Snails on Face: a Major “ugh” or Totally Buzzworthy?

Do you recoil in horror when you see someone with snail slime all over their face? Do you think it’s a total “ugh”? Or are you one of the trendsetters who think that using snail facials is the latest, greatest way to take care of your skin? 

Believe it or not, using snail slime as a skincare treatment is becoming more and more popular thanks to its regenerative and repairing benefits. So, if you’re curious about the latest beauty trend, read on. I’ll give you the scoop on what snail slime is supposed to do for your face – and whether or not it actually works.

What is snail mucin?

Snail mucin, also known as snail filtrate, is a type of glycoprotein secreted by snails. Composed of 91%-98% water, the remaining 2%-9% consists of snail mucus, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, and various minerals and proteins. These components work synergistically to keep the snail's body hydrated and offer protection against predators and parasites.

Mucin is a complex blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids that forms a protective barrier on the skin. It's this mucin that gives snail slime its remarkable properties: its high moisture content helps to retain hydration.

When applied to the skin, snail mucin helps repair damage and stimulates collagen production. It’s effective against acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Recent scientific research has demonstrated that the glycoproteins in snail mucin enhance skin cell regeneration and improve wound healing by promoting the synthesis of collagen and elastin. In addition to its skin benefits, snail mucin contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrator. Popular beauty products infused with snail mucin include serums, moisturizers, and sheet masks from acclaimed brands. Although using snail slime on the skin may seem unusual, its efficacy in many beauty products has garnered widespread recognition.

The trend of utilizing snail filtrate in skincare has ancient roots. Civilizations such as the Mayans and communities in ancient China also harnessed snail slime for its healing properties, showcasing its historical significance across cultures. Today, cosmetic and clinical research affirms the enduring wisdom of historical uses of snail mucin.

5 not so “ugh” snail mucin benefits that you’ll love!

Snail mucin has surged in popularity within the Korean beauty industry. This unique secretion is packed with skin-affecting benefits and can be found in a range of skincare products. Here are five ways snail extract can elevate your skincare routine:

1. Oh-so-moisturizing

This unique substance excels at retaining moisture, making it an excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

Filled with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and collagen, snail mucin locks in moisture effectively. When applied to the skin, it creates a protective barrier to maintain balanced hydration levels. The hyaluronic acid acts as a moisture magnet, attracting and retaining water in the skin.

The moisturizing properties of snail mucin were first observed by Chilean snail farmers who noticed their skin became softer after prolonged contact with the slime!

Related article: Moisturizer For Oily Skin: Do or Don’t?

2. Skin healing and regeneration

Recently, snail mucin has gained recognition for its ability to restore damaged skin. This protective substance shields the skin from environmental aggressors like pollution.

Additionally, snail mucin enhances cell turnover, facilitating accelerated wound healing and skin regeneration. By removing dead and damaged cells from the skin's surface, new, healthy cells emerge, helping to address sun damage and other environmental stressors.

3. A slimy treatment for acne and eczema

Snail slime contains anti-inflammatory compounds that expedite the healing process, making it effective for conditions like acne, eczema, and irritated skin. 

Related article: A Must-Read Guide On How To Get Rid Of Acne And Not Die Trying

4. Anti-aging holy grail

Snail mucin is rich in antioxidants, which help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The hydrating effects of its hyaluronic acid also support collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and providing a youthful glow.

If you're seeking an effective anti-aging solution, don't hesitate to explore products featuring snail mucus. 

Related article: The Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine

5. Exfoliant

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in snail mucin, effectively breaks down dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. This action is essential for achieving a bright and radiant complexion.

Thanks to its exfoliating capabilities, snail mucin can reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and improve overall skin tone.

Related article: What is Exfoliation? A Full Guide on How to Exfoliate your Skin

Snail skin care: Actual live snail facial vs. snail products

Using live snails as a facial treatment started in the place where every skincare craze is born, South Korea! During a snail facial, live snails are placed on the client's face. While the snail trails through human skin, they then secrete a slime that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. These substances help to hydrate and nourish the skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The snail facial has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people seek out unique ways to care for their skin. 

On the other hand, when we talk about snail mucin products, we refer to all those goodies packed with snail mucin and other active ingredients that are created by beauty brands and offer the beneficial properties we talked about! 

So, which one is better? Snail skincare products are safely formulated for the skin, while it’s hard to define if the snails used for live snail facials are brought from farms and could be contaminated.

Is live snail slime dangerous? 

The most commonly used snail in skincare products is the powdered form of the common garden snail’s mucin, which is rich in nutrients and moisture. Garden snails tend to be safe for human skin, however, these slimy suckers have some potential risks: like the possibility that the snail is not clean and could cause a skin infection. 

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that all live snail facials are dangerous. In fact, nowadays most animals are born through snail farming, which means that they are born in a safe and clean environment. 

Just make sure to do the snail mask in a safe place! 

Fave Korean Products With Snail Mucin

Since Koreans are the queens and kings of the newest snail mucin craze, we’ve created a list with all the masks, creams, and serums that we’re obsessed with: 

1. Snail serums and essences

• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - Say hello to the glow!
  This light weight essence is perfect for anyone looking for a concentrated dose of healthy ingredients. With snail extract, this product can help to achieve healthy-looking skin and give you a natural glow! 
  
  

• IUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum - The Anti-aging Secret to a Youthful Look
  If you’re looking for a serum that will help your skin look younger and more elastic, then this IUNIK goodie is a must-have. Enriched with 70% black snail extract, this unique snail serum helps to improve skin elasticity and protect against free radical damage.
  
  

• BENTON Snail Bee High Content Essence - No more blemishes, wrinkles, and dull skin!
  Your search for the perfect all-in-one essence is finally over! Packed with bee venom, snail mucin, niacinamide, and licorice, the BENTON Snail Bee High Content Essence brightens, tones, and revitalizes your skin for a radiant, youthful complexion.
  
  

• BEAUTY OF JOSEON Repair Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin - Two Korean faves in one bottle
  Achieve youthful, dark spots-free skin with the Repair Serum! This powerful serum is enriched with hanbang, a blend of traditional Korean herbal remedies and antioxidant-rich ginseng root water, to help repair and restore your skin's texture and complexion. With regular use, you'll see a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation and scarring.  

2. Snail sheet masks

• ELIZAVECCA 24K Gold Water Dual Snail Mask Pack - 10 Years Younger in Just 20 Minutes!
  Infused with pure gold water extract, witch hazel, and grapefruit extracts, this mask will give you a radiant and youthful complexion in just 20 minutes! 
  
  

• BENTON Snail Bee High Content Mask - A hug for sensitive skin
  Packed with green tea, snail filtrate, and bee venom, this mask will reduce inflammation and redness, soothing your skin and giving it all the gentle love it deserves. 
  
  

• PETITFÉE Gold and Snail Mask - Dry skin? No problem!
  This luxurious mask is perfect for those who want to give their skin some extra pampering. The gold powder and snail filtrate work together to create a radiant and youthful complexion, while the hydrogel patches help to lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration.
  
  

• ESFOLIO Snail Essence Mask Sheet - The secret to a glowy, gorgeous complexion is right here!
  Whether your skin is feeling dry and dull or in need of a pick-me-up, these snail masks packed with Chinese quince are just what you need.

3. Snail creams

• MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream - Your new anti-aging weapon against wrinkles
  If red carpet super glowy skin is what you're after, look no further than MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream. This potent cream is formulated with an impressive 70% snail mucin extract, which is known for its ability to support natural cell regeneration and replenish moisture. In other words, it's the perfect recipe for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. 
  
  

• COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - The one cream you need for all your skincare woes
  Packed with 92% snail mucin, this cream is the perfect solution for those who want the 3 Rs (Repair, Recover, Rebuild) in just one rich gel-type cream. 
  
  

• iUNIK Black Snail Restore Cream - 1 tube will change your skin forever!
  This powerful cream is formulated with 58% black snail extract to deeply penetrate and repair your skin, giving you a youthful elasticity that will make you look and feel fabulous. Centella Asiatica leaf water and Centella Asiatica leaf extract work their magic to soothe and protect your skin, making this cream the ultimate weapon in your skincare arsenal!

Snail skin care: Where to find the best products?

Now that you know everything about snails on the face and we’ve shared with you our fave products, you must be wondering where to get them! 

The good news is that you’ve come to the right place! In Asian Beauty Essentials you’ll find our snail collection with all the goodies we’ve talked about in this blog. So get ready to shop and don’t forget to leave us a comment sharing about your favorite products!