If you think putting snail excretion on your face sounds a little gross you wouldn’t be the first.
But this little skincare gem – called snail mucin – has won over a legion of sceptics, many who thought the same but now can’t get enough of the stuff.
Just take a look at the 17,000 plus Amazon reviews for Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream by Korean brand COSRX.
The moisturiser, with 92% snail mucin, plus hyaluronic acid, aims to hydrate, plump, smooth and soothe skin.
One happy customer said they were ‘highly sceptical and….slightly disgusted by the idea of a snail extract’ but gave it a go on the basis of a friend’s recommendation.
‘It keeps me hydrated all day, it’s sorted out some spots on my face and my face is so smooth I can’t stop touching it!’ they wrote, adding: ‘I have got a very oily T zone and a combination skin and this is the best product I have ever used.’
Another equally delighted shopper wrote: ‘This pot of magic is amazing! I’m 46 and my skin was looking and feeling patchy, spotty, lacklustre and dry. Peri menopause has hit my skin like a truck. My son’s girlfriend told me about COSRX products and her skin is like porcelain so I thought, why not. Absolute gamechanger!!! My skin is now soft, blemish free and fresh.’
While a third said: ‘Right, I KNOW the sound of putting ‘snail mucin’ on your face sounds horrible, but honestly this stuff is AMAZING!’
Before we look at how snail mucin works, it’s worth mentioning that COSRX and other brands that work with snail mucin say no snails are harmed.
Instead the snails are placed in a dark and quiet environment for 30 minutes before being transferred back to their homes. The mucin is then collected and processed for cosmetic use.
So, what’s in snail mucin that makes it great for skin?
Well, it contains a whole host of skincare favourites including elastin, proteins, copper peptides, hyaluronic and glycolic acid as anti-microbial properties to ward off bacteria.
Since snail mucin is relatively new in the skincare world there aren’t that many clinical studies for academic proof – so for now you’ll have to take the word of its evangelical followers. And as we said, there are a few!
Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream is currently available for £21.81 on Amazon.
We even tried snail mucin, with Metro’s Jess Lindsay enthusing she’s noticed an improvement in glow and texture since using COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel (£12) for the last month.
She reviews: ‘I love how easy it is to incorporate into my skincare routine. I’ve been dealing with eczema and sensitivity, which causes red, dry and angry skin and means a number of standard skincare products are off-limits as they aggravate symptoms.
‘This essence (sort of like a liquid serum used after cleansing and toning) thankfully doesn’t sting and easily absorbs into the skin.
‘Once I put my moisturiser over the top, it gives my complexion a glowy and plumped effect, and over time I’ve noticed a reduction in skin texture and hydration.
‘Some people might find the snail mucin element a little gross, but having ADORED Elizavecca’s Milky Piggy EGF Elastic Retinol Cream (which has literal bird’s nest extract as the main ingredient) I’m picking up whatever the K-beauty world is putting down.’
Jess adds: ‘Just make sure to use this on wet skin and go for an occlusive over the top to lock in moisture!’
Alright, we’re sold.
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