Initial ick factor aside, snail mucin is a surprisingly effective skincare ingredient that is making its way into the routines of more and more people in the west [mine included].
Snail mucin or snail slime is used for its moisturising and collagen-stimulating benefits.
Now, you might be wondering exactly what it is – basically snail mucin is the product that snails excrete in stressful situations to protect themselves.
There isn’t currently a lot of research on this ingredient however, it does contain ingredients that *should* help the skin.
Components of snail secretion filtrate include hyaluronic acid, allantoin, antioxidants, zinc, manganese, glycosaminoglycans, and growth factors—all good stuff for hydrating, plumping, soothing, and building collagen.
Since snail mucin is a stress-induced excretion, it has injury protective effects i.e. it contains things like growth factors that trigger the growth of new cells and new collagen which leads to fewer wrinkles and plumper skin.
Allantoin, which I mentioned earlier is healing, helping to calm irritation, smooth skin and stimulate cell regeneration.
It is potentially universally beneficial to all skin types, especially those with dry skin due to its moisturising benefits. Do avoid it if you are allergic to it or a vegan [since the ingredient is an animal product].
*I feel the need to reassure you that no snails are usually harmed in the making of this product, but I would recommend doing some research into each company’s methods before investing
Get into it, yuh:
If you want to geek out:
Byrdie | Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Snail Mucin
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