Snail slime, otherwise known as snail mucin or snail secretion filtrate, has been around for centuries, with its use in skincare dating back to Ancient Greece. Here, Hippocrates (the ‘father of medicine’) recommended the topical application of crushed snails to treat inflammatory skin conditions and aid wound healing. Luckily, nowadays snail slime is collected without killing snails and is formulated into creams and serums for a more pleasant skincare experience. So what are the best snail slime serums available today? And why should you be using them?
Why Use Snail Slime Serums?
Snail slime is an animal-derived growth factor, meaning that it is a high molecular weight peptide that encourages wound healing and tissue repair. In addition, topically applied growth factors have demonstrated effectiveness at stimulating collagen production.
Growth factors are large molecules that struggle to penetrate the skins barrier. This means that it is a lot harder to gain any skin benefits from topical application. However, snail slime is made up of different mucus secretions and one of these secretions acts as a penetration enhancer.
Basically, snail slime is a more effective topical growth factor as it is more able to penetrate the skin barrier.
In addition, snail slime has a very complex mix of chemicals that are known for their skincare benefits, including allantoin, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and antibacterials.
This means that snail slime may be an effective treatment for:
- Poorly healing wounds
- Post-inflammatory erythema
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dehydrated and dry skin
- Acne scars
- Acne
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Enlarged Pores
For a comprehensive evidence-based explanation of the effects of snail slime, complete with references for this information, see here: The Benefits Of Snail Mucin.
Now we know what benefits we can get from snail slime serums, what are the best snail slime serums available today?
The Best Snail Slime Serums
Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule
This thick and intensive serum from Korean beauty brand Mizon contains 80% snail secretion filtrate as well as hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, and a number of vitamin-rich plant extracts. It’s suitable for all skin types and is free from fragrance and parabens. It is particularly recommended for reducing acne scars and has certified anti-wrinkle effects. In addition, it provides skin with soothing and nourishing protection as well as a massive moisture boost.
COSRX Adnanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
This snail slime serum from K-Beauty mega brand COSRX offers a whopping 96% (96.3% to be exact) snail secretion filtrate in their power essence. Often considered a ‘holy grail’ product by the Reddit skincare enthusiasts over on r/SkincareAddiction and r/AsianBeauty, it has a light-weight texture that is fragrance free and suitable for all skin types. In addition to the high concentration of snail secretion filtrate, it also contains hyaluronic acid and allantoin for extra hydration and healing effects. This means it’s a great option for those with acne, post-inflammatory erythema, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Most importantly, COSRX is a cruelty-free brand, so no snails were harmed in the making of this product!
Dr. Organic Snail Gel
This snail gel serum from UK-based brand Dr. Organic has an aloe base for super soothing effects. Hyaluronic acid aids the moisturising effects of the snail secretion filtrate and plant extracts offer antioxidant abilities. It is free from parabens, cruelty-free, and suitable for all skin types.
KBeautyNaturals Snail Repair Ampoule
An 82% concentrated snail secretion filtrate serum is available from Korean beauty brand KBeautyNaturals. This snail slime serum has the added benefit of hyaluronic acid for super hydration and niacincamide for an antioxidant boost. The addition of niacinmade also enhances the snail mucins anti-acne and pore minimizing effects.
Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence
This water-based snail slime serum from US Brand Benton, has the addition of bee venom to enhance its effects. 90% snail secretion filtrate regenerates, replenishes, hydrates, and firms, while bee venom has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains niacinamide, aloe vera, salicylic acid, and allantoin and would particularly benefit acne-prone skin types.
Summary
If you’re thinking of incorporating a snail slime serum into your skincare routine, these five options should have you covered. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination skin, one of these serums is bound to suit you.
So what’s your favourite snail slime serum? Let us know in the comments section!
