13 best snail mucin skincare products for smooth skin, fewer fine lines, and reduced blemishes!

When we say “snails”, you probably picture the creatures you see on the pavement after a rainy day, or those you may tuck into at a French restaurant – a dish reserved for those with a more adventurous palate.

We’re willing to bet you probably don’t associate them with your skincare routine, but maybe you should.

Snail mucin has been trending in the skincare community as of late, and we’re here to share why this surprisingly effective ingredient could be worth a spot on your vanity.

What exactly is snail mucin?

Snail mucin is exactly what you’re picturing it to be – yep, the secretion of a snail. Its natural purpose is to protect snails from potential cuts and scrapes as they travel along surfaces.

The process of collecting snail mucin usually involves keeping the snails in a dark room and allowing them to slide along a surface, such as glass or mesh, to collect the beneficial slime left behind. This is then pasteurised to become application-ready.

Labelled as “snail secretion filtrate (SSF)” on snail mucin products, it’s composed of a complex mix of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, proteoglycans, proteins, zinc, and iron.

So while snail mucin may not be the most appealing of skincare ingredients, don’t be so quick to shun it. Some of its components are common in many existing skincare products for their range of benefits.

Main benefits of snail mucin for the skin

The hyaluronic acid in snail mucin aids in the anti-ageing process by moisturising the skin, leaving it hydrated and baby-smooth.

Additionally, the antimicrobial peptides in snail mucin are recognised for their ability to combat acne and address hyperpigmentation.

Snail mucin can also be a remedy for acne scarring and has been found by many to be effective in improving skin texture with frequent use.

Are there any downsides to using snail mucin?

Snail mucin does not currently have any documented side effects, but it’s been known to be a pretty well-tolerated ingredient that should not cause irritation or acne flare-ups.

However, as with any skincare product, we recommend doing a patch test on a small area of your skin before proceeding with an all-over face application.

Which ingredients pair well with snail mucin?

While snail mucin stands on its own as an anti-ageing and moisturising skincare ingredient, it works even better when layered with other actives.

It can also be used with other skincare staples like glycolic acid and vitamin C for enhanced effects.

If you have concerns over signs of ageing, dermatologists recommend pairing snail mucin products with ingredients like retinol to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

For those looking to clear their skin from breakouts or minimise scarring, mixing snail mucin with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can be particularly effective.

The best snail mucin cleanser

Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser

This cleanser utilises the powerful combination of Snail Truecica, an exclusive ingredient by Some By Mi, and Black Snail Secretion Filtrate to boost the skin’s natural defence and restorative capabilities.

Alongside its skin-friendly nature, this cleanser incorporates 17 types of amino acids, facilitating rapid repair of the skin’s protective barrier.

Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser retails for S$7.56 to S$20.52 at Shopee and S$21 at Lazada. Sales are on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion prices!

The best snail mucin toner

Peach Slices Snail Rescue Toner

Snail mucin and cica combine in this formula to help clear blocked pores, zap zits, calm redness, and strengthen your skin barrier! Swipe it on morning and night after applying your cleanser to prep your skin for other products like serums and moisturisers.

Peach Slices Snail Rescue Toner retails for S$34.50 at Shopee and S$35 at Lazada.

The best snail mucin serums and essences

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

The bestselling serum from the K-beauty brand COSRX contains 96% pure snail mucin. It doesn’t leave a sticky or oily residue, despite its slightly slimy texture – which, if you can get behind, may just be the solution to your acne, dark spots, or uneven skin tone.

Additionally, the allantoin and panthenol in the snail mucin essence help to soothe irritated skin, while betaine and sodium acetylated hyaluronate help to hydrate your skin.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence retails for S$31.21 at Shopee and S$24.41 at Lazada. Sales are on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion prices!

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Serum (Ginseng + Snail Mucin)

Ginseng is a well-loved ingredient in the world of K-beauty, and for a good reason. Ginseng root adds moisture to your skin, while snail mucin has healing properties, making the Beauty Of Joseon serum effective in enhancing skin rejuvenation.

This powerful skincare combination is what makes this serum perfect for targeting dark spots and wrinkles.

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Serum retails for S$14 at Shopee and S$25 at Lazada. A sale is on at Lazada at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion price!

Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum+

The Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum is a multitasking serum that’s enriched with snail mucin, and another unique ingredient – bee venom.

The addition of bee venom helps to increase collagen protein synthesis and speed up the recovery of damaged skin cells, and tea tree leaf water is also added to its formula to help soothe the skin and combat acne.

This blend of ingredients works together to revitalise and nourish the skin, providing smoother and more supple skin!

Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum+ retails for S$34.35 at Shopee and S$27.94 at Lazada. Sales are on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion prices!

The best snail mucin face creams

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

A great follow-up product to use after the essence from the same line, the Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream by COSRX incorporates 92% snail mucin to soothe irritation and hydrate the skin.

This gel-cream moisturiser has over 3,200 5-star ratings from Shopee and has also been raved about on platforms like Amazon and Lazada, establishing itself as a cult favourite amongst skincare fanatics!

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream retails for S$18.25 to S$35.23 at Shopee and S$22.89 at Lazada. Sales are on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion prices!

Deoproce Snail Recovery Cream

Bogged down by dry or damaged skin? The Deoproce Snail Recovery Cream holds its own as a great wound-healing solution, thanks to its incorporation of licorice root extract, which effectively reduces accumulated inflammation.

This snail mucin cream also works incredibly well on dry skin, and it also contains other plant extracts to improve your skin elasticity and brightness!

Deoproce Snail Recovery Cream retails for S$36.72 at Shopee and S$45.73 at Lazada. Sales are on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion prices!

The best snail mucin masks

This snail mucin mask works as both a hydrator for dry skin and an inflammation reducer. Use it twice or thrice a week to clarify your skin from blemishes, boost brightness, and reduce the risk of post-acne scarring!

Peach Slices Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Mask retails for S$47.90 at Shopee.

La Pure Snail Skin Regeneration Mask

For a brighter and more even skin tone, the La Pure Snail Skin Regeneration Mask is a premium option that could be well worth splurging on, as it contains seven times the amount of snail mucin found in its counterparts in the market.

Its nutrient-dense formula means that your skin will experience rejuvenation quicker, speeding up the process in which you’ll see visible changes.

La Pure Snail Skin Regeneration Mask retails for S$73.02 on Amazon.sg. A sale is on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion price!

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 Mucin Power Sheet Mask

Yes, we just can’t get enough of the products from this line, but can you blame us? The snail mucin sheet mask from COSRX is a quick and easy treatment for the entire face, and has been praised by reviewers for making their skin incredibly soft and hydrated after just one use.

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 Mucin Power Sheet Mask retails for S$16.20 to S$54 at Shopee. A sale is on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion price!

Holika Holika Prime Youth Black Snail Repair Hydro Gel Mask

Holika Holika’s Prime Youth Black Snail Repair skincare line is enriched with black snail filtrate, which exceeds the nutritional benefits of regular snail mucin by an impressive 10 times.

With frequent use over the course of two months, the depth of fine lines and wrinkles will be visibly reduced, and your skin will also have a newfound elasticity.

Holika Holika Prime Youth Black Snail Repair Hydro Gel Mask retails for S$11.50 on lookfantastic.com.sg.

The best snail mucin eye creams

Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

Tired of your pesky undereye circles? This eye cream by COSRX might just do the trick.

It contains five peptides, 2% niacinamide, and 73.6% snail mucin in its formula, which work in tandem to effectively brighten and hydrate the skin, creating a youthful and energised look.

COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream retails for S$39.96 at Shopee and S$27 at Lazada. Sales are on at the time of writing. Click in to see the promotion prices!

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream

We love Mizon’s snail mucin skincare line for its glycerin- and panthenol-rich formula, as these ingredients help stimulate collagen production, which translates to firmer and more youthful skin.

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream retails for S$41.04 at Shopee. 

Featured image credit: @glowinkcheeks, @likeskin, and @watermelonsugarskin/TikTok