Snail slime: Why is it used in skincare products?

Snail slime, also known as snail secretion or snail mucin, is one of the most vibrant ingredients in the skincare world. Yes, snails, as in the small creatures that live in your garden or appear on the menu at fancy French restaurants. Many are skeptical about the ingredient, but if you can get over that, snail slime is an surprisingly effective ingredient. Dermatologists point out that snail slime has not yet been studied as thoroughly as many other skincare ingredients, which is why it is important for us to figure out the reason behind the hype.

Quick facts about snail slime

• Benefits: Moisturizes the skin, promotes collagen production, helps with healing and renewal.
• Who should use it: Generally, snail slime can be used on all skin types, although its moisturizing properties make it particularly suitable for those with dry skin. And if you are not allergic to the ingredient, it is generally well tolerated by most.
• How often can you use it: This largely depends on why you are using it – since snail slime has so many benefits. Generally speaking, you can use snail slime once or twice a day.
• Works well with: Snail slime is often combined with antioxidants and retinol, as well as common skincare ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid and other moisturizing ingredients.

What is snail slime?

Simply put, it is the secretion from a snail, which is why it is also known and listed on ingredient labels as snail secretion filtrate or SSF. Snail slime is produced naturally and is used by snails as a way to protect themselves. It is a reliable ingredient in the k-beauty world and has become popular because it can provide noticeable results on the skin.

The benefits of snail slime for the skin

Snail slime is a multitasker, with the ability to do everything from moisturizing to increasing collagen production, the protein that contributes to strong, youthful skin.

• Moisturizes the skin: Snail slime is a moisturizing ingredient that works to repair the skin's barrier function.
• Stimulates collagen production: Snail slime is an ingredient that repairs and protects the skin, but also includes growth factors, which work by triggering the growth of new skin cells and new collagen. And as we know, more collagen means fewer wrinkles and younger skin. Snail slime also contains glycolic acid, another well-known collagen booster.
• Soothes irritation: Allantoin is another key component in snail slime, an ingredient with healing properties that soothes irritation, evens out the skin, and stimulates cell renewal.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals: Snail slime is packed with a lot of good nutrients for your skin, including anti-inflammatory zinc and healing manganese. Snail slime contains copper peptides, which are praised for their collagen-boosting and wrinkle-reducing effect. Snail slime also contains vitamins A and E, both of which are fantastic antioxidants.

Side effects of snail slime

There are no well-documented side effects from snail slime , even though dermatologists point out that, like all ingredients, people can be allergic to it. Avoid allergic reactions by testing a small amount of a new product on the inside of your forearm before applying it to your face.

How to use snail mucin

This largely depends on your skin issues and what you hope to gain from the ingredient. Many use snail mucin for moisturizing purposes, in this case, we suggest choosing a night cream. (Night is an excellent opportunity for the skin to not only reap the benefits of rehydration but also the ingredient's other restorative and regenerative properties). Apply every evening on clean skin, as the last step in your routine.

If you are considering using snail mucin as a multifunctional anti-aging product, then use a snail serum, as these will have a higher concentration of the ingredient. Apply morning and evening, directly after cleansing and before moisturizing products.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does snail mucin do for the skin? Snail mucin moisturizes and stimulates collagen production, which helps the skin heal and regenerate.
• Is snail cream good for your face? Yes, snail cream is a multifaceted moisturizer with a range of skincare benefits.
• Does snail mucin clog pores? According to dermatologists, snail mucin has no documented side effects. As such, snail mucin is not known to clog pores and should not cause breakouts.