Humectant / conditioning complex
Snail Mucin (Snail Secretion Filtrate)
INCI: Snail Secretion Filtrate·Limited evidence
A filtered secretion from snails, a K-beauty essence staple, used at high percentages for the appearance of plumper, more hydrated skin. It is a mixture of glycoproteins and conditioners rather than a single active, and it is not vegan.
Studied for
- ·The appearance of hydrated, plumper-looking skin
- ·The look of a calmer, more comfortable-looking surface
How it’s thought to work
Studied for holding water at the surface and conditioning the look of the skin; because it is a complex mixture, effects are credited to the blend rather than one molecule.
Questions
- Does snail mucin actually do anything?
- As a hydrator and comfort ingredient, most people find it pleasant and it can leave skin looking plumper while it is used. The cosmetic evidence is limited and it is a blend rather than a dosed active, so think of it as a nice hydrating layer, not a treatment.