Snail mucus: Why is it used in skincare products?

Snail slime, also known as snail secretion or snail mucin, is one of the most vibrant ingredients in the skincare world. Yes, snails, as in the little animals that live in your garden or appear on the menu of fancy French restaurants. Many people are skeptical about the ingredient, but if you can get over it, snail slime is a surprisingly effective ingredient. Dermatologists point out that snail mucus isn't quite as well studied as many other skincare ingredients, so it's important for us to understand the reason for the hype.

Quick facts about snail mucus

• Benefits: Moisturizes the skin, promotes collagen production, aids in healing and renewal.
• Who should use it: In general, snail mucus can be used on all skin types, although its moisturizing properties make it especially good for those with dry skin. And unless you are allergic to the ingredient, it is generally well tolerated by most people.
• How often can you use it: This largely depends on why you're using it - because snail mucus has so many benefits. Generally speaking, you can use snail mucus once or twice a day.
• Works well with: Snail slime is often combined with antioxidants and retinol, as well as common skincare ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid, and other moisturizing ingredients.

What is snail slime?

In simple terms, it is the secretion of a snail, which is why it is also known and shown on ingredient labels as snail secretion filtrate or SSF. Snail mucus is naturally created and used by snails as a way for them to protect themselves. It is a trusted ingredient in the k-beauty world and has become popular because it can produce noticeable results on the skin.

Benefits of snail slime for the skin

Snail mucus is a jack of all trades, with the ability to do everything from moisturizing to increasing the production of collagen, the protein that contributes to strong, youthful skin.

• Moisturizes the skin: Snail mucus is a moisturizing ingredient that works to repair the skin's barrier function.
• Stimulates collagen production: Snail mucus is an ingredient that repairs and protects the skin, but also includes growth factors, which work by triggering the growth of new skin cells and new collagen. And as we know, more collagen equals fewer wrinkles and younger looking skin. Snail mucus also contains glycolic acid, another known collagen booster.
• Soothes irritation: Allantoin is another key component of snail slime, an ingredient with healing properties that soothe irritation, smooth the skin and stimulate cell renewal.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals: Snail slime is loaded with a lot of good nutrients for your skin, including anti-inflammatory zinc and healing manganese. Snail slime contains copper peptides, which are hailed for their collagen-boosting and wrinkle-reducing effects. Snail mucus also contains vitamins A and E, both of which are great antioxidants.

Side effects of snail mucus

There are no well-documented side effects from snail mucus, although dermatologists point out that, as with all ingredients, people can be allergic to it. Avoid allergic reactions by testing a small amount of a new product on the inside of your forearm before applying it over your face.

How to use snail slime

This largely depends on your skin problems and what you hope to get out of the ingredient. Many people use snail slime for moisturizing purposes, in this case, we suggest choosing a night cream. (The night is a great opportunity for the skin to reap not only the moisturizing benefits, but also the ingredient's other restorative and regenerative properties). Apply every evening to clean skin, as the final step in your routine.

If you are thinking of using snail slime as a multifunctional anti-aging product, use a snail serum, as these will have a higher concentration of the ingredient. Apply morning and evening, immediately after cleansing and before remaining products.

Frequently asked questions

• What does snail slime do for the skin? Snail mucus moisturizes and stimulates collagen production, helping the skin to heal and regenerate.
• Is snail cream good for your face? Yes, it is, snail cream is a multi-faceted moisturizer with a range of skincare benefits.
• Does snail slime clog pores? According to dermatologists, snail mucus has no documented side effects. As such, snail mucus is not known to clog pores and should not cause a rash.