Snail Mucin: How to Slime Your Way to Sensational Skin

If you’re always up for trying weird and wonderful skincare ingredients, snail mucin, aka snail slime, is just ya’ typical Tuesday. But if you’re new around here, you might need a little more convincing. We get it, there’s a teeny tiny ick factor about applying snail mucin to your skin. But with its endless benefits and the right snail mucin-infused skincare products that won’t leave your skin feeling sticky whatsoever, you’ll forget all about it. Promise!

What Is Snail Mucin?

Snail mucin is the slime a snail creates to protect itself as it slides across the ground. Cuts and scratches would be a part of their everyday life without it. It has many benefits for the skin as it naturally contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, allantoin, glycolic acid, and growth factors. 

What Are the Benefits of Snail Mucin?

1.Moisturising

Probably the most popular benefit of snail mucin for the skin. Rich in moisturising agents, such as hyaluronic acid, snail mucin is a humectant that works to restore and retain moisture whilst strengthening the skin’s barrier.   

2.Stimulates Collagen Production 

As the original purpose of snail mucin for snails is to repair and protect themselves from injuries, it contains growth factors that boost the production of collagen and vitamins A and E needed in the healing process. The result? Plump, youthful skin with reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. 

3.Calms Irritation 

If you struggle with sensitive skin, snail mucin is your saviour. Allantoin is a key ingredient found in snail mucin that’s known to soothe irritation, redness, and inflammation.

4.Gently Exfoliates 

Another benefit of snail mucin for the skin is that it mildly exfoliates with glycolic acid to remove damaged skin cells so they can be replaced by healthier ones. This means brighter skin, unclogged pores, and faded hyperpigmentation over time. 

What Does Snail Mucin Work Well With? 

Because of its moisturising and healing properties, snail mucin is often paired with drying or harsh skincare ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids, to counteract any side effects that may occur.

Are There Any Skincare Ingredients Snail Mucin Doesn’t Work Well With?

As snail mucin for the skin is fairly new, there’s limited research on whether it reacts poorly to other skincare ingredients. So far, so good, but just to be safe, we recommend you apply your usual skincare routine, plus snail mucin, to a small area on your neck to ensure there’s no reaction before applying it all over your face.

Snail Mucin Favourites: 

The original:COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (100ml) - £22.00 

With 96% snail mucin, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one of the best formulas out there with an affordable price tag. Working to deeply moisturise, gently exfoliate the skin, and reduce irritation and the signs of ageing, you defo get the most bang for your buck. It’s strictly water-based making it suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combo skin, as it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any stickiness behind that can come from snail mucin. 

For an instant boost: BENTON Snail Bee High Content Mask - £3.50

Dipped in snail mucin, bee venom, and green tea leaf extract, you’ll want to free up your evening to soak up all the benefits of this highly concentrated sheet mask. Instant effects include brightness, hydration, soothing, and nourishment, while regular use will improve skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. *Puts phone on do not disturb*.

For anti-ageing:BEAUTY OF JOSEON Revive Serum (30ml) - £13.90

Focusing on hyperpigmentation and anti-ageing, BEAUTY OF JOSEON Revive Serum contains 63.4% ginseng root water to hydrate the skin and provide protection against UV rays that cause the overproduction of melanin and premature ageing. The ~life-changing~ serum also contains snail mucin (obvs), niacinamide, licorice root extract, and collagen to refresh and renew your entire complexion. The confidence is real. It’s your world now, we’re just living in it. 

Multifunctional cream: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (100ml) - £26.50

Your one-way ticket to healthy skin. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream delivers intense nutrients and moisture, strengthening the skin’s barrier to prevent moisture loss and damage. In addition to the natural source of hyaluronic acid found in snail mucin, it also includes sodium hyaluronate, a smaller form of HA that can better penetrate the skin for even more volume and fewer fine lines and wrinkles.