If you’re as obsessed with the latest and greatest beauty and skin care products as me, then your TikTok FYP must be full of trendy beauty product reviews. I am constantly scrolling through numerous reviews from my fave beauty influencers, and always seem to fall victim to impulse purchases. One product I will never regret buying on a whim, though, is the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25). Yes, this product is really made with snail mucin — and it’s a beauty ingredient powerhouse.
There are several things that coaxed me into buying this viral COSRX product — one being that I have dry, acne-prone, sensitive skin that needs any bit of hydration it can get. The other is the pure fascination with the snail mucin, since I had never heard of a product derived from snails.
What is snail mucin?
Snail mucin is the mucus and secretions left behind by snails when they slowly move — yeah, really. But don’t worry, no snails are harmed when their mucus is collected! According to Byrdie and dermatologist Ted Lain, MD, snail mucin is great for moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier, which I desperately need.
How To Use Snail Mucin
When I first used the snail mucin, I applied during my nighttime routine before my retinol and moisturizer. It has a slimy but thin consistency that feels very hydrating, as if I was applying a hyaluronic acid serum. After a few uses, I wasn’t seeing or feeling anything different about my skin. So, I decided to do some searching on TikTok and see if I was applying it correctly, because knowing me, I probably was doing it all wrong — and I was, to an extent.
I came across a TikTok from licensed dermatologist @dermguru, who showed the correct ways to use snail mucin. The first tip she suggested was using snail mucin on damp skin in order to receive its full benefits. (You can use regular water from the sink or a thermal spray.) Then, she recommends patting the snail mucin into the skin instead of rubbing. Finally, lock in the snail mucin with a moisturizer (at least I was doing this part correctly).
After seeing these tips, I decided to give it a try. During my night routine, I either dampened my skin with regular water or a toner. When my skin was damp, I patted the snail mucin into my skin and neck. Once my skin was dry, I followed up with my retinol. I finished off the routine with my moisturizer.
My COSRX Snail Mucin Review
After a few trials, I saw my skin dryness improve, with less dry patches and brighter skin. I then added snail mucin into my morning routine as well, using it after toner and before my vitamin C serum. It gave me the look of glazed skin, and sat beautifully under makeup.
My skin has reacted so well to snail mucin, and hasn’t broken out with acne or redness. If you can’t seem to give your skin enough hydration, I highly recommend it. COSRX’s snail mucin retails for $25, and it’s enough product to last you for months.