In this post, I review the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence and I’m here to tell you how it works, what’s in it and why my skin enjoyed it so much. While the thought of using something with snail mucin in it might be nasty at first, snail mucin has a ton of skin care benefits that you should at least consider before banishing this goo from your skin care collection.
So what is an essence? Is snail mucin actually from snails? Find out all the answer further below.
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What Is An Essence?
Essences are derived from Korean skin care and are usually applied after cleansing, exfoliating and toning skin and before serums/moisturizing. Essences are known for their moisturizing and hydrating benefits to the skin and their consistency runs anywhere from runny and watery to thicker jelly.
I love using an essence in my skin care routine because they prepare your skin to better absorb what you apply after it and usually contain moisture boosting ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, to keep skin hydrated all day.
Their instant hydrating benefits means my skin looks more plump, my pores and fine lines are minimized and my skin looks less dull and more radiant.
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What Does The Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence Do For Skin?
Snail mucin (also referred to as snail secretion filtrate, snail slime or snail enzyme) is a popular asian skin care ingredient made of proteins, glycolic acids and elastins.
It’s claimed to firm and restore skin by maintaining skin’s moisture and boosting cell regeneration, which in turn can fade acne scarring, smooth uneven skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
The “96” in the title stands for 96% snail secretion filtrate and includes sodium hyaluronate to further boost skin’s moisture retention. This essence can be used on all skin types (unless you are allergic to snails).
What Are The Ingredients In Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence?
The short ingredient list includes:
-Snail Secretion Filtrate (see benefits below)
-Betaine (skin hydration)
-Butylene Glycol
-1,2-Hexanediol
-Sodium Polyacrylate
-Phenoxyethanol
-Sodium Hyaluronate (for moisture retention)
-Allantoin (skin soothing)
-Ethyl Hexanediol
-Carbomer
-Panthenol
-Arginine
The Benefits of Snail Secretion Filtrate In Skin Care
Snail secretion filtrate is a great humectant moisturizer that draws moisture from the air into the skin. It also acts like an antioxidant by destroying free radicals that can damage the skin.
Snail secretion filtrate also improves the skin’s structural support, making it more resilient and boosting collagen and elastin production. Snail secretion is gently obtained from nocturnal snails as they crawl around a heated mesh net in a dark room.
The snails are not hurt and their snail slime is collected and pasteurized for production.
Buy Cosrx Snail Mucin: Revolve | AmazonCA | ULTA | MACY’S | W CONCEPT |
What Skin Types Should Use It?
Honestly, this is such a wonderfully gentle and skin plumping product that any skin type could add it into their skin care routine. It’s perfect for oily skin, because it’s lightweight and won’t clog pores. If you are acne prone, it’s also great for fighting blemishes. Drier skin types will benefit form the hydrating properties of this essence, while sensitive skin should have much reaction to the gentle ingredients included in the formula
How To Use It
An essence is applied after cleansing and toning skin. Follow up with your skin care serums, treatments and moisturizers as usual after the essence.
How I Use The Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence In My Skin Care Routine
The lightweight gel, slightly sticky formula applies easily to skin and absorbs quickly with no greasy residue left behind; surprising, considering the high dosage of snail goop in this formula!
There is no noticeable smell to it either, so you don’t have to worry about attracting the attention of wild snails while wearing this essence. Being a gel, I also like that I don’t have to worry about this essence dripping out of my hands, like some of its watery competitors.
I apply one pump of the Snail Mucin Essence after I cleanse, exfoliate and tone my skin and before my serums/treatments and moisturizer – both morning and night.
Packaging: The bottle is plastic (much safer for me) and comes with a pump to dispense the essence, which is the most fabulous skin care invention ever.
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Does The Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence Work? My Review
I really enjoy the soothing hydration this essence provides and love that it absorbs so well into my skin. It works well under my makeup and keeps my skin plump and hydrated all day.
I don’t suffer from hyper-pigmentation or acne scarring and therefore can’t provide an opinion of how snail mucin benefits these conditions. I have, however, read positive reviews from acne sufferers about this essence, so it may be worth considering if you suffer from acne.
What I can say is that I would repurchase this affordable essence in the future and really have no complaints about it (which is rare for any product review). I’m also a sucker for any skin care product in gel form – can’t be helped.
If you’re not into using an essence but want to jump on the snail goo bandwagon, COSRX also has an Advanced Snail 93 All In One Cream to consider.
Other skin care products known for their snail content are:
- Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence
- Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream
- Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream
Buy Cosrx Snail Mucin: Revolve | AmazonCA | ULTA | MACY’S | W CONCEPT |
I must admit that I am a little grossed out by the thought of snail muchin but if this will amp up the hydration then I am all for it. I can’t believe the price is so reasonable too!
It’s really non-goopy. I promise!
I love how inexpensive this is. Some of the essences I’ve tried are way, way up there in price haha. I’ve not heard of this brand before but will definitely look into it!
Nicole | The Glam Surge
I love this line so far. I just picked up their Low pH good morning cleanser and really enjoy it.
Sound like a really nice & affordable product. I’ve seen this essence around for quite some time now and am getting more and more curious about it.
Thanks for your review, it was actually helpful. I’ll concider buying the mucin power essence in the near future.
xo, Luchessa
So far I love the Cosrx line. If you try the essence I hope you enjoy it!
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