Are Snails the Secret to Bettering Your Skin?

Snail mucin may be new to you, but it is not a new ingredient in skincare. Not only has it been a staple in Korean skincare, which exploded worldwide several years ago, but snail mucin dates back to the ancient Roman empire. They used it in cosmetics to heal their skin and make them younger. Who was the first person to put the slimy stuff that comes out of a snail on their face? I don't know, but we thank them.

Snail mucin is among many excellent healing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, rosehip oil, green tea, peptides, and many others we love. Snail mucin's biggest claim to fame is its ability to aid in tissue regeneration. Snail mucin also calms irritated skin. It's a rich ingredient that can also be acne-safe when in the correct formulation. Snail mucin can help fade hyperpigmentation, and some say it has a retinoid-like effect in its ability to aid in cell turnover – but we still are very pro using a retinoid, if you can. Lastly, the main component of snail mucin, chondroitin sulfate, even has medical purposes outside of skincare – so you'll find it in medical products as well.

People have mixed emotions about snail mucin. It sounds luxurious but also gross because it's sourced from an animal. But it's important to realize that many skincare ingredients, such as allantoin, glycerin, beeswax, and lanolin, are also derived from animals. Non-vegan vitamin D3 supplements even come from sheep's wool. The only difference is that snail mucin openly advertises its source. If you are passionately vegan, it makes sense you may avoid any products and supplements that contain an animal-derived ingredient. But if you are not, you can rest assured that no snails were harmed to make our snail mucin products.

Animal testing is banned in the US, Korea, and many other countries. Most Korean skincare lines will source their snail mucin from a larger supplier. The supplier for the snail mucin products we carry collects it by letting the snails roam free on mesh and then collecting the droppings. Then, the snails are taken to their homes to rest. Happy snails make the best product!

Snail mucin plays well with other ingredients. Our favorite way to use it is to combine it with other complementary ingredients in potent formulations. Here are the two snail mucin products we carry. The best serums almost always have more than one powerhouse ingredient.

MGF Renewal Ampoule Dr. Esthé ampules are all so beautiful and universally suitable for all skin. This one, MGF, is a wonderfully unique serum. It has growth factors, peptides, allantoin, and goat milk, all rejuvenating and anti-aging ingredients. Plus, all those ingredients are concentrated in snail mucin filtrate. Typically, the first ingredient of a water-based serum is water, but Dr. Esthé serums are concentrated and nutrient-dense – making them worth their price. Plus, they are 1.7oz, nearly double the size of a typical US-sized serum bottle. MGF is great for everyone, especially dry, chronically flakey, or dull skin.

Promoter Repair Cell Moisturizer If you have acne-prone skin and have been looking for a rich moisturizer, this is that and much more. It's like filler for your skin; it can rebound dry, dehydrated skin overnight. If you rely on Aquaphor most nights, this will change your life. In this unicorn of a moisturizer, snail mucin combines with growth factors, PLLA (what some filler is made with), and natto gum to rebalance and protect the skin. In addition to your skin feeling better, it will also look plump and glowy. The best news ever? It is especially made for acne-prone skin. When you heal the barrier, you will achieve clearer and healthier skin.

We aren't going to call out any trendy product that is only snail mucin, but you all may know the one to which we refer. Just using snail mucin alone will help moisturize the skin, but using it with other Korean medical ingredients can transform the skin further.

Is snail mucin a miracle ingredient? If you have yet to read many of our blogs, we will break the news here. Nothing is the one true miracle ingredient, but the right lineup of products can work miracles on your skin.