When you think When it comes to skin care, snail mucin probably isn’t the first product that comes to mind. But snail secretion filtrate—a mucus these tiny molluscs produce to move around, stay hydrated, and ward off environmental threats—has somehow found 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 various purposes: an antimicrobial barrier on their backs, a collagen-rich lubricant to grease their tracks, 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 mucus cells in the garden snail, each producing a different biochemical composition. Among them, glycosaminoglycans are the most precious gems in the skincare world. These molecules have a natural ability to draw in water, making them preferred ingredients in plumping moisturizers. Snail paste is also packed with elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and vitamins (A, C, E and more). These compounds are essentially a star lineup that helps with regeneration, hydration, and protection of the skin against bacteria.

Beyond cosmetics, many people are exploring the medical potential of mucin for wound healing related to diabetes, eye health, and even cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. For example, scientists are working on developing eye drops made from snail slimewhich could help manage certain eye diseases. Thanks to its antimicrobial and antioxidant components, snail mucin is used to treat burns, gastric ulcers and post-operative infections.

Some studies have found that snail mucin is more effective than commercial antibiotics (including amoxicillin and streptomycin) in treating wounds. When administered with medications, drool can also improve drug delivery by helping the body’s mucous membranes better absorb the treatment. Early studies even suggest that it could potentially protect against melanoma.

Why is it fashionable?

It might seem like slug syrup appeared out of nowhere, but it exists in cosmeceutical products. for centuries. The ancient Greeks used it to treat colds and infections. Hippocrates, “the father of medicine”, is said to have crushed snails and used this by-product to treat skin inflammations. The inhabitants of southwest Cameroon Land mollusc extract has long been used to treat burns, relieve headaches, and prevent infectious diseases such as scabies and ringworm. In Italygastropod paste 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 more quickly when they handled snails destined for the French food market. This is what sparked the popularity of snail mucin in South America, and it was first incorporated into cosmetics by the Chilean skincare brand Elicina in 1995. South Korea followed suit in the early 2000s. Today, K-beauty and #SkinTok pushes snail slime to a global audience, with North America being one of the fastest growing markets.

How is snail mucin collected?

Most of the slime used in cosmetics comes from the common snail, Cryptomphalus aspersa. Essentially, they excrete mucin in response to stress, which can then be harvested in different ways. One of the most popular methods is to let these shelled creatures crawl on mesh surfaces to stimulate the secretion, which will then drip into the pans. Another procedure is to use misting chambers which induce secretion without direct contact.

How it is extracted and processed can vary widely depending on brand and farming practices, and there are no industry standard regulations. It means escarjelly (see what I did there) Products can differ in consistency, quality and effectiveness, depending on a wide range of factors, from snail feeding to breeding practices.

What are the advantages?

Snail slime is something of an all-purpose skincare ingredient, which might partly explain why it’s so trendy in an industry that currently favors a “clean beauty” aesthetic.

• Moisturizer: Along with humectants like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, locking in hydration and keeping irritants out.
• Smoothing: The natural glycolic acid and collagen-boosting compounds found in mucin can improve skin texture, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A small-scale 2020 study found that women aged 45 to 65 using Endocare Tensage Serum reported less skin roughness and better elasticity after three months.
• Healing: Snail mucin is loaded with zinc peptides, manganese, Allantoin and copper, all nutrients that support cell regeneration and calm irritation. These qualities are especially helpful for skin prone to redness or breakouts.

Are there any risks?

Again, although snail mucin is well tolerated by most people, allergies can occur. Be sure to patch the inside of your arm before applying a new ingredient to your face. If you notice redness, burning, or a stinging sensation at any time, you should stop using the slime. At least until you see a dermatologist.

How do I add snail slime to my routine?

Snail mucin can be found in essences, creams, masks and much more. Serums and essences generally offer the highest concentration if you’re looking for maximum slime. Choose products with at least 70 percent mucin for optimal results. Depending on your skin goals, you can use it daily or circulate it several times a week with your usual ingredients like vitamin C or retinol.

I am currently testing the COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Cleansing Gel 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 tends to get dehydrated easily, so it’s perfect for me,” 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 trip to a routine at once, you can’t know what’s actually working,” she says.

So, is it worth a try?

If your skin needs a hydration boost or you’re looking for a gentle, multifunctional ingredient, snail mucin might be worth a try. But it is not a universal miracle.

Ultimately, 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. We can’t fight genetics. “Skincare is a hobby for me, so I’m willing to spend a little more time and effort trying different products,” Wong says, adding that her skin isn’t very picky in terms of sensitivity. “I always recommend thinking about what your skin needs and making sure you’re not buying a product just based on hype.”

So if the idea of ​​slug syrup disgusts you, there’s no reason to go for it. But if you fancy trying something that has been around since ancient Greece, or perhaps if you have a fascination with all things slime– it could be the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.