Secrets of Stunning Skin Revealed: The Miracle of Snail Mucin!

So there I was scrolling through the internet and I came across a very interesting skincare ingredient that is taking the internet by storm.

Snail Mucin.

Yeah, you heard that right. Mucin from a snail. Snail slime.

At first, it grossed me out. I’d never even think about putting a snail on my skin, dead or alive. Ew, just no way!

But guess what?

This ingredient has multiple benefits and I already have a favorite. Well, two or three. It’s tough to decide though.

In this article, we’ll explore what snail mucin is, how it works, and how to use it with insights from the experts. Read on to render the final verdict on whether it deserves to be a part of your skincare routine.

The world of skincare is ever-evolving but what you might not have noticed is that snail mucin has been around for a long time. An article from the MasterClass states that this ingredient was used by Hippocrates, the father of medicine to address skincare concerns.

Faranak ‘Fara’ Kamangar, MD, Board certified dermatologist and Department Chair of Dermatology at Sutter Health — Palo Alto Medical Foundation confirms, “Snail mucin has been around for many generations and has been recognized as a moisturizer.”

This skincare “secret” is now gaining international recognition with a staggering 1.3 billion views on TikTok as skincare enthusiasts all over the world and experts alike are singing its praises.

But what exactly is snail mucin?

“It is actual mucin that is derived from snails that is secreted over a long period of time and then processed/filtered to be used for different components of skincare,” explains Divya Shokeen, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Founder of Ocean Skin and Vein Institute.

Where is snail mucin from?

Various types of species are used to source snail mucin and among them are the Achatina fulica or the giant African snail and Cornu aspersum snail species also known as the little gray snail or garden snail.

Dr. Kamangar points out that “… it is important to know that not all snail mucin is equal as there are many strains of snail species, and the properties can differ. Much more research is needed in this area.”

This is one limitation that the snail mucin industry is currently facing.

“Ongoing challenges in the integration of snail mucin is the consistency of component quality since it is highly dependent on the method in which the snails are raised and extracted. Hence the development of a synthetic version of this material would help in that regard,” shares Cosmetic Chemist and Founder of Sweet Chemistry, Alec Batis.

But there’s no need to fret. The good news is that the benefits that snail mucin has are astonishing and will leave you feeling satisfied. We’ll dive into that in a bit.

Now I know there might be a small voice in your head that is wondering how snail mucin is harvested. After all this is a weird skincare product if you’re just hearing of it for the first time.

Let’s get some insights from a professional.

“Snail mucin, also known as snail secretion filtrate, is harvested from snails, typically in a cruelty-free way that ensures their wellbeing. The snails are placed in an environment that encourages them to secrete mucin, which is then collected and purified for use in skin care products,” explains Master Aesthetician and Founder of Charette Cosmetics, Paul Charette.

According to a 2023 Byrdie article, this is a fluid that is produced when the snail is under stress not when it is moving.

“Methods of extraction vary greatly and are not shown with the utmost transparency by many suppliers as they often claim their methods are trade secrets. Many methods of extracting snail mucin include some sort of stressor/stimulator,” Batis enlightens.

Why snail mucin works.

If you have used ineffective skincare products before then you do know the feeling of disappointment and sometimes frustration that comes with it. But what you might not know is for a product to deliver desirable results, it must contain some ingredients that give it that capability.

Unlike the skin care products you have used in the past, snail mucin isn’t just hyped. It truly is effective.

“It contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, peptides, and growth factors. These components contribute to its moisturizing, hydrating, and regenerative properties,” Dr. Shokeen explains.

You know what the best part is?

Snail mucin is beneficial to all skin types. Though some may experience the most favorable results from it.

“Overall, snail mucin is valued in skincare for its hydrating, anti-aging, soothing, and regenerative properties. Dry skin and aging skin may benefit the most from its properties,” Dr. Kamangar adds.

The compliments that this skincare ingredient receives do not end there.

Licensed Beauty Specialist and Founder of A Beauty Edit, Sarah Roberts shares, “This exceptional ingredient not only nourishes the skin deeply but also promotes its intrinsic capacity to heal and rejuvenate from within.”

How to incorporate snail mucin into your skincare routine.

You could have seen some snail mucin products online and you are wondering how often to use snail mucin essence so you can enjoy its benefits. The experts explain it all.

“Apply it after cleansing and toning, much like you would with a serum. For optimal benefits, use it in both morning and evening routines, just as you would with other treatment serums or essences,” Charette explains.

“To add snail mucin to your skincare regimen, begin with a well-crafted, gentle essence or serum; these formulations usually boast higher concentrations of snail mucin and slot seamlessly into morning and evening routines — apply them right after cleansing and toning for instant hydration,” Roberts adds.

The positive aspect of consulting an expert’s opinion lies not just in their qualifications but also in their practical experience, having successfully applied it to their clients.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE NOTICEABLE RESULTS?

The excitement that comes with using a buzz-worthy product like this one could result in unrealistic expectations when it comes to noticing results. But what is the exact period for you to see the changes on your skin?

“Snail mucin is lacking evidence-based research and protocols. However, if we extrapolate from what is known about hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid, usually results can be seen within a few weeks, and maximal results usually are evident between 6–8 weeks with initiation of any new skin therapy,” explains Dr. Kamangar.

If you were wondering if there are any best practices when it comes to snail mucin, please follow this advice.

“Regular application yields striking benefits — not simply a fleeting trend but a transformative element in harmony with the skin’s innate functions. I advocate for leveraging nature’s offerings to elevate our beauty practices; snail mucin epitomizes this approach,” Roberts supplements.

Combining different skincare products might be a fun thing for you to do.

Which leads us to the question:

What can you not use with snail mucin?

“Snail mucin can generally be combined with most skincare ingredients. However, caution is advised with strong exfoliants or retinoids, similar to when using other active ingredients,”Charette explains.

Are there any side effects or reactions?

By now you must know that almost all products have the potential to cause side effects.

When it comes to skincare, a common piece of advice is to patch test first before fully applying it to your skin. This is important especially for the skin on your face as it is very sensitive.

“There’s a small chance of irritation or allergies, particularly for sensitive skin. Alternatives like our fragrance-free, gentle formulations can be safer options,” Charette explains.

If you have these specific allergies then snail mucin might not be for you.

“Generally, it’s suitable for most skin types, but those with mollusk allergies or very sensitive skin should be cautious. Alternatives like ceramide-based moisturizers could be safer options,” Charette states.

Now pregnancy is a very delicate phase of a woman’s life. If you don’t watch what you feed your body, you could put your life and the baby’s in danger.

The same is true about skincare. You have to check with your dermatologist and gynecologist to structure an effective and safe skincare routine for you. Now to address your concerns we asked Dr. Kamangar the big question.

Is snail mucin safe during pregnancy?

“It likely is safe to use snail mucin in pregnancy. However, due to the lack of evidence, I would advise against it, until more research has established its safety and efficacy,” she says.

The industry is evolving to make skincare fun and effective.

“Incorporating snail mucin into skincare routines represents the industry’s innovative spirit: it demonstrates our ability to harness nature-inspired solutions that are both gentle and efficacious. As an advocate for sustainable, kind-to-skin ingredients, I view this step toward holistic beauty practices as a stride in the right direction,” Roberts says.

In conclusion, snail mucin’s diverse benefits make it a standout ingredient in skincare. Its hydrating and rejuvenating properties, backed by scientific evidence, showcase its potential for transformative results.

As you explore new skincare options, consider incorporating snail mucin products into your routine for a natural and effective approach to radiant skin. Embrace the power of nature in your skincare journey.

Do you have any favorite snail mucin products? Kindly share in the comment section below.