5 Benefits of Snail Mucin for Skincare 

Everyone seems to be talking about snail mucin, the mucus snails secrete that can be used for different purposes. 

Before you turn up your nose at the thought of using snail slime, in your skincare routine, which is what is did at first, hear me out. 

It’s one of the most popular ingredients used in South Korean skincare products and it has recently made its way to the United States.

People are abuzz with chatter about snail mucin because of its numerous benefits for the skin. 

I was pretty curious about snail mucin products so I did a deep dive to learn more and now it’s earned a spot in my morning and evening skincare routine. And it’s not expensive, the COSRX Snail Mucin is on Amazon for under $20. I’m on my fourth bottle.

This post is dedicated to the benefits of snail mucin in skincare products!

5 Benefits of Snail Mucin for Skincare 

Moisturizes the Skin

Snail mucin can potentially become a vital part of your morning skincare routine. 

One of the biggest benefits of snail mucin is that it promotes the production of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that helps your skin, eyes, and joints retain moisture. 

According to board-certified dermatologist and anti-aging specialist Dusan Sajic, M.D., Ph.D., increased hyaluronic acid can help prevent dry skin by keeping your skin hydrated.

There is limited research on snail mucin, but this study on hyaluronic acid found that a hyaluronic acid serum improved skin hydration by 134% right after application. Also, it improved smoothness, plumpness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Snail mucin also contains allantoin, an organic compound that moisturizes the skin.

Contains Anti-Aging Properties

Snail mucin is also known for its anti-aging properties. It contains collagen and elastin.

A 2020 clinical trial on the effects of a skincare routine including snail secretion filtrate found that women who followed the routine experienced “significant improvements in skin roughness, firmness and elasticity.”

Additionally, according to this study, using a serum with 40% snail mucin for 12 weeks helped reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The research suggests glycolic acid stimulates collagen production to give your skin a natural, youthful glow.

Snail mucin also contains a bunch of vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin. Zinc fights inflammation, manganese helps heal wounds, and copper peptides boost collagen and decrease wrinkles. It also contains vitamins A and E, which are valuable antioxidants. 

All of these vitamins and minerals work together to promote younger-looking skin. 

Wound Healing

Snail mucin also has the potential to be a wound-healing skin care product.

A 2016 in vitro study found that snail mucin had an antibacterial result on bacteria that were isolated from wounds. In the study, researchers used African snails, which secrete achacin, a substance that kills bacteria by producing hydrogen peroxide.

Additionally, according to Dr. Sajic, as mentioned earlier, snail mucin contains allantoin. In addition to moisturizing the skin, allantoin can help heal acne, minor cuts, and scarring.

Snail mucin has also been used to treat burns and radiation dermatitis. Researchers believe snail mucus contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that control free radicals and help heal skin injury. 

A 2021 study in mice suggested that taking snail mucin orally can reduce symptoms of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVB radiation is a type of radiation from the sun that can cause sunburn, aging, and skin cancer. However, the effect on humans needs to be studied further.

Helps Exfoliate the Skin

In conversations about their favorite skincare products, I’ve heard many people name snail mucin as their go-to product for exfoliation. It contains glycolic acid, which can work as a gentle exfoliant. 

Glycolic acid can break down keratin, a protein that supports the growth of skin, hair, and nails, and helps smooth rough or dry patches on the skin. 

Many skin care products designed to treat acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation contain glycolic acid for exfoliation purposes. 

Stimulates Collagen Production

As mentioned earlier, research on snail mucin and its properties, like glycolic acid, suggests that using snail mucin consistently as part of your skin care routine can stimulate the production of collagen.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain, because snail mucin is a stress-induced excretion, it contains ingredients that promote the growth of collagen and new skin cells. 

Collagen is essential for younger-looking skin and fewer wrinkles. 

Glycolic acid, as mentioned earlier, is also known to help boost collagen production. 

As always, I recommend talking to your doctor or dermatologist before trying any new skincare products to decrease the chance of allergic reactions. While the side effects of snail mucin are typically minimal, it’s best to maintain a conversation with your healthcare provider about the products you use. 

Snail mucin has the potential to be a valuable part of your skincare routine.

There are numerous potential benefits to using snail mucin as part of your skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin or hope to achieve a more youthful glow, this product is certainly worth trying. 

If you’re curious about my must-haves for skincare, check out this post on why you need vitamin C in your morning skincare routine, too!
To read more about my favorite beauty products and my top places to shop for skincare products, head over to the blog.