Depending on how you feel about snails, letting a bunch of the slimy, slow-moving creatures crawl all over your face might be your idea of a terror-inducing nightmare.
But that’s what some people do in the name of beauty, because the mucus that the shell-dwellers secrete can work wonders on your complexion, say fans of the controversial facial.
The good news is, you don’t have to undergo an extreme ‘snail facial’ to reap the benefits of the gastropod’s slime, because skincare brands have bottled the nourishing substance, called mucin, in creams and serums for topical use.
It’s a trend that started in Korea, and one of the country’s most highly-rated brands, COSRX, has just launched its snail range in the UK.
So what does it do and how should you use it? We asked Julia Marinkovich, COSRX’s UK representative, to give us the lowdown.
I shout my love for snail gel from the rooftops
— Maeves Mac Tir (@MaevesChild) March 12, 2019
Here's everything you need to know about snail gel skincare…
What is snail gel?
"Snail slime is an external bodily mucus produced by snails. It has become so popular in the cosmetic industry as it contains key skin-loving components such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and copper peptides, all of which have amazing natural results on the skin.
"Snails are nocturnal creatures, so COSRX’s method for collecting mucin involves placing the snails over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room (the mesh is not electrified, so it is cruelty-free).
"The snails are left for about half an hour to roam the nets and do their thing, leaving mucin behind for collection. The mucin is then processed to stabilise it and to make it suitable for cosmetic use.
"No stress is applied to the snails in this process as optimal mucin production occurs when the snails are well relaxed."
I try to mainly use vegan skin care products but man I've started using this snail slime face cream stuff and it’s amazing
— peepance (@handsomekirk) April 17, 2019
How does mucin benefit the skin?
"These ingredients make snail mucin excellent at repairing skin damage, evening skin tone, fading hyper-pigmentation (including acne scars), as well as firming and tightening the skin, and boosting collagen and elastin production.
"Snail mucin is also great for hydrating the skin as it contains hyaluronic acid. As if that wasn’t enough, snail secretion also has antimicrobial properties, which makes it great for fighting off acne-causing bacteria."
2/2 tried so many different creams & lotions: cerave in the tub, horse oil, Rx topical steroid, neutrogena thick fisherman's ointment, and finally, the thing that’s worked the best and fastest? Snail gel. Of all the things, snail slime is what’s fixing my hands? Am disgusted/awed
— ★ 🍡 🎀 мαgι¢αℓ gιяℓ мαяѕнмαℓℓσω мαηα 🎀 🍡 ★ (@pulilith) January 12, 2020
Is it particularly good for certain skin types?
"Because of its natural antibacterial properties, products that contain snail mucin are particularly beneficial to those with blemish-prone skin, or skin that experiences regular breakouts.
"It will also work particularly well for dry skin as it has exfoliating properties that breakdown dead skin cells and unclog pores."
How should snail skincare be used?
"Products that use snail mucin as the predominant ingredient are generally safe to use daily as it is a natural ingredient, and even twice per day as part of your morning and evening regime if the product requires.
"A key step in a Korean beauty routine is essence, and we would recommend adding this step if you’re going to use snail cream.
"After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount of essence on your entire face. Gently pat using fingertips to aid absorption, and then apply the moisturiser.
"This is an effective step in repairing damaged skin, improving skin elasticity and maintaining hydration levels for longer periods of time."
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, €32.45, Look Fantastic
