Snail Mucin
Snail secretion filtrate — the mucus produced by Cryptomphalus aspersa snails — has become a star ingredient in Korean skincare. It naturally contains hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, antimicrobial peptides, copper peptides, and allantoin. This complex mixture provides hydration, wound healing, and anti-aging benefits. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence popularized the ingredient globally.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 70-97% snail secretion filtrate in dedicated products. Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier products. Safe for morning and night use. Results improve with consistent daily use over 4-8 weeks.
Application
Topical (essence, serum, cream, mask). Apply to clean, damp skin. Pat gently to absorb.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Snail secretion filtrate (Cryptomphalus aspersa) is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds. Hyaluronic acid (multiple molecular weights) provides humectant hydration by binding water in the stratum corneum and dermis. Glycoproteins and proteoglycans contain growth factors and enzymes that accelerate wound healing, promote fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, and support extracellular matrix remodeling. Copper peptides (e.g., GHK-Cu) naturally present stimulate collagen and elastin production via upregulation of collagen genes and inhibition of MMPs; they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensin-like molecules) provide mild protection against bacteria. Allantoin soothes, promotes cell turnover, and supports barrier repair. The secretion also contains glycolic acid (mild exfoliation), vitamins, and trace minerals. The combination replicates functions of multiple skincare ingredients—hydration, wound healing, antioxidant defense, and barrier support—in a single biocompatible secretion. Filtrate processing removes snail cells while preserving bioactive compounds.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Major brands include COSRX and Missha.
Risks & Safety
Common
Sticky texture. Mild breakouts in some users initially.
Serious
None documented.
Rare
Allergic reaction (possible in individuals with mollusk allergies). Ethical concerns about farming practices vary by brand.
Compare Snail Mucin With
Research Papers
7Published: March 31, 2024
AI Summary
Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits.
Published: July 25, 2020
AI Summary
Cosmeceuticals are commonly used in skincare regimens to maintain healthy skin and improve visible signs of aging. In recent years, South Korean skincare has gained prominence in the global beauty industry by introducing innovative cosmeceutical products and aesthetic trends.
Published: December 7, 2025
AI Summary
Snail mucin (SM) has garnered significant attention in dermatology, particularly for its potential in scar therapy and wound healing, due to its bioactive compounds, like allantoin, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid. These compounds are known to promote tissue regeneration, enhance skin hydration,
Published: October 30, 2025
AI Summary
Efficient and prompt wound repair is critical for infection prevention and tissue integrity restoration. Snail mucin contains glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and growth factors that promote fibroblast migration and extracellular matrix formation and reduce inflammatory reactions.
Published: May 22, 2024
AI Summary
One consequence of this new reality is that children and teenagers may be unduly swayed by social media influencers who promote skincare products and practices, colloquially referred to as "skinfluencers," and enjoy unfettered access to emerging trends-not all of which lead to positive results.
Published: October 26, 2025
AI Summary
However, there are problems with the standardization of snail mucus because of the absence of single quality indexes, their limits, and the complicated structure of snail mucins. Moreover, there is a lack of clinical randomized trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of C. aspersum snail mucus.
Published: August 23, 2024
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snail Mucin used for?
Snail secretion filtrate — the mucus produced by Cryptomphalus aspersa snails — has become a star ingredient in Korean skincare. It naturally contains hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, antimicrobial peptides, copper peptides, and allantoin. This complex mixture provides hydration, wound healing, and anti-aging benefits. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence popularized the ingredient globally.
What are the side effects of Snail Mucin?
Common: Sticky texture. Mild breakouts in some users initially. Serious: None documented. Rare: Allergic reaction (possible in individuals with mollusk allergies). Ethical concerns about farming practices vary by brand.
How is Snail Mucin administered?
Snail Mucin is administered via topical (essence, serum, cream, mask). apply to clean, damp skin. pat gently to absorb..
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