K-Beauty introduced many of us to the world of snail slime and promised a path to a bright future. glassy skin. With so many of his TikTok and Instagram influencers supporting this trend, this seemed like the perfect solution to achieve the coveted glow. It’s touted as a miracle ingredient that can do wonders for your skin, but there are some important aspects to consider before jumping on this bandwagon.
The product has faced considerable backlash in recent months, from ethical concerns about how the snail mucin is harvested to the possibility of allergic reactions. The product promises gentle hydration, skin protection, increased collagen, and reduced irritation, but complaints of side effects such as breakouts, fungal acne, hives, and small bumps on the forehead have surfaced on social media. It’s widespread. This raises the question of why such a seemingly benign ingredient causes so many problems. Whether you’re considering avoiding snail slime for reasons such as allergies, ethical concerns, or a general aversion to sticky, slimy substances (gross!), I believe (as a product formulator) Here’s what’s going on: Incorporate this product into your beauty routine. Let’s begin!
What is snail mucin?
Snail mucus, also known as snail secretion filtrate, comes from snails or molluscs (organisms that live inside their shells). This secretion contains polysaccharides, vitamins A, C, and E, collagen, elastin, protein, allantoin, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and other beneficial ingredients that are believed to have a variety of skin care benefits. Contains complex compositions including. From moisturizing the skin to promoting collagen production to calming inflammation, snail mucin is gaining attention for its potential to address a variety of skin concerns.
What are the ethical dilemmas surrounding snail mucin?
Snail slime has become a trendy product that is advertised on every occasion, but it is important to consider the ethical implications of its production process and the potential risks associated with its use. To be clear, this mucin doesn’t just come from crawling snails. Snails are stressed or injured, which stimulates mucin secretion and are collected for skin care.
Unlike animal products such as beeswax, where extraction is not only considered harmless to the animal but even necessary (to nourish the nest), snail mucin extraction is an entirely unnecessary and painful process. This process has raised ethical concerns, especially for those who prioritize animal rights.
What are the benefits of snail mucin?
Despite ethical concerns, snail mucin has a variety of potential benefits for the skin. Snail mucin primarily helps restore moisture and improve skin texture, making it especially appealing for people with dry or dehydrated skin. Additionally, the presence of AHAs in snail mucus contributes to gentle exfoliation, promoting smoother and more radiant skin.
Additionally, it is believed that snail mucin may aid in skin repair and regeneration and may accelerate the healing process for acne scars and other skin defects. Snail mucin is thought to have anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing properties, making it a favorite among people looking to address sensitive or irritated skin. But let’s take a closer look at why I think this is not a good idea.
Why do some people experience negative reactions?
Lately, there has been a flood of negative reviews claiming that snail mucin causes reactions such as breakouts and inflammation. The reason for this is probably related to the fact that it is a natural substance of biological origin. Simply put, snail mucin is a complex mixture similar to human sweat. Just as we sweat when we are stressed, snails release mucin when they are stressed. Unfortunately, for people with sensitive or reactive skin, complex mixtures generally have a higher chance of side effects. For this reason, we recommend using simple products if you have sensitive or reactive skin types.
In most cases, you should probably be able to use this product without any problems. However, if you have sensitive skin, damaged skin barrier, or rosacea, you may want to proceed with caution.
What if I want to try using snail mucin?
If you are interested in the potential benefits of snail mucin and want to incorporate it into your skin care routine, it is essential to be careful about how you use it.carry out patch test We can help you identify any unwanted reactions or sensitivities before fully incorporating a new product into your regimen. This simple but important step will prevent potential skin irritation and discomfort and allow you to make an informed decision about its suitability for your skin.
Additionally, researching brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable practices in snail mucin extraction can give conscientious consumers peace of mind. It is important to note that not all snail mucin is the same. These products vary depending on where the snails come from, how stressed the snails are, and even how the product is handled by the supplier. While your skin may respond well to one snail mucin product, there are still risks involved when trying another product from a different brand.
What are the alternatives to using snail mucin?
Those who want to stay hydrated without the risks associated with this slimy substance should look to products that contain moisturizers, such as: glycerin Not only hyaluronic acid, algae-like polysaccharides. Below are my favorite ways to further boost your hydration.
toner
I’ve learned that many people don’t believe in the power of toners, but I’m here to tell them how much they’re missing out on the power of toners. From a hydration perspective, lotions are as follows: moisture infusion toner and elderberry soothing toner Perfect for increasing skin hydration. Not only that, damp skin is thought to be 10 times more penetrating than dry skin, which means that any serums you apply afterwards can penetrate more deeply.
Please be sure to follow the following: golden minutes Be careful not to make your skin dry even worse.
moisturizing serum
Moisturizing serum etc. skin link concentrateincluding hyaluronic acid (a powerful humectant) and aloe vera provide hydration that rivals or exceeds the polysaccharides in snail mucin. The simplicity of these ingredients also reduces the potential for skin irritation.
moisturizer
Moisturizers are not only a great source of hydration, they are important in strengthening the skin barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and creating happier, healthier skin overall.products like Phytolipid Comfort Cream, pure radiance cream maskand daily mattifying solution All contain algae (or algae extract), a polysaccharide that keeps skin plump and hydrated.
Click here for details Which moisturizer is right for you?.
While some may benefit from its moisturizing and skin-repairing properties, the harsh realities of how snail mucin is harvested and the potential risks it poses are why snail mucin is urgently in the spotlight. There is a possibility. Fortunately, this isn’t the only product that can provide these moisturizing, soothing, and skin-healing benefits. When looking for an alternative to snail mucin, especially if you deal with sensitive skin, be sure to look for simple products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, algae, aloe, ceramides and peptides.
I hope this post was helpful. As always #obeyrenee!
Finally, if you want to minimize (or completely reverse) the effects of dry skin, read on. The best ingredients to use and the best ingredients to avoid.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skin Care Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, René Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating audiences, and building an award-winning product line. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has resulted in real-world solutions: products formulated to: 9 different skin types So your face gets exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare enthusiasts around the world, it’s her vast real-world knowledge and constant research that has led Marie Claire to call her one of the “Most Passionate People We Know.” That’s why I call him a “specialist skin practitioner”.
