Snail Mucin in Skin Care — What’s The Big Deal?

If you’re a big fan and follower of K-beauty, you’ve seen products made with snail mucin. While the idea of putting snail “slime” on your face sounds odd, it’s said to be effective in improving complexion and skin health.

But, before you try it out for yourself, have you ever wonderedhowsnail mucin gets incorporated into skincare products?

From snails to skincare

Using snail mucin in cosmetics is not new. A Chilean brand explored this idea afterlocal farmers claimed that their hands became softer after prolonged handling of snails. The trend blew up in South Korea, with snail mucin-infused products selling left and right. 

But, here’s a dilemma: snails produce slime (or mucin) when they’re stressed or agitated. The mucin they produce is then collected, filtered, and purified before adding into creams, masks, and other beauty products. However,using animal-derived ingredients for skincare products potentially disrupts the animals’ natural behavior and way of life. 

Is there an alternative?

The good news is that youcanenjoy the benefits of snail mucin without having to get all snailed up. There’s an alternative: wild yam! Commonly found in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan, wild yam has long been used for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, it’s scientifically used for hormone production; studies show that wild yam properties can help treatmenopausal problems and arthritis.

On the skincare front, wild yam extract is found to be an effective alternative for snail mucin, as it repairs skin damage, fights premature signs of aging, soothes skin irritation, and even reduces the appearance of acne scars. Derived from the plant’s roots, wild yam extracts contain saponins and allantoin, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. 

Because the molecules of wild yam extracts are small, they’re able to penetrate the skin and work their chemistry inside more easily. These plant extracts are widely known for promoting collagen production and for containingdiosgenin, a compound that helps restore skin cells andprotects skin from sun damage. 

Wild yam extracts also contain snail-like mucin orphytomucin that nourishes skin by keeping it moisturized, soothing irritation, and combating signs of aging, specifically wrinkles and sagging skin. With regular use, you’ll say hello to plumper, healthier, and more radiant skin!

Where can you find it?

Wild yam root extract functions effectively as a vegan alternative to snail mucin. It’s the key ingredient in ourCream Skin Hydrating Serum, featured in our newline of skin serums that are designed to address specific skin needs. Ideal for dry skin and damaged skin, this fast-absorbing serum is formulated to keep skin hydrated and protected from irritation, making it safe to use even on the most sensitive skin.

Aside from wild yam root extracts, our Cream Skin Hydrating Serum is also infused with Sodium Hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid) that helps in restoring skin’s moisture and improving its texture for a brighter and more youthful complexion. Panax ginseng root extracts also contribute to this skincare serum’s hydrating benefits, as it contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage and help combat premature signs of aging. All these moisturizing ingredients are complemented by chamomile and lavender extracts that soothe flakiness and inflammation.

Now that you’ve discovered this alternative, you can treat your skin to intense hydration without the guilt. Thanks to vegan products and ingredients, you can #ChooseBetter for yourself, your skin, and the environment!