Snail Mucin
Snail secretion filtrate containing glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and antimicrobial peptides. Popular in Korean skincare for hydration and regeneration.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Small clinical studies show improved hydration, elasticity, and skin texture. Wound healing properties confirmed in vitro. Standardization across manufacturers is difficult – different snail species and collection conditions yield different chemical profiles.
- Fabi SG et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(4):453-457. PMID 23652894
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Dry, Normal, Sensitive, Combination
About this ingredient
Snail mucin (Snail Secretion Filtrate, SSF) is a filtrate of the secretion snails produce to protect their bodies from friction and microorganisms. Collected by humane methods without harming snails (vibration platform stimulation, water mist). Contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid (5-10% in the concentrate), peptides, antimicrobial peptides (achacin), allantoin, copper peptides, vitamins. Where applied. K-beauty flagship since the 2010s – toners, essences, serums, creams, masks (60-96% in essences, 5-30% in creams). In Spain – COSRX Snail 96 (most popular), Mizon All In One, Benton Snail Bee, in niche K-beauty stores. In premium – Missha Time Revolution. Evidence base. Tribó-Boixareu 2009 (placebo-controlled RCT, n=25, 14 weeks) showed improvement in fine wrinkle depth and skin texture. Liu 2017 on post-acne scars – accelerated regeneration, reduced post-inflammatory pigmentation. Pons-Guiraud 2010 in fibroblast cultures – stimulated migration and proliferation. Evidence level for anti-aging and regeneration – B. Mechanism. Glycoproteins and peptides work as signaling molecules for skin fibroblasts. Allantoin and copper peptides accelerate epithelialization. Glycolic acid provides mild exfoliation. Hyaluronic acid – hydration. The effect is multi-target: one formula covers hydration, anti-aging, regeneration. Ethical controversy. 'Humane collection' – without harming snails, but some ethical brands (Lush) boycott snail mucin as an 'animal exploitation product'. EU CosIng permits use. Vegan certification excludes. Safety. CIR has not issued a standalone review, but mass-use experience since the 2010s is broad. Allergic reactions are rare. People with mollusc allergy (systematic protein allergy) – use with caution, cross-reactivity is theoretical. Pregnancy and lactation – limited data, no formal classification. No known teratogenic components, systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. In lactation – likely safe. Pediatric conservatism leads manufacturers to label UNKNOWN, but no actual restrictions exist.
Frequently asked questions
Is Snail Mucin safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Snail Mucin during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Snail Mucin for?
Snail Mucin suits: dry, normal, sensitive, combination.
What is Snail Mucin and what does it do in cosmetics?
Snail secretion filtrate containing glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and antimicrobial peptides.
What's the INCI name for Snail Mucin?
The INCI name is Snail Secretion Filtrate. It may also appear as: Snail Filtrate.
See Snail Mucin in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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