when you think When it comes to skin care, snail mucin is probably not the first product that comes to mind. But snail secretion fluid – a mucus that these tiny mollusks produce to move, stay hydrated and survive environmental hazards – has somehow made its way to the top of the cosmic pole.
Simply put, snails have an impressive quality, Multitasking Sludge SystemThey secrete different types of goo for different purposes: an antimicrobial barrier from their backs, a collagen-packed lubricant to lubricate their passageways, and a calcium-rich adhesive that helps them stick to surfaces and travel upside down. Helps.
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What is snail mucin?
In the laboratory, cosmetic researchers have identified at least five types of mucus cells in the garden snail alone, each producing a different biochemical composition. among them, glycosaminoglycans These are the precious gems of the skin care world. These molecules have the natural ability to draw water, making them the preferred ingredients in enhancing moisturizers. Snail goop is also full of elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamins (A, C, E, and more). These compounds are essentially an all-star lineup that helps with skin regeneration, hydration, and bacteria protection.
Beyond cosmetics, many people are exploring the therapeutic potential of mucin for wound healing in diabetes, eye health, and even cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. For example, Scientists are working on developing eye drops using snail slimeWhich can help manage some eye diseases. With antimicrobial and antioxidant components, snail mucin is used to treat burns, gastric ulcers, and post-surgery infections.
Some studies have shown that snail mucin outperforms commercial antibiotics (including amoxicillin and streptomycin) when treating wounds. When given with medications, slime may also enhance drug delivery by helping the body's mucous membranes to better absorb the treatment. preliminary study It has even been suggested that it could potentially protect against melanoma.
Why is it trendy?
It may seem like slug syrup appeared out of nowhere, but it exists in cosmetics. Over the centuriesThe ancient Greeks used it to treat colds and infections. Hippocrates – the “Father of Medicine” – reportedly crushed snails and used the byproduct to treat skin inflammation. people in south west cameroon Terrestrial mollusk extracts have long been used to treat burns, ease headaches, and prevent infectious diseases such as scabies and ringworm. in ItalyGastropod goo is used to treat skin problems like acne, warts and calluses.
In the 1980s, Chilean farmers noticed that their hands became softer and wounds healed faster when handling escargots for the French food market. This increased the popularity of snail mucin in South America, and it was integrated into cosmetics for the first time. Chilean skin care brand Alesina In 1995. South Korea followed suit in the early 2000s. Today, K-Beauty and #SkinTok Snail Moving Slime For global audiences, North America is one of the fastest growing markets.
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How is snail mucin collected?
Most of the slime used in cosmetics comes from the common garden snail, Cryptomphalus aspersa. Essentially, they excrete mucin in response to stress, which can then be collected in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods involves letting these shelled critters crawl on mesh surfaces to stimulate secretions, which will then drip into the pan. Another process involves misty chambers that produce secretions without direct contact.
How it is extracted and processed can vary greatly by brand and farm practices, and there is no standard regulation throughout the industry. it means eskergoo (See what I did there) Products can vary in consistency, quality, and effectiveness, depending on a wide range of factors from what the snails are fed to breeding practices.
What are the benefits?
Snail slime is something of a skin-care ingredient, which may be partly why it's so trendy in an industry that's currently favoring “clean beauty” aesthetics.
- Hydrating: With humectants like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, maintaining hydration and warding off irritants.
- Smooth out: The natural glycolic acid and collagen-boosting compounds in mucin can improve skin texture, helping smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A small-scale 2020 study found Which is being used by women aged 45 to 65 years Endocare Tensage Serum After three months, skin roughness reduced and elasticity improved.
- Remedial: Snail mucin is rich in zinc, manganese, allantoin and copper peptides – all nutrients that aid in cell regeneration and soothe inflammation. These properties are especially useful for skin with redness or rashes.
Is it safe for people suffering from eczema?
Snail mucin is generally safe for most skin types, unless you are allergic to mollusks. Allantoin, a component of snail mucin, soothes the skin and supports cell regeneration, which may be especially valuable for eczema-prone skin. However, it is important to check the product label for other potential irritants that may be included. Fragrances are common additives to mask earthy scents, but they often irritate sensitive skin, so (as someone who suffers from seborrheic dermatitis) I always choose fragrance-free products.
Are there any risks?
Again, while snail mucin is well tolerated by most people, allergies may occur. Be sure to apply a patch to the inside of your arm before applying any new ingredients to your face. If you notice redness, irritation, or stinging at any point, you should stop using the slime. At least until you consult a dermatologist.
How do I incorporate snail slime into my daily routine?
Snail mucin can be found in essences, creams, masks, and more. Serums and essences usually offer the highest concentrations if you're looking for maximum slime. Choose products with at least 70 percent mucin content for best results. Depending on your skin goals, it's safe to use it daily or a few times a week with general ingredients like vitamin C or retinol.
I am currently testing it COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser And 96 percent mucin power essenceWhich I use every day during my nightly routine. Cosmetic Chemist Michelle Wong She also uses the same serum daily. “I have oily skin and get dehydrated easily, so this is a perfect fit,” she says. When changing up your skin-care routine, Wong recommends adding one product at a time. “If you incorporate five products you bought while shopping together into a routine, you can't tell what's really working,” she says.
Is Snail Mucin Cruelty-Free?
This is a bit of a gray area. Some brands claim that their collection methods are cruelty-free and do not harm the snails, but transparency is still lacking in the skin care and snail farming industry. It is not vegetarian.
So, is it worth a try?
If your skin could use a hydration boost or you're looking for a gentle, multifunctional ingredient, snail mucin may be worth trying. But it is not a one-size-fits-all miracle.
Ultimately, people have different skin types and preferences. We all know that person who washes their face with a bar of soap and has crystal clear skin. You can't fight genetics. “Skin care is a hobby for me, so I'm willing to put a little more time and effort into trying different products,” says Wong, who also says she has a lot of skin in terms of sensitivity. Not dry. “I always recommend thinking about what your skin needs and making sure you're not buying a product just for the sake of hype.”
So, if the idea of slug syrup makes you tired, there's no reason to go there. But if you want to try something that dates back to ancient Greece – or perhaps if you have Attraction to all things slime—This may be the secret ingredient you didn't know you needed.