Snail essence, snail slime, snail mucin, snail secretion filtrate, Cryptomphalus aspera secretion … this snail-derived ingredient goes by many names, but you’re probably wondering what it is and what it’s doing in your skin care to begin with. Though it sounds like a weird concept at first, snail essence can actually be a powerful active skin care ingredient. Get the rundown on snail essence as we answer these questions:

• What is snail essence?
• What are the skin benefits of snail essence?
• How can I use snail essence on my skin?

What Is Snail Essence?

Snail essence is a slimy substance secreted from the body of a snail. Just as the mucus in your nose protects your body from germs and other irritants, the slime that snails secrete provides protection—and its sticky texture also helps them crawl up vertical surfaces.

On ingredient lists and skin care product descriptions, you might see snail slime referred to as snail essence, snail mucin, snail secretion filtrate or Cryptomphalus aspera secretion. But don't be fooled, it's all the same!

What Are the Benefits of Snail Essence?

Though the recent buzz about snail essence has been propelled by Korean skin care, the skin benefits of snail mucin were reportedly discovered in Chile in the 1980s. The story goes that the Bascuñá family that farmed snails for the restaurant industry and noticed that the skin on their hands felt softer and smoother after handling the snails, and so they went on to launch skin care products with snail mucin. The rest is history!

As it turns out, snail mucin contains several substances that can be beneficial for skin, including hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate skin. Another is allantoin, which helps support the skin’s natural healing process by promoting the creation of new cells. “Snail mucin also contains glycoproteins, which help promote cell renewal and boost collagen production. There’s also glycolic acid, which is a powerful chemical exfoliant that can help smooth lines and wrinkles over time,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

3 Ways to Benefit Your Skin With Snail Essence

Ready to give snail essence a try? Here are three ways to incorporate snail mucin into your skin care routine.

1. Use a Snail Essence Cleanser

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser harnesses the skin-smoothing properties of snail essence to hydrate and clarify skin while gently cleansing away all traces of dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells. Because this cleanser is safe to use on post-procedure skin, consider keeping it on hand to use after a microneedling or laser treatment session.

2. Try a Moisturizer With Snail Essence

Make the most of snail essence’s hydrating qualities by using a mucin-powered moisturizing cream. Biopelle Tensage Soothing Cream Moisturizer is a feather-weight facial cream that’s formulated to help hydrate and moisturize skin without weighing it down. For best results, use it once or twice daily for softer, smoother skin and to curb early signs of aging.

3. Use a Snail Essence Serum

For a concentrated anti-aging treatment, look for a facial serum with snail secretion filtrate listed as the first ingredient. Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40 is a facial serum packaged in ampoules for individual use. It contains snail essence combined with a growth factor blend and promises to soften fine lines and wrinkles as well as promote healing after cosmetic procedures.

Another potent option is Makari Premium+ Radiance Renewal Complexion Booster, which combines the power of snail mucin with antioxidants to help reduce visible signs of aging and improve the overall texture of skin. It also contains brightening peptides to help rejuvenate skin and boost its radiance.

Are you curious about dry oil and how to use it? Read up on our favorite dry oils and how they can benefit your skin, hair and nails.