When you think When it comes to skin care, snail mucin is probably not the first product that comes to mind. But the filtrate of snail secretion—a mucus these juvenile molluscs produce to move, stay hydrated, and survive environmental hazards—has somehow lost its way to the top of the cosmeceutical pole.
Simply put, snails have an impressive, multitasking slime system. They secrete different types of goo for different purposes: an antimicrobial barrier from their backs, a collagen-rich lubricant to lubricate their tracks, and a calcium-rich adhesive that helps them stick to surfaces and roll upside down. Helps to travel.
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What is Snail Mucin?
In the laboratory, cosmetic researchers have identified at least five types of mucus cells in just the garden snail, each producing a different biochemical composition. Among them, glycosaminoglycans are the precious gems of the skin care world. These molecules have a natural ability to attract water, which makes them a favorite ingredient in moisturizing moisturizers. Snail goop is also full of elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamins (A, C, E, and more). These ingredients are basically an all-star line-up that helps in skin regeneration, hydration and protection against bacteria.
Beyond cosmetics, many 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 manage certain eye diseases. With antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, snail mucin is used to treat burns, gastric ulcers, and post-surgical infections.
Some studies have shown that snail mucin outperforms commercial antibiotics (including amoxicillin and streptomycin) when treating wounds. When given with drugs, the slime can also enhance drug delivery by helping the body’s mucus membranes to better absorb the treatment. Early studies even suggest that it may possibly protect against melanoma.
Why is it modern?
It seems like slug syrup appeared out of nowhere, but it has been around in cosmeceuticals for centuries. The ancient Greeks used it to treat colds and infections. Hippocrates—the “Father of Medicine”—reportedly crushed snails and used the byproducts to treat skin inflammations. People in southwest Cameroon have long used ground mollusc extract to treat burns, relieve headaches, and prevent infectious diseases such as scabies and ringworm. In Italy, gastropod goo is used to treat skin problems such as acne, warts and calluses.
In the 1980s, Chilean farmers noticed that their hands softened and the cuts healed faster when handling escargots for the French food market. It eclipsed the popularity of snail mucin in South America, and was first integrated into cosmetics in 1995 by the Chilean skincare brand Alisina. South Korea followed suit in the early 2000s. Today, K-beauty and #SkinTok are pushing snail slime to a worldwide 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 secrete 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 shield critters crawl over mesh surfaces to stimulate moisture, which will then drip into the pan. Another method consists of misting chambers that generate liquid without direct contact.
How it is extracted and processed can vary greatly by brand and farm methods, and there is no standard code across the industry. That is, the eskerGoo (See what I did there) Products can vary in consistency, quality and effectiveness, depending on a large array of factors, from what the snails are fed to breeding methods.
What are the benefits?
Snail slime is similar to a skin care ingredient, which may be partly why it’s so trendy in an industry that currently favors a “clean beauty” aesthetic. .
- Hydrating: Along with humectants like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin helps boost the skin’s moisture barrier, locking in hydration and keeping itchiness at bay.
- Smoothing: The natural glycolic acid and collagen-boosting compounds in mucin can improve skin texture, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A small-scale 2020 study found that women ages 45 to 65 reported smoother skin and improved skin elasticity after three months of using Endocare Tensage Serum.
- to heal: Snail mucin is loaded with zinc, manganese, allantoin, and copper peptides—all nutrients that support cell regeneration and calm inflammation. These properties 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, unless you are allergic to molluscs. Allantoin, a component of snail mucin, soothes the skin and supports cell regeneration, which can be especially valuable for eczema-prone skin. However, it is important to check the product label for other possible irritants that may be added. Fragrances are common additives to mask earthy scents, but they often irritate sensitive skin, so (as with seborrheic dermatitis) I always choose fragrance-free products.
What are the risks?
Again, while snail mucin is well tolerated by most people, allergies can occur. Be sure to apply a patch to your inner arm before applying any new components to your face. If you experience redness, burning or stinging at any time, you should stop using the mud. At least until you consult a dermatologist.
How do I incorporate lazy mud into my routine?
Snail mucin can be found in essences, creams, masks, etc. If you’re looking for more mud, serums and essences usually offer the highest concentration. Choose products with at least 70 percent mucin content for best results. Depending on your skin goals, it’s safe to use daily or cycle twice a week with your regular ingredients like vitamin C or retinol.
I’m currently testing the COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser and the 96 Percent Mucin Power Essence, which I use daily during my nighttime routine. Cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong also uses this serum daily. “I have oily skin and get dehydrated easily, so it’s a perfect fit,” she says. When switching up your skin care routine, Wong recommends adding one product at a time. “If you put five products you’ve bought while shopping together into a routine, you can’t tell what’s actually working,” she says.
Is Ghanghro Makin cruelty-free?
This is a bit of a gray area. Some brands claim that their collection methods are cruelty-free and do not harm snails, but transparency in the skin care and snail farming industry is still lacking. This is not vegan.
So, is it worth a try?
If your skin could use a hydration boost or you’re looking for a gentle, multifunctional ingredient, snail mucin may be worth a try. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all miracle.
Finally, people have different skin types and different preferences. We all know that friend who washes his face with just one bar of soap and his skin is perfectly clear. You can’t fight genetics. “Skincare is a hobby for me, so I’m willing to put in a little more time and effort to try different products,” says Wong, adding that her skin tends to be more sensitive. is not “I always recommend thinking about what your skin needs and making sure you’re not just buying a product based on hype.”
So, if the thought of slug syrup makes you cringe, there’s no reason to go there. But if you’re ready to try something that’s been around since ancient Greece—or maybe if you’ve got a penchant for all things slime—this might be the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for. Didn’t know you needed it.
