The new phrase “glass skin” refers to people, particularly young women having hydrated, radiant, and clear skin that reflects, or shines, in the light. The recent skincare craze of putting snail mucin, the mucus that snails secrete, on your face, has been all over TikTok as a way to achieve this glass skin. Now, while many people think this skincare practice is gross, I can tell you that I have been using this product for years, and my skin has never looked better.
The most popular brand people buy snail mucin from is called COSRX, a South Korean skincare brand made famous by TikTok. Interestingly, this glass skin achieving “power essence” has been used in cosmetics for hundreds of years. The Ancient Greeks used to use snail slime for a few purposes. One to treat skin infections, another to reduce inflammation, and one used for its anti-aging properties. While its popularity declined for a few hundred years, it has finally made its comeback into many people’s everyday skincare routine.
Still, today, it is proven in many studies, including studies by the Mayo Clinic and EverydayHealth, that snail mucin is moisturizing, wrinkle-reducing, soothing, and a skin barrier protectant. “Snail mucin contains antioxidants that may help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sagging. Studies indicate that snail mucin helps with skin regeneration and protects against damaging free radicals,” according to mayoclinic.org.
I’m sure many people have questions regarding the smell, look, or texture of the mucin, and I am here to answer them. Most brands of snail mucin sold today have absolutely no scent or color. It is a completely clear substance with a thick, slimy texture that glides onto the skin easily and dries quickly without leaving a sticky residue. A common way of application, a way I found through TikTok, is taking one to two pumps of the serum onto your fingertips and then patting it onto dampened skin.
I personally have been using the “Advanced Power 96” snail mucin by COSRX for the past 2 years. My skin from 2022 to now is certainly more hydrated, smooth, and glowy. I use this product once every morning and night, right after washing my face and right before applying a moisturizer. I have also noticed that my makeup lays on my skin smoother, without caking or creasing
Finally, many people are probably asking, “how do manufacturers harvest the snail mucin?” Well, according to COSRX, “Snails are placed over a mesh in a dark and quiet room, where they are left freely to roam about leaving mucin in their trails.” It is also made clear on their website that no snails are harmed in the process of collecting their mucus.
Although I will admit that the thought of applying snail mucin onto your face does sound like a strange thing to do, I can attest that there are proven benefits to using this Korean face serum. For $20 on Amazon, I recommend giving this recent “holy grail” skincare product a try!