The Holy Snail
So slime, so fine.
While my relationship to snails was up until now more poised toward an entrée option than all-around-beauty elixir, I’ve also never been one to shy away from any new trend in the name of wellness. True, my French husband makes a fabulous escargot that pairs deliciously with a dry, crisp champagne, but even I cast a curious side-eye’d glance on the idea of snail mucin at work - and in contact - with my skin.
C’est quoi, you ask? Without much fluff around the topic, snail mucin is essentially snail secretion - the slime, goo or gel, that snails release to protect themselves and ensconce about their busy lives. A long-time favorite ingredient in the Korean beauty world, snail mucin, snail secretion filtrate or SSF as often seen on labels, is inherently beneficial because of its origin as a defensive and healing ooze, meant to repair and protect as well as block out further injury and irritants while sealing in moisture. In the case of my personal favorite, CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, giant African (and edible) snails known as Achatina fulica are collected and let free to roam tranquilly over a mesh net in a dark, quiet room for 30 minutes with no external stressors applied to the nocturnal animal. The calm and collected mucin results in skincare packed with gentle-yet-effective ingredients such as anti-inflammatory zinc, copper, vitamins A + E, glycolic acid, growth factors and lightweight moisturizers that cater to a bevy of skin types while working to repair the skin barrier.
The deep-dive into my own personal escar-glow was first out of necessity to find a more suitable conductor for my beloved NuFace treatments, as I was searching for something I could leave on my skin without the worry of heavy silicones, nor being left to sacrifice a vital serum-step in my skincare routine. Not only is the snail mucin economical, one $25 bottle lasting months at a time, I have found a brightness to the skin that can only be described as lit from within. A typically oily t-zone has been calmed and controlled while dryer, irritated cheeks have softened out, and despite the peculiar images coming to mind when first applying the gel-like extract itself, the essence is lightweight, odor-free and absorbs effortlessly in the skin. A few moments after application and you’re ready for moisturizer or skip right to SPF, and makeup lays beautifully, no pilling in sight.
Repairing, restorative, soothing and gentle on all skin types - the almighty snail pairs well with all your vanity stars.
