Snail Mucin: Benefits, Uses, and Risks
Snail secretion filtrate (also known as snail mucin) is one of the most sought-after skincare ingredients in the beauty industry. It may sound unusual and even unappealing, but this slimy substance has numerous benefits for the skin. From boosting hydration levels to brightening skin, snail mucin is a must-have for skincare aficionados around the world.
In this blog, we’ll explore what exactly snail mucin is and what amazing properties make it one of the most popular skincare ingredients.
What is Snail Mucin?
Snail mucin is a viscous fluid secreted by certain species of snails. These snails have glands on their bodies that make this mucus to keep their sensitive skin safe from UV rays and bacteria. The mucus serves as a protective barrier against these harmful elements while keeping the snail's skin hydrated and nourished.
The use of snail mucin in cosmetics has been increasing in recent years due to its potential advantages for human skin. Snail mucin is filtered and purified before being incorporated into a variety of skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, masks, and creams.
Snail mucin is made up of a complex combination of proteins including glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen, as well as vitamins A and C and other nutrients that work together to nourish the snail's skin and aid in tissue regeneration.
The process of harvesting snail mucin for cosmetic use involves collecting the mucus from live snails without harming them. This can be achieved manually by massaging the slime from the snails' bodies or through the use of a machine that simulates the fall of raindrops onto the snails' backs. The mucin collected is filtered multiple times to eliminate impurities before sterilization and incorporation into skincare products.
Brief History of its Use
Snail mucin has been used for healing and medicinal purposes for centuries. It's been around since ancient Greece when Hippocrates prescribed crushed snails to treat skin rashes and acne. It's also been used in China for centuries as a traditional healing remedy for burns and wounds.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that snail mucin was studied and proven to be beneficial. Snail breeders in Chile who raised snails for escargot noticed handling the snails made their skin softer. It was during this time that scientists discovered the regenerative properties of snail secretion on human skin cells. This sparked interest in using it as an ingredient in skincare products.
In 1995, a family-owned cosmetics company called Elicina Cosmetics launched the world's first snail mucin-based cream called "Elicina Cream." It became popular quickly due to its anti-aging and scar-healing properties.
Since then, the use of snail mucin in cosmetics has grown exponentially. Korean beauty brands were one of the first to incorporate it into their products. Thanks to TikTok, this ingredient has exploded in popularity, and you can now find snail mucin-based skincare products all over the world.
Benefits of Snail Mucin
1. Enriches skin’s natural renewal process: Allantoin, found in snail mucin, stimulates the growth of collagen and elasticity in the skin. This helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging-related signs. In a study of women aged 45 to 65, daily use of allantoin-rich snail mucin significantly reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Hydrates: Snail mucin contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for boosting moisture levels in the skin. In addition to hyaluronic acid, snail mucin also contains other key components that contribute to hydration including glycoproteins, glycolic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.
3. Soothes irritated skin: Because snail mucin is a naturally anti-inflammatory substance, it can be used to soothe the skin that is sensitive or irritated. It can help calm redness, inflammation, and irritation caused by conditions like eczema or rosacea.
4. Improves scarring: Because snail mucin contains so much allantoin, it is also known to reduce the visibility of scars, discoloration and wounds. It can help fade dark spots and acne scars, promoting a more even skin tone. These anti-inflammatory qualities have also been used to treat burns and radiation dermatitis.
5. Protects against sun damage: Snail mucin is packed with antioxidants that can help shield you from the harmful effects of the sun's rays. This can help prevent premature aging and other skin issues related to UV rays.
6. Brightens skin tone: Using snail mucin regularly can help brighten dull skin and reduce pigmentation. Snail mucin is rich in peptides that help fade dark spots and hinder melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation.
Risks
One of the reasons snail mucin is so popular is attributed to its lack of clinically-documented adverse reactions. Most who use snail mucin can tolerate it well. Don’t use snail mucin if you are allergic to snails or mollusks. People with sensitive skin may want to limit use or start out slow when incorporating new skin care products.
How to Incorporate
Incorporating snail mucin into your skincare routine can seem intimidating, but it is actually a simple and effective process. Here are the steps you need to follow to properly incorporate snail mucin into your daily routine:
Step 1: Identify the right product for you
Before you start using snail mucin in your skincare routine, it's important to figure out what type of skin it's best for. Snail mucin is usually good for most types of skin, but there are lots of different concentrations and formulas out there. If you are on the verge of a breakout, opt for toners containing snail mucin. If you have dryer skin and need more moisturizing, choose a cream or lotion.
Step 2: Start slowly
When introducing any new skincare product into your routine, it is always best to start slow. Begin by using the product once every other day and gradually increase to daily use as your skin adjusts. This will help prevent any adverse reactions such as irritation or breakouts.
Step 3: Cleanse skin
Before applying snail mucin, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. This will get rid of all the grime and dirt on your skin and help your skin absorb the next products better.
Step 4: Apply snail mucin
Take an appropriate amount of the snail mucin product and gently pat it onto clean skin. Avoid rubbing or pulling at your skin, as this can cause irritation. It should be used every night mixed in with other cleansing products like toners and serums.
Step 6: Use at night for maximum benefits
Snail mucin can be taken in the morning or in the evening, but it’s best to take it at night for maximum absorption. That’s because our skin cells heal and regenerate during sleep, making it the perfect time to use potent ingredients such as snail mucin.
Step 7: Be patient and consistent
Incorporating any new skincare product takes time for results to show. Give your skin at least a few weeks to adjust and see the effects of snail mucin. It’s important to be consistent to see long-term benefits.
Conclusion
Snail mucin has been gaining popularity in the beauty industry for good reason. This natural ingredient is great for all kinds of skin types, so it's a great choice for anyone who wants to get their skin in tip-top shape. With proper usage and consistency, snail mucin can be a game-changer in achieving glowing skin.