Published On: Mar 29, 2024
Last Updated On: Mar 29, 2024
Snail mucin might seem like a trendy new ingredient, but its history actually goes way back — we’re talking ancient Greece. In that long ago era, snail mucin was used for its anti-inflammatory properties to prevent or treat skin infections, and as an anti-aging agent, according to Dr. Paul Yamauchi, dermatologist at the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center in Santa Monica, California and affiliated with UCLA School of Medicine.
“Recently, snail mucin has been formulated in several skincare products by various companies and the value is approaching $770 million dollars in 2025,” Dr. Yamauchi said. “There is limited research on snail mucin although the commercial development has gained huge popularity based on consumer perspectives and successful marketing strategies.”
Snail mucin refers to the slimy secretion that is produced naturally by snails. “Containing hyaluronic acid, it serves as a humectant to draw moisture in and also contains zinc and allantoin to help soothe the skin and calm inflammation,” said Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City and New Jersey. “Snail mucin is thought to help moisturize the skin and help boost hydration. It has been commonly incorporated into K-beauty [Korean beauty] products, now being increasingly recognized for its ability to help nourish the skin.”
Dr. Yamauchi adds that snail mucin are large protein molecules that are coated sugar molecules that have several functions such as adhesion, lubrication, hydration and antimicrobial effects. These properties allow a snail to stick to any surface and allow for antimicrobial defense.
“Snail mucin is rich in several compounds which can be beneficial to skin,” said Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates in Dallas, Texas. “Snail mucin has been noted for its ability to hydrate skin and promote wound healing. In addition, it may have anti-aging properties as it is made up of compounds including peptides and antioxidants that promote collagen synthesis and elasticity. Snail mucin is also known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help to calm irritated or compromised skin.”
The skin barrier is disrupted in eczema, allowing for inflammation, dryness and itching to occur. “Because of its hydrating and lubricating properties, snail mucin can provide moisturization to the skin and provide soothing relief,” said Dr. Yamauchi. “People with eczema are more prone to skin infections as a result of scratching which allows bacteria to enter into the skin. Because snail mucin has been shown to exert antimicrobial properties, applying it could treat and prevent skin infections.”
Though more research is needed to fully determine the benefits in the setting of eczema, one study showed that it may offer an anti-inflammatory benefit.1 “As a humectant, it works well when layered with moisturizing creams that contain ceramides to help support and strengthen the skin barrier, as this can help to lock moisture in,” Dr. Garshick said.
As long as a person does not exhibit an allergic reaction and it is tolerable (no stinging or irritation), a skincare product that contains snail mucin should be safe for people with eczema regardless of severity, according to Dr. Yamauchi.
However, it’s important to consider what else is in a skincare product’s formula besides snail mucin. “For example, many formulas include fragrance to mask snail mucin’s characteristically strong smell,” cautioned Dr. Marcus. “Fragrance is a notoriously irritating ingredient that should be avoided by those with atopic dermatitis. Therefore, if a product containing snail mucin also contains fragrance, or any other potentially irritating ingredient, it would be best to avoid this product.”
Those with eczema should be cautious when using any new product, so Dr. Garshick always recommends doing a patch test with any new product prior to use. “This can be done by testing the product on a small area on the inner elbow or wrist to see how the skin reacts,” she advised. “Prior to incorporating snail mucin into a skincare routine, it is important to check with your board-certified dermatologist to determine if it is best for you.”
References
1. Ricci A, Gallorini M, Feghali N, Sampò S, Cataldi A, Zara S. Snail Slime Extracted by a Cruelty Free Method Preserves Viability and Controls Inflammation Occurrence: A Focus on Fibroblasts. Molecules. 2023; 28(3):1222. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031222
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