As a beauty editor, I've seen dozens of peculiar ingredients have their buzzy moments in the spotlight over the years. 2025 has been all about salmon sperm facials (more formally known as PDRN) and the barrage of over-the-counter serums they've inspired, while last year brought about a very brief (and questionable) beef tallow obsession. But even as the beauty world continues to cycle through ingredient trends faster than ever, snail mucin has yet to loosen its hold on beauty lovers everywhere who are constantly in pursuit of a glowy complexion.
I was first introduced to the power of snail mucin via the bestselling COSRX snail mucin essence, but the ingredient has snuck its way into tons of other products since that one went viral a few years ago. As a staple of K-Beauty long before it reached the US, the snail mucin craze has been nearly impossible to escape, so of course I had to put the ingredient to the test in a variety of forms to see if it's truly worth all the hoopla. (Spoiler: it is!) From snail mucin moisturizers and toners to vegan snail mucin products, here's what's worth adding to your skincare routine if you're interested in trying out the snail mucin trend.
What Is Snail Mucin, Anyway?
Okay, so the term "snail mucin" is bound to sound a little off-putting to anyone who's unfamiliar, but believe me, it's worth a try if the glassy, glazed donut look is what you're after. Essentially, it's just another name for the mucus produced by snails (yes, it comes from actual snails), which has become a trendy ingredient for its ability to hydrate the skin and improve its overall texture.
K-beauty brand COSRX really put snail mucin on the map, but these days you can find it in a variety of products (cleansers, toners, moisturizers, etc.) sold by various brands.
Snail Mucin Toners
As the proposed second step in your skincare routine, a toner can take care of all sorts of things from exfoliating to adding moisture back to the skin following a cleanser. These snail mucin formulas work to address texture, acne, and more.
This toner has a loose, watery formula, which makes it easy to layer under other products that might be slightly heavier. It features 90 percent snail much to hydrate and make the skin look extra glassy.
Made up of 95 percent snail mucin, this toner is ideal for acne-prone skin (you can also use it if you're having a minor breakout). Cica targets redness and inflammation while the mucin hydrates and exfoliates.
Snail Mucin Essence
You can throw an essence into your routine after cleansing and toning. These are light, water-based products, and they're key if you want to make sure more active ingredients are making it into your skin.
If you've ever wondered what started the snail mucin craze in the first place, here's your answer. The first time I tried this product, an esthetician slathered it on my face during a facial, and I'll never forget how dewy and luminous my skin looked the moment I left the spa. It's lightweight and hydrating, but it's also formulated to target issues like dark spots and signs of aging.
This essence combines snail mucin and wild yam extract to help repair the skin's barrier while also targeting hyperpigmentation and acne.
Snail Mucin Serums
I grab a face serum whenever I'm trying to address a specific skin concern (like dryness!). These snail mucin serums are mostly meant to hydrate, but they can also be used to reduce signs of aging.
The texture of this serum is non-sticky, but it's also lightweight and moisturizes almost immediately. Aside from snail mucin, it also features ingredients like ginseng root water and mushroom extract, which work in tandem with the snail mucin to add a massive amount of hydration to the skin and make it feel bouncy.
Another K-beauty favorite, this serum uses a mix of snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while also brightening the skin. It's a night serum, but you can also use it as part of your daytime routine.
Snail Mucin Alternatives
If you prefer not to use animal-based products, don't panic—there are plenty of snail mucin alternatives that work just as well as the real thing. These are just a few of the best ones.
INNBEAUTY Project swaps out snail mucin for an extract that comes from wild yam in this soft, nourishing serum that targets dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. I tried this shortly after it launched, and my skin drank it up like water and felt unbelievably soft afterwards.
The "snail mucin" in Glow Recipe's newly launched serum is actually derived from prickly pear cactus—that might not sound very sexy, but trust me, it's hydrating and supportive of the skin's barrier. As for the texture, it's a little sticky, so you might want to wait a few minutes for it to dry down before following up with a moisturizer or sunscreen.
Phytomucin is a humectant that's extracted from yams. When used in a serum like this one (and combined with hyaluronic acid), it can help the skin retain water and moisture.
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cica, and a cocktail of plant-based ingredients come together in this serum that absorbs quickly to moisturize skin and support barrier health. It has a light, cool texture, which can also come in handy if you're dealing with red, irritated skin and you want a reprieve.
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