Skincare is a massive business these days, so much so that there always seems to be a new ingredient promising to deliver the beauty results we desire. As you would expect, the prevalence and huge demand for beauty products have led to tons of misinformation regarding the effectiveness of these ingredients; however, some actually turn out to be just as good as their marketing suggests.
The latest entry taking the beauty industry by storm is snail mucin, which has become a prominent ingredient for several top skincare brands, and for a good reason. But despite its popularity in the United States and other countries, there are some reservations about its benefits to skincare. We address these reservations, delving deeper into the benefits and potential side effects of snail mucin.
What is Snail Mucin?
Snail mucus is the slimy secretion produced naturally by snails from different body glands, particularly the suprapedal glands. Typically, this secretion serves as a lubricant, which helps in movement and digestion. In some instances, snail slime is used as an adhesive-like substance.
Over time, studies have shown snail mucus to be rich in different essential compounds, including allantoin, collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid, to mention a few. If you’re a beauty expert, you already recognize the effectiveness of some of these compounds from a skincare perspective.
Snail Mucin’s link to skincare has made it a big deal, with the market expected to grow to about $770 million in just four years, according to a 2021 publication in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
Benefits of Snail Mucin
As of today, snail mucin has still yet to be studied extensively compared to other popular beauty ingredients. However, dermatologists have confirmed some distinct benefits to the skin.
Moisturizing Effect
Moisturizing is a simple but well-known practice in skincare, mainly due to its effectiveness in keeping all types of skin hydrated and refreshed. According to dermatologists, some contents of the snail mucin make it an ideal choice for moisturizing dry skin.
Snail mucin is rich in hyaluronic acid, a compound regarded highly for its hydrating benefits. Hyaluronic acid contains significant hydrating attributes that help fortify the skin barrier and maintain its moisture. Several studies have also proven its effectiveness in increasing skin hydration by as much as 134 percent. This compound makes snail mucin just as effective in moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
Anti-Aging Capabilities
Some of the well-known anti-aging ingredients, like retinol, help the skin increase collagen production, which supports skin elasticity. Snail mucin achieves similar results by promoting collagen and addressing the signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. But how exactly does it achieve this?
Snail mucin also contains significant amounts of glycolic acid, which is known to reduce some of the processes that result in visible signs of aging. Aside from promoting collagen production, glycolic acid also increases hyaluronic acid in the skin, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
Healing Attributes
Snail mucin is also known for its healing properties, from enhancing wound healing in minor scratches and cuts to slowing skin cancer and addressing gastric ulcers. Some researchers also believe it can help make scarring appear less noticeable.
Snail mucin is packed with antioxidants and exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for treating acne and eczema. Furthermore, the adhesive nature of this ingredient can protect the skin, particularly for people with chronic wounds.
Antimicrobial Activities
Snail mucus contains many bioactive compounds that promote wound healing and protect snails from infections. This has led researchers to speculate the presence of antibacterial and antifungal compounds that can also be useful to humans.
Today, several studies have confirmed this speculation, identifying snail mucin as an effective option for killing bacteria and limiting skin infections, particularly when applied to injuries. In some cases, the snail mucin proved much more successful than regular antibiotics.
Side Effects
For now, there is very limited clinical documentation of the side effects of snail mucin. In all fairness, most people who incorporate snail mucin into their skincare efforts appear to tolerate it quite well. Regardless, there’s always the possibility that some people will react badly.
If you are allergic to snails, shellfish, or mollusks, we recommend avoiding snail mucin or any product containing this ingredient. Signs of an allergic reaction include
- Rashes.
- Itching.
- Hives.
- Redness and skin irritation.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Heart palpitations.
- Nausea.
If you apply a snail mucin product and have any of these symptoms, stop using it and seek immediate medical treatment. It’s also a good idea to start with a modest dose and see how you react.
Those that react to snail mucin can always go for other alternatives, like Centella Asiatica or Cica. This ingredient contains active compounds that perform similarly to snail mucin, including wound healing, collagen production, hydration, and cell development.
Cica also contains a lot more antioxidants, which help to fortify the skin. Furthermore, Cica has been around longer and is understood more; hence, it can serve as an ideal alternative for those who react badly to snail mucin or are hesitant to include it in their routine.
Forms of Snail Mucin Products
The increasing popularity of snail mucin has seen it introduced into various products to address various conditions. We list some of the common options, also highlighting some top products formulated this way.
Serum
Typically, serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients into the skin. The most common active ingredients in serums include hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C. As such, a snail mucin serum would be the best option if you’re looking to use the ingredient as a versatile moisturizer and anti-aging product. Some popular snail mucin serums are:
Essence
Essence is more lightweight and watery, ideal for providing an extra layer of hydration to the skin. Unlike serums that deliver high concentrations of ingredients, essences usually work to prepare the skin for any other product. Snail mucin essence products can be a great way to test the effectiveness and tolerance to this ingredient. Several essence products contain reasonable amounts of snail mucin. Some good options include:
Cream
Creams are much thicker in consistency and provide a more significant barrier that keeps the skin ultra-protected. Creams will serve you better if you’re looking to address fine lines and wrinkles. A thick snail mucin cream will provide you with hydrating and anti-aging benefits while also nourishing the skin. Some good options include:
Mask
Face masks are creamy masks that are used on the face for cleansing or skin-smoothing purposes. These masks are great additions to any skincare routine and can address specific skin concerns. Some masks are wash-off, providing a cool and calming feel to the skin. You can also hydrate and brighten your skin with a regular sheet mask.
Patches
Skincare-infused patches are products designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients to specific areas. Like serums, these products are quite versatile and can be formulated to address various skin concerns, from pimples to fine lines and discoloration. If you’re looking to include a snail mucin-induced patch to your existing routine, you should consider: the Mizon 24K Gold and Snail Hydrogel Patches.
Conclusion
Using snail mucus as a skin care product is not a new concept, with its medicinal use dating as far back as 400 BC. However, snail mucin has only lately emerged as a beneficial component in modern skincare products. As much as we know, this ingredient is effective, but with limited research and documentation, it’s best to use snail mucin cautiously, particularly for people with underlying conditions like eczema.
Despite the effectiveness of snail mucin, it’s better to mix it with other ingredients. For instance, an anti-aging product tends to be more effective when the snail mucin is mixed with retinol. Similarly, snail mucin will work better with ingredients like AHAs and BHAs to clear breakouts. You should also check the product’s concentration and ensure it’s perfect for your skin.
Before including any snail mucin product in your routine, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist and confirm if it’s a good choice. Otherwise, you can carry out a patch test on a small area and notice if there are positive or adverse reactions.
