-beauty and #SkinTok are bringing snail slime to a global audience, with North America being one of the fastest growing markets. .
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How is snail mucin collected?
Most of the slime used in cosmetics comes from the common garden snail, Cryptomphalus aspersa. Basically, they excrete mucin in response to stress, which can then be harvested in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods is to let these shelled critters crawl on netted surfaces to stimulate secretion, which will then drip into containers. Another procedure consists of misting chambers that induce secretion without direct contact.
How it is extracted and processed can vary greatly depending on the brand and farming practices, and there is no standard industry-wide regulation. that means escargoo (see what I did there) products can differ in consistency, quality and effectiveness, depending on a wide variety of factors, from what the snails are fed to breeding practices.
What are the benefits?
Snail slime is a kind of one-size-fits-all skincare ingredient, which might partly explain why it’s so trendy in an industry that currently favors a “clean beauty” aesthetic.
- Moisturizing: With humectants like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin helps reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, locking in hydration and keeping irritants at bay.
- Smoothing: The natural glycolic acid and collagen-stimulating compounds of mucin can improve skin texture, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A small-scale study from 2020 found than women aged 45 to 65 who use Endocare Tensage Serum They reported less skin roughness and better elasticity after three months.
- Cicatrization: Snail mucin is loaded with zinc, manganese, allantoin and copper peptides, all nutrients that promote cell regeneration and calm irritation. These qualities are especially useful for skin prone to redness or breakouts.
Is it safe for people with eczema?
Snail mucin is generally safe for most skin types, as long as you are not allergic to shellfish. Allantoin, a component of snail mucin, soothes the skin and promotes cell regeneration, which may be especially valuable for eczema-prone skin. However, it is essential to check the product label for other possible irritants that could be included. Fragrances are common additives to mask the earthy scent, but they often irritate sensitive skin, so (as someone with seborrheic dermatitis) I always opt for unscented products.
Are there risks?
Again, while snail mucin is well tolerated by most people, allergies can occur. Be sure to put a patch on the inside of your arm before applying any new ingredients to your face. If you notice redness, burning or stinging (at any time), you should stop using the slime. At least until you consult a dermatologist.
How do I add snail slime to my routine?
Snail mucin can be found in essences, creams, masks and more. Serums and essences typically offer the highest concentration if you’re looking for the maximum amount of slime. Choose products with at least 70 percent mucin content for optimal results. Depending on your skin goals, it is safe to use daily or cycle a couple of times a week along with your usual ingredients like vitamin C or retinol.
I am currently testing the COSRX Snail Mucin Advanced Gel Cleanser and 96 percent mucin power essencewhich I use daily during my nighttime routine. Cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong also uses the same serum daily. “My skin is oily and prone to dehydration easily, so it’s perfect,” she says. When changing your skincare routine, Wong recommends adding one product at a time. “If you add five products you bought on a shopping spree to a routine at the same time, you won’t know what’s really working,” she says.
Is snail mucin cruelty free?
This is a bit of a gray area. Some brands claim their harvesting methods are cruelty-free and do not harm snails, but there is still a lack of transparency in the skin care and snail farming industry. It is not vegan.
So is it worth trying?
If your skin could use a boost of hydration or you’re looking for a gentle, multifunctional ingredient, snail mucin might be worth trying. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all miracle.
In the end, people have different skin types and different priorities. We all know that guy who washes his face with just a bar of soap and has crystal clear skin. You can’t fight genetics. “Skincare is a hobby for me, so I’m willing to put a little more time and effort into trying different products,” Wong says, adding that her skin is not very delicate in terms of sensitivity. “I always recommend thinking about what your skin needs and making sure you don’t buy a product simply because of the hype.”
So if the thought of slug syrup grosses you out, there’s no reason to go there. But if you’re willing to try something that’s been around since ancient Greece, or maybe if you’re fascinated by all things slime, it could be the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.