Written By Jennifer Raskin / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

If you could think of the most beautiful creature on the planet, what would it be? Chances are snails would be the furthest thing from your mind. However, snail slime - also known as snail mucin - has been a popular ingredient in Asian skincare and now it’s making more buzz in the U.S.

Sure, it sounds gross, but in the name of beauty, it might just be something to slather on your skin. Snail mucin is the excretion a snail makes, and while that isn’t the most beautiful picture to paint, this stuff is naturally brimming with everything that does make skin beautiful.

It has hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and glycoproteins that are wonderful for healthy and youthful skin.

For at least the last decade, it was popular in Korea. However, snail slime for skincare is a gift bestowed upon us from the Chileans. Back in the 1980s, snail breeders in Chile noticed their hands were wonderfully soft after they handled these slow-moving slimy creatures.

Benefits of Getting Slimed by Snails

You’ll want to look past the ick-factor of snail mucin for the great benefits it has. First of all, the hyaluronic acid composition in it helps support a healthy skin barrier. This locks moisture in so skin stays soft and supple.

Snail mucin also has glycolic acid in it. This natural acid is essential for stimulating collagen production. As it does, you’ll notice fine lines and wrinkles smooth away. And it has the added benefit of giving you a radiant and youthful appearance.

Another thing snail slime gives your skin is zinc. Zinc is great for fighting inflammation. It’s something you likely ingest with every multivitamin, but adding it topically is great for the skin.

Allantoin is also in this slime which helps soothe and calm irritations. Basically, it’s nature’s gross but amazing gift for softer, healthier, glowing skin.

However, despite knowing what snail mucin is composed of, there’s not much research about its effectiveness on the skin. Most people can use it without any trouble, though before using snail mucin or anything new on your skin, it’s wise to test out a small patch of your skin before slathering it on all over.

How to Choose Snail Slime Products for Your Skin

For the most effective snail slime products, you should seek out ones that unite this ingredient with either retinol or antioxidants. Formulas that have vitamin C, added glycolic acid, and hydrating ingredients are a great choice. Snail mucin is most commonly added to serums or creams though if you want the most potent option, a serum will be best.

That’s especially true if your main skincare concern is fighting the signs of aging. If you’re more into preserving hydration, a cream will do just fine.

Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll be happy to know that there’s no unpleasant odor associated with it so you can forget all about what’s in your snail slime products and enjoy the benefits of more beautiful skin.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash