Ingredients 2 min

Last Updated Feb 6, 2024

Snail Mucin :: Ingredient Review

Author
|
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Muneeb Shah

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What is snail mucin?

Snail mucin is a complex mixture containing polyphenols, polysaccharides, glycolic acid, allantoin, and glycosaminoglycans. The last component, glycosaminoglycans, plays a crucial role in hydrating and maintaining the skin's moisture. It's similar to hyaluronic acid and heparin sulfate, promoting skin hydration and overall skin health.

How is snail mucin extracted? 

Historically, snail mucin extraction involved subjecting snails to stressors to induce mucin secretion. However, modern methods prioritize cruelty-free practices. Snails are kept in controlled environments, allowed to move around freely, and naturally excrete mucin, which is then collected. 

The benefits of snail mucin:

Anti-aging  In both subjective and objective studies, snail mucin has demonstrated an ability to reduce wrinkles
Hydration Due to its glycosaminoglycan content, snail mucin helps maintain skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. 
Wound healing Snail mucin has been found to accelerate wound healing and promote angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which aids in the recovery process.
Post-procedure Some studies suggest that applying snail mucin after cosmetic procedures like laser treatments and microneedling can speed up wound healing and enhance results.

 

What are the risks of snail mucin?

Some individuals claim to experience allergic reactions to snail mucin, possibly due to cross-reactivity between snail mucin and dust mites. However, clinical relevance and the prevalence of such reactions remain uncertain. If you have known allergies to dust mites, exercise caution when considering snail mucin products.

How to incorporate snail mucin into your skincare routine:

Using snail mucin in your skincare routine is straightforward. You can apply it like a hyaluronic acid serum, either once or twice a day, depending on your preference. Snail mucin products come in various forms, such as essences, creams, and serums, allowing you to choose the one that suits your skin type and routine best. 

1. Cleanse  Use a gentle cleanser.
2. Treat  Apply snail mucin. 
3. Protect  At night, moisturize. During the day, apply sunscreen. 

  

 

Doctor's Note

Snail mucin is extracted from live snails and is composed of polyphenols, polysaccharides, allantoin, and glycosaminoglycans

It has been shown to have anti-aging and wound healing benefits but the main benefit you can count on is hydration

Surprisingly, this ingredient is dermatologist-approved when it comes to hydration

The Research

  • Lim VZ, Yong AA, Tan WPM, Zhao X, Vitale M, Goh CL. Efficacy and Safety of a New Cosmeceutical Regimen Based on the Combination of Snail Secretion Filtrate and Snail Egg Extract to Improve Signs of Skin Aging. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020
  • Pajno GB, Morabito L, Barberio G. Allergy to house dust mite and snails: a model of cross-reaction between food and inhalant allergens with a clinical impact. Pediatr Pulmonol Suppl. 1999

Dr. Muneeb Shah

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Muneeb Shah headshot

Dr. Muneeb Shah

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Muneeb Shah is a double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon in Hudson Yards, New York. He is passionate about educating the public on common skin issues and has accrued a following of 21+ million across his social media platforms on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Location: New York City, NY

Doctor's Note

Snail mucin is extracted from live snails and is composed of polyphenols, polysaccharides, allantoin, and glycosaminoglycans

It has been shown to have anti-aging and wound healing benefits but the main benefit you can count on is hydration

Surprisingly, this ingredient is dermatologist-approved when it comes to hydration

The Research

  • Lim VZ, Yong AA, Tan WPM, Zhao X, Vitale M, Goh CL. Efficacy and Safety of a New Cosmeceutical Regimen Based on the Combination of Snail Secretion Filtrate and Snail Egg Extract to Improve Signs of Skin Aging. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020
  • Pajno GB, Morabito L, Barberio G. Allergy to house dust mite and snails: a model of cross-reaction between food and inhalant allergens with a clinical impact. Pediatr Pulmonol Suppl. 1999

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