Snail mucin: Is this Korean skincare ingredient worth the hype? Know its benefits and how to use it

The word snail mucin has been buzzing in the Korean skincare industry and beyond. Does this viral product work wonders for skin or it's just another passing trend? Check out its benefits and how to use it.

If you are a skincare aficionado, we are sure you might have heard the ‘K-beauty' word plenty of times. Korean skincare, or K-beauty for short, has been a buzzing trend in the Indian beauty market owing to it promise of offeringglass-like skin. Snail mucin is one of many such Korean skincare products. A staple in Korean beauty routines, snail mucin (also called snail secretion filtrate) has become a global sensation, appearing in serums, creams, masks, and even cleansers. But what makes this slimy skincare material becoming a go-to for beauty experts and celebrities?

Best snail mucin products you can add to your skincare routine(AI-Generated)

What is snail mucin?

Snail mucin is a naturally secreted substance that snails produce to protect and repair their own skin and shells. It is harvested in an ethical, cruelty-free manner, usually by allowing snails to move across a net or glass surface where their mucin is collected without harm.

Snail mucin is rich in powerful compounds, including glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, peptides, zinc, and antioxidants, making it an effective multitasker for hydration, repair, and anti-ageing.

"It may sound weird at first, but snail mucin contains glycolic acid, which acts as an exfoliant in removing dead cells from your face. It also contains enzymes to nourish the surface layer of our epidermis. The copper peptides in it help fight against wrinkles by filling them up with collagen,” skincare expert Dr Navnit Haror, founder and director of Derma Miracle Clinic, tells HT Shop Now.

What is the hype around snail mucin?

The real question is why so much hype around this Korean skincare product? The answer is because it targets plenty of skin concerns, hydration, anti-ageing, brightening, skin repair, and healing, and the list goes on. Moreover, beauty enthusiasts love it because it delivers visible results without irritation, making it suitable even for sensitive skin.

Key benefits of snail mucin

Let's look at all the benefits you can get from including snail mucin in your skincare routine in detail below:

Deep hydration

Packed with hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins, snail mucin helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it plump, dewy, and nourished. It’s especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin.

Skin repair and healing

Snail mucin has regenerative properties. It aids in repairing damaged tissues, soothing acne scars, and reducing redness or irritation. This makes it a go-to for people struggling with breakouts or compromised skin barriers.

Anti-ageing effects

The peptides and glycolic acid present in snail mucin stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Brightens dull skin

With consistent use, snail mucin helps fade hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The natural glycolic acid works gently to exfoliate, giving the skin a radiant glow.

Soothing sensitive skin

Unlike harsh actives, snail mucin is gentle and calming. It reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier, making it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types.

How to use snail mucin in your routine

Now that you have read about it and are already planning to include it in your daily skincare routine but are unsure about how to include it, here’s how you can add it effectively:

Cleanser (optional): Some brands include snail mucin in cleansers. This can give your skin a gentle start, but leave-on products are where mucin truly shines.

Toner/Essence: Snail mucin essences are lightweight, hydrating formulas applied after cleansing and toning. They prep the skin to absorb further products.

Serum: Snail mucin serums are highly concentrated and penetrate deeply, targeting hydration, repair, and anti-ageing simultaneously.

Moisturiser: A cream infused with snail mucin locks in hydration while repairing the skin barrier overnight.

Sheet Mask (weekly boost): Snail mucin sheet masks are perfect for an instant hydration and glow boost, especially before an event.

Snail mucin layers well with most ingredients. It works beautifully alongside niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. However, if you’re using strong exfoliants or retinoids, it’s best to apply snail mucin afterward to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Who should use snail mucin?

The beauty of snail mucin lies in its versatility. The best part is that it is suitable for almost all skin types. It gives deep hydration and repairs barrier in dry skin. Then, it also has healing properties to reduce scars and calm inflammation, making it perfect for people with oily or acne prone skin.

Even if you have sensitive skin, snail mucin can give you a gentle and soothing effect without irritation. Unless you have a rare snail allergy, snail mucin can be a safe and effective addition to your skincare routine. Though, we still recommend consulting a dermat before hopping on to this wonder.

If you’re looking to elevate your skincare routine, snail mucin might just be the multitasking hero your skin has been waiting for.

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