The Benefits of Snail Mucin for the Skin with COSRX

Viral on TikTok and Instagram, COSRX is an iconic Korean skincare brand. What makes it so popular on social media? The famous COSRX Advanced Snail line, whose main ingredient is snail secretion filtrate. Commonly known as snail mucin, this ingredient is a prized gem in cosmetics! Let’s explore the many benefits of snail mucin for the skin.

Why Use Snail Mucin in Cosmetics?

Though often referred to as "slime," snail mucin is actually secreted by glands located under the snail's belly (also known as the foot). This substance helps protect the snail's delicate skin by maintaining its hydration. Somewhere between water and gel in texture, snail mucin is packed with beneficial molecules: proteins, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, collagen, glycolic acid, elastin, copper peptides (GHK), vitamins, allantoin, manganese, and more—a true powerhouse of benefits!

Despite its vastly different appearance from human skin, the composition of snail mucin is surprisingly similar to ours. Human skin is naturally rich in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—all of which are found in snail mucin. Because of this similarity, skin reactions to snail mucin are extremely rare. It’s well-tolerated by the skin and can be used twice daily without issue. No side effects or contraindications have been reported. Additionally, snail mucin pairs well with other popular skincare ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and retinol.

That said, it’s advisable to perform a patch test before use to ensure no allergic reaction to snail mucin. If you are on medication for skin concerns, consult your healthcare professional before adding snail mucin to your skincare routine.

The Benefits of Snail Mucin for the Skin

It’s no coincidence that snail mucin is mentioned in over 10,000 registered patents. Its benefits were already praised in ancient Greece by figures such as Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine."

1. Snail Mucin is Hydrating and Nourishing
Snail mucin contains hydrating agents (hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, allantoin) as well as nourishing components. It hydrates the skin while helping to lock in moisture, ensuring long-lasting hydration.

2. Snail Mucin Strengthens the Skin Barrier
By enhancing skin hydration, snail mucin helps restore and reinforce the skin barrier. This makes the skin more resilient against external aggressors and better at retaining nutrients and active ingredients.

3. Snail Mucin is Antioxidant-Rich
Packed with vitamin A, vitamin E, and manganese, snail mucin is a potent antioxidant. It protects the skin from free radicals—unstable molecules that attack healthy cells and accelerate skin aging.

4. Snail Mucin is Anti-Aging
Beyond its antioxidant properties, snail mucin is rich in collagen and elastin. It also stimulates the activity of skin cells (notably fibroblasts and keratinocytes) and boosts collagen production, promoting cell renewal. As a result, skin becomes more supple and plump, and signs of aging are diminished.

5. Snail Mucin Soothes and Promotes Healing
Thanks to allantoin, a natural hydrator and exfoliant, snail mucin soothes irritation, supports wound healing, and fights hyperpigmentation for an even complexion free of scars or sunspots.

6. Snail Mucin is Antibacterial
It protects the skin from microbes and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. By limiting bacterial growth, it helps prevent the formation of blemishes and imperfections.

The COSRX Advanced Snail Line

Given the numerous benefits of snail mucin for the skin, it’s no surprise that COSRX has made it the star ingredient of their Advanced Snail line—one of the most popular Korean skincare lines in the world. To date, over 13 million products have been sold¹!

The facial care products in the COSRX Advanced Snail line are free of silicones, mineral oils, sulfates, fragrances, charcoal, and artificial coloring.

The Harvesting of Snail Secretion Filtrate by COSRX

No need to worry: COSRX collects snail mucin in a painless and stress-free manner for the snails. According to the brand, “No snails are harmed!” The process involves placing the snails on a mesh in a dark, quiet room, allowing them to move freely and leave trails of mucin. No external pressure is applied to force mucin production.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

The brand’s best-seller and the #1 essence worldwide, this ultra-hydrating lightweight formula contains 96.3% snail mucin and is enriched with betaine, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, allantoin, and panthenol. The COSRX 96 Snail Essence instantly brightens the complexion, fades dark spots, improves skin texture, reduces redness and blemishes, and helps prevent signs of aging.