Snail mucin is a viral skin humectant that offers endless benefits. Before it became an internet sensation, snail mucin was used in medicine to treat diseases like arthritis and heal injuries. If you can’t help but wonder what benefits this sticky product offers, this article explains snail mucin benefits to the skin and does snail slime lives up to the hype.

What is snail mucin?

Before we go into the benefits of snail mucin, let’s first establish what snail mucin is. Snail mucin refers to processed snail slime that is secreted from a snail’s back and also serves as an antimicrobial and lubricant to prevent infection. It is a complex mix of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and minerals. Snail mucin is used medicine to help heal intestinal wounds after surgery and serves numerous purposes in the cosmetic industry.

How is snail mucin collected

A common technique used to collect snail slime is to place snails on a surface like glass or mesh in a dark room. Cosmetic industries involved in snail mucin production are divided into three – those that harvest the raw snail slime, companies that process the raw materials, and companies that sell to the final consumers.

Only edible snail slides are harvested as the snail slime needs to be processed into topical creams and lotions. Usually, the snails used are the Roman snail (Helix pomatia), the garden snail or petit-gris (Helix aspersa), and the giant African snail (Achatina fulica) that can grow as wide as 4 inches in diameter. The snails are bred under strict conditions to ensure sterility and each snail is kept comfortable to increase slime production.

Snail Mucin Benefits

Snail mucin is a viral skin ingredient that promises full hydration and other additional skin benefits. It is a good choice for people with dry skin as its hydrating features reinforce the skin barrier that locks in moisture due to the presence of hyaluronic acid.

This viral product is also praised for its anti-aging properties as it helps promote collagen production, especially in aging people looking for a youthful glow. The glycolic acid found in snail mucin stimulates collagen production in people. Snail mucin's antibacterial properties help heal wounds by improving the appearance of scarring during healing.

How to use snail mucin serum

To achieve your desired results, you should know how to use snail mucin. Some people use snail mucin as a moisturizer, while others use it as a snail mucin mask or a perfect restorative night cream. Regardless of your aim, cleanse your face and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before applying it on your face.

Then, scoop out a dime-sized amount of snail mucin and perform the 13-touch step. This skin application method involves placing 13 equal-sized dots of snail mucin serum or cream all over your face. After, use your clean hands and massage the product on your face; continue to do so until it gets absorbed.

When to use snail mucin

If you don't know when to use snail mucin, a simple way to do so is to apply it after your toner or before applying your serum. This order of application favors those aiming for skin hydration. Use snail mucin two times a day, morning and night. After massaging it into your skin, pat it gently and spread the remaining snail mucin to your neck and décolleté.

Should I use snail mucin before or after moisturizer

Before you include snail mucin in your skin regimen, it's important to know answers to questions like “Is snail mucin non-comedogenic?” For acne-prone skin, comedogenic products can clog the skin and worsen acne, and luckily, snail mucin moisturizer is lightweight and non-comedogenic.

Now that you've ascertained its safety, you can then employ the rule of thumb (thinnest to thickest) to apply your skincare products. The rule ensures you apply products with a thinner consistency first before the denser products to ensure proper absorption. Since snail mucin is lightweight with a thin viscosity, you should apply it after a moisturizer. Depending on the consistency of your facial oil (if you use one), you can either apply snail mucin before or after.

How often to use snail mucin

If you don't know how often to use snail mucin, dermatologists recommend you use it once or twice every day to see results.

Is snail mucin good for acne

Is snail mucin good for acne? Snail mucin might help prevent and manage acne in all skin types. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent breakouts and reduce redness. Snail mucin also contains glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

Is snail mucin good for oily skin

If you have acne-prone, oily skin and you are pondering if it is (snail mucin) good for oily skin before making a purchase. Dermatologists recommend snail mucin to people with oily skin whose main aim is to reduce acne. Snail mucin can break down the acne vulgaris bacteria and prevent more breakouts. However, snail mucin does not reduce oil or sebum production on the face.

Can you use snail mucin with retinol

Can you use snail mucin with retinol? Of course, you can. Retinol is known for its drying or irritating effects on the skin, while snail mucin complements this by providing moisture and hydration. This duo is particularly helpful for those with dry skin. To layer both products properly, apply the snail mucin first and finally layer your retinol. The snail mucin acts as a hydrating shield that reduces irritation.

Snail mucin vs hyaluronic acid

Between snail mucin vs hyaluronic acid, dermatologists discovered that hyaluronic acid has more hydrating properties than snail mucin. However, snail mucin is packed with more beneficial components like copper peptides, iron, zinc, antimicrobial peptides, hyaluronic acid, and proteins. If you want long-lasting hydration, choose hyaluronic acid, and if you are concerned about the beneficial components, opt for snail mucin.

Can you use snail mucin and vitamin C together?

Snail mucin and vitamin C refreshes your skin to give it that viral “glass skin” look. It provides hydration while Vitamin C brightens the skin and fights off free radicals. To enjoy the full benefits of this duo, apply your vitamin C serum first before finishing or sealing with the snail mucin.

Can I use snail mucin with niacinamide

“Can I use snail mucin with niacinamide?” You can use snail mucin with niacinamide to hasten results. Snail mucin for skin complements the brightening properties of niacinamide to reduce hyperpigmentation. The combination also strengthens the skin barrier and promotes your skin's health.