an article by Claudia López Pla
The skincare world is constantly evolving, driven by new scientific discoveries and societal values. One trend that has caught the attention of beauty enthusiasts and dermatology experts alike is the resurgence of an age-old beauty secret – snail mucin. The benefits of snail mucin for skincare are numerous and impressive, making it a staple in many beauty routines.
Interest in the slimy substance produced by snails dates back to ancient Greece, where they used the mucus to reduce inflammation and signs of aging. Because the terms “mucus” and “slime” carry negative connotations, marketers today promote such products as “snail mucin”. The concept may seem old, but it recently became very popular for its multiple benefits in South Korea, quickly spreading to other parts of the world as part of the K-beauty trend. In fact, the Global Snail Beauty Product Market was valued at 555.9 Million US$ in 2022 and is expected to reach 1,232.7 Million US$ by 2030!
The Science Behind Snail Secretion Filtrate for Skincare
The seemingly miraculous substance can repair everything from dry skin patches and acne breakouts to signs of aging, and it just might be true! This blog post unravels the science behind why snail mucin is considered a skincare miracle, examining its composition and how it benefits our skin. Moreover, we’ll dissect the intricacies of snail mucin extraction, addressing ethical concerns. For those who opt for a more compassionate approach, we’ll also explore some cruelty-friendly alternatives that allow everyone to participate in the quest for radiant skin.
Chemically speaking, snail slime is a complex mixture of, glycosaminoglycans, glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides and trace elements including copper, zinc, and iron. Translation: it is loaded with a bunch of good-for-the-skin stuff. We will focus here on the three main beneficial components:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycoproteins
- Antioxidants
Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero
Snail mucin is rich in hyaluronic acid, a superstar in the world of skincare able to retain water in the skin. In return this helps support barrier health and allows for your skin to protect you better from the outside world. All in all: it helps reduce irritation and dryness. At this point, if you are feeling doubtful check out this quick video from Dr Dray, a dermatologist emphasizing these hydrating skills abilities of snail mucin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia8t5QLkB-A
Glycoproteins: Repair and Regeneration
Glycoproteins, another key component of the mucus produced by snails, promote skin repair and regeneration. They assist in healing damaged skin, making snail mucin an excellent choice for those dealing with scars, acne marks, or other imperfections.
Antioxidants: Fighting Free Radicals
Snail mucin also contains antioxidants that battle free radicals. These harmful molecules appear on our skin when enduring environmental stresses and are responsible for premature aging and other skin issues. With the presence of these antioxidants, snail mucin can help protect your skin from that environmental damage whether that’s from the sun or from pollution.
Ethical Concerns and Alternatives
All in all, snail mucin is a skincare superhero, offering hydration, repair, and protection. Its composition and benefits have made it a buzzworthy ingredient in the world of cosmetics. It’s no wonder that skincare enthusiasts are embracing this unlikely source of skin nourishment. But the story of snail mucin doesn’t end with its science; ethical concerns surrounding its extraction add depth to the tale.
The main technique for collecting snail mucin is at follows: collectors allow snails to roam around a dark room on a surface like glass or mesh. Then they scrape the slime from the surface. Finally, they process the slime into a filtrate before adding it to skincare products. This method ensures that the snails remain unharmed and healthy throughout the extraction process. However, according to PETA, some farms mechanically stress snails to increase mucus production. This involves agitating, salting, or starving them to trigger mucus release. I wish we could be sure that no snails were harmed in the process, but based on this, it doesn’t look good!
Therefore, whether it’s for cruelty free reasons or because the thought of putting the secretion of a snail in your face gives you the ick there are options that have similar if not identic wound healing and hydrating properties.
Cruelty-Free Alternatives
An example is a serum by the brand Vegreen, composed of extract of wild yam, a mucin with very similar ingredients to the one snails produce. This “fragrance-free nature mucin serum” is able to aid in skin soothing, hydration and repair (sound familiar😉?).
In our article Be part of the eco-change, we also explored how the beauty industry is evolving to embrace eco-friendly practices. Discovering ethical alternatives in both ingredients and packaging aligns with the evolving narrative of conscious beauty consumers. By making informed choices about what goes on our skin and how products are packaged, we can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical future for the skincare industry.
Conclusion
In essence, the world of snail mucin considers science, efficacy, and ethical responsibilities. As skincare enthusiasts embrace this unlikely source of nourishment for the skin, the talk around ethics and cruelty-free practices pushes the industry to create choices for conscious consumers. Snail mucin’s narrative isn’t just a skincare trend; it’s a look at where beauty and ethics meet in the always-changing world of personal care.