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Snail Slime Skincare Science

June 12, 2015 By Michelle 29 Comments

Affiliate Disclosure: I receive a small commission for purchases made via affiliate links.

Snail slime is the current It Girl in skincare. It’s been used since ancient times, and was revived in South American about 20 years ago as creme or gel de caracol, with brands such as Elicina. It really took off a few years when East Asian beauty companies caught wind of it and started jamming it into everything, from eye cream to BB cream. Today I’m going to go through some of the science behind snail slime.

snail-slime-cosmetics

What is snail slime?

The snail slime used in beauty products comes from the species Cryptomphalus aspersa (which used to be known as Helix aspersa Müller), which is the humble garden snail. The slime is usually listed in ingredients lists as snail secretion filtrate.

Snails actually release several types of slime, and it’s actually the slime that’s produced when the snail is stressed that’s in the products, not the stuff that they use to lube up the ground. The slime is commercially harvested by stressing cultivated snails, such as by poking them with a stick, or by feeding them salty water. The slime is purified by filtration (hence “secretion filtrate”). The snails aren’t killed in the process since they release unwanted chemicals when they die, but it doesn’t sound particularly pleasant either!

What’s in snail slime?

Snail slime contains a complex mixture of chemicals which normally help regenerate snail cells after they’ve been injured.

The mix includes:

  • Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans – sugar-based molecules which can act as humectant moisturisers
  • Allatoin – a soothing moisturiser
  • Collagen and elastin – proteins which are too big to actually get through the skin, but might have a humectant effect
  • Glycolic acid – chemical exfoliant and humectant
  • Hyaluronic acid – humectant moisturiser
  • Antimicrobial peptides – kill microbes
  • Glycoprotein enzymes, copper peptides, zinc, iron, copper and manganese – not sure if these will do much. Some copper peptides (like GHK-Cu) can do some cool things, but “copper peptides” is a super broad description.

What does it do?

From the components in snail slime, it’s pretty clear that it’s going to be a pretty hardcore humectant moisturiser. But it could potentially do more!

A few in vitro studies have found some ways that snail slime might work on skin. Firstly, it can act as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme which disables some free radicals. It also improves the structural support holding the skin up, by increasing the production and resilience of fibroblasts, and promotes assembly of the extracellular matrix. It also reduces the amount of matrix metalloproteinase, which normally breaks down collagen.

This sounds exciting, but does it translate when we use it on actual skin?

There have been a few clinical trials on snail slime, which doesn’t sound like much, but in the world of cosmetics ingredients this is pretty impressive! However, they use small sample sizes and only one is double-blind, controlled and randomised, which means their results should be taken with a grain of salt.

The most exciting results are from conditions that you wouldn’t normally treat with over-the-counter beauty creams – radiation burns and regular burns. Snail slime made the wounds heal faster. However, a Korean study on atopic dermatitis (eczema) didn’t find that snail slime did anything spectacular.

Then we get to normal skin (albeit slightly damaged from the sun) – it improved hydration and smoothness and reduced wrinkle depth, and while it’s tempting to say that it’s improving the structure of the skin, it’s more likely that it’s mostly the added hydration.

Overall

The scientific evidence that snail slime can actually help regenerate skin, particularly with unbroken skin, is pretty scarce. But it’s likely to be an absolutely fantastic moisturiser!

 

Studies

In vitro cell and molecular study on snail secretion mechanism: A. Brieva, N. Philips, R. Tejedor, A. Guerrero, J.P. Pivel, J.L. Alonso-Lebrero and S. Gonzalez. Molecular Basis for the Regenerative Properties of a Secretion of the Mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 2008, 21, 15–22. doi: 10.1159/000109084

Clinical trial on 27 adults with deep partial thickness facial burns: D. Tsoutsos, D. Kakagia and K. Tamparopoulos. The efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2009, 20, 219-222. doi: 10.1080/09546630802582037

Randomised controlled trial using 8% and 40% serum daily on 25 subjects with moderate to severely photodamaged facial skin: S.G. Fabi, J. L. Cohen, J.D. Peterson, M.G. Kiripolsky and M.P. Goldman. The effects of filtrate of the secretion of the Cryptomphalus aspersa on photoaged skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2013, 12, 453-457. (link)

Trial on 15 subjects with photoaging (no placebo not blinded): M J Tribó-Boixareu, C Parrado-Romero, B Rais, E Reyes, M A Vitale-Villarejo and S González. Clinical and histological efficacy of a secretion of the mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa in the treatment of cutaneous photoaging. Cosmetic Dermatology 2009, 22, 247-252. (link)

Double-blind randomized controlled study on 20 subjects with atopic dermatitis: M-J Oh, S-M Park and H-T Kim. The Effects of Snail Secretion Filtrate on the damaged skin barrier’s recovery of the Atopic dermatitis. The Journal of Korean Oriental Medical Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology 2010, 23, 138-153. (link)

In vitro skin cell migration assay: M. C. Iglesias-de la Cruz, F. Sanz-Rodríguez, A. Zamarrón, E. Reyes, E. Carrasco, S. González and A. Juarranz. A secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa promotes proliferation, migration and survival of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2012, 34, 183–189. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00699.x (full text)

In vitro study of the regenerative abilities of snail egg extract: J. Espada, M. Matabuena, N. Salazar, S. Lucena, O. Kourani, E. Carrasco, M. Calvo, C. Rodríguez, E. Reyes, S. González and A. Juarranz. Cryptomphalus aspersa mollusc eggs extract promotes migration and prevents cutaneous ageing in keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2015, 37, 41–55. doi: 10.1111/ics.12167

 


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Filed Under: Science, Skincare Tagged With: active ingredients, moisturiser, natural, science, skincare

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Comments

  1. Lexie says

    June 12, 2015 at 9:33 am

    I looooove snail slime. I’m using the CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. I didn’t realize how much they were irritated though to harvest the slime 🙁
    Lexie recently posted…Review: OXX Liquid Eyeliner from KmartMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      I’m not sure exactly how much, and I don’t think they’ve quantified it – it could be equivalent to a gentle tickle, it could be like a million papercuts… but I’m guessing since it’s a stress product, it’s not that pleasant for them!

      Reply
  2. LittleMonsterx14 says

    June 13, 2015 at 12:37 am

    This just sounds cruel and gross 🙁
    LittleMonsterx14 recently posted…Julep Maven June 2015: The Deep EndMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      I’m with you on the unpleasant, but I’m OK with the gross! I’ve tried way more gross things 😛

      Reply
  3. MonicaP says

    June 13, 2015 at 2:53 am

    Aw, it doesn’t sound like a nice way to get the ingredient; however, I’ve tried a sheet mask with snail and boy, it works incredibly well. My skin was plump and hydrated ~ amazing.

    Monica.
    MonicaP recently posted…Miso Mushroom Soup from The Raw Food PrimerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      I’ve heard such good things about its moisturising power!

      Reply
  4. Lauren says

    June 13, 2015 at 4:05 am

    Is this considered vegan? Seems like it would be right there with things like beeswax or oyster sauce.

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 14, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Definitely not! I think vegan products exclude everything that’s animal-derived, regardless of whether the animal directly suffers or not.

      Reply
  5. gio says

    June 14, 2015 at 12:31 am

    This sounds so gross! There are so many effective moisturizers available, why use snail slime?
    gio recently posted…What Are The Best Eye Creams & Serums?My Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      That’s how I feel about it too! I’m willing to accept evidence that it’s not that bad for the snails, but I haven’t found any yet.

      Reply
  6. Michelle says

    June 19, 2015 at 2:13 am

    i am really, really terrified of snails. I used to completely freeze up when I saw them on the ground, particularly if they’re big. This trend has been extremely disturbing for me especially having to see the pictures of snails everywhere (I very hurriedly scrolled past your pic, lol.)

    I would never ever ever ever ever put this on my face EVER. Even if I had a radiation burn I would have to reconsider.
    Michelle recently posted…What’s in my travel pouch My Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      August 7, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      Hahaha! My sister is the ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE. She LOVES snails. She used to go around as a kid collecting snails and playing with them (probably more like torture for them…). I think the last time she did it was when she was around 20. She’s such a freak!

      Reply
      • Chinese Unicorn says

        May 7, 2016 at 3:12 pm

        Same for my best friend . She goes around school collecting them and she has a tank of them at home.She feeds them lettuce and when she saw a girl in our class using snail slime lip balm they’ve become worst enemies ever since

        Reply
  7. Chris says

    June 24, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    Think I’ll stick with the fabulous petrolatum as a moisturizer :p

    Reply
  8. Maya says

    December 2, 2015 at 6:33 am

    Thanks for summarizing the science on snail slime ) it’s true there isn’t enough scientific evidence, but it’s the problem we have with almost all skin care ingredients, there is just not enough money for to study everything. Theoretically, snail filtrate is very promising.
    At least we know for sure that its a good moisturizer

    Although it’s kind of gross at first, I like snail products 🙂 lol

    Beautish.byMaya
    Maya recently posted…COSRX Centella Blemish cream – a multi functional spot treatment.My Profile

    Reply
  9. Derma Viva Skin says

    May 10, 2017 at 8:37 am

    Merely wanna say that this is very helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
    Derma Viva Skin recently posted…Derma Viva SkinMy Profile

    Reply
  10. brujaphoenix says

    November 17, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    I love so much your blog and your evidence-based approach!

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      November 19, 2017 at 7:40 pm

      Thank you so much! 😀

      Reply
  11. Jill says

    November 26, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    I think you mean ‘allaNtoin’!

    Reply
  12. Sue says

    January 7, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    I had assumed that snail slime was just the new pearl powder, so these studies are very interesting. It’s terribly sad that snails are slowly tortured, however. Who knew snail slime had such a science fictional edge.

    Did any of the studies touch on keloid scarring? I have an itchy, raised keloid scar from a C-section, which is in a spot that is truly not acceptable to scratch in polite company, and although I try to be kind to animals I confess that I would _personally_ torture a small herd of snails to reduce the scarring when I (probably) get another C-section for B2.

    Reply
  13. Tara says

    January 30, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    I use it daily on my face, under my moisturizer, and on the back of my hands to diminish age spots (yup, works on those too). After reading some reviews, I have tried it on small oven burns and it has not only healed them quicker, but also took away the pain within 15 minutes. I haven’t (wouldn’t) try it on an open wound. I have also tried it on bruises, and they seem to break up and disappear much quicker than normal.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Snailed It. | Review: Mizon Snail Recovery Gel says:
    August 7, 2015 at 10:37 am

    […] Snail Secretion Filtrate – the hero ingredient of this formula, snail secretion filtrate has been shown in studies to have moisturizing, antioxidant and healing properties, specifically with regards to wounds and photodamage (damaged caused by sun exposure), and assists in improving skin condition by improving water retention abilities, increasing production of fibroblasts and collagen and elastin fibers (source)(source)(source) […]

    Reply
  2. BEAUTY-GASTBEITRAG (DINAH): Schneckenschleim in Kosmetik – mehr Schein als Schleim? | *KONSUMKAISER* says:
    September 20, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    […] am 30.08.2015), https://labmuffin.com/2015/06/snail-slime-skincare-science/ […]

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  3. Snails Madness! A Comparison of Snail Creams by Mizon, Cosrx, Scinic, Caolion, Skinwatchers, and More! | Vanity Rex says:
    December 14, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    […] Snail secretion filtrate is one of the cornerstone ingredients of Korean Skincare. It’s known anecdotally for its skin-repairing properties, particularly useful in healing the skin post-breakout, and more scientifically, its constituents should make it a good humectant. […]

    Reply
  4. Swanicoco Skin Expert One Step Fermentation Snail Care Emulsion – Vanity Rex says:
    January 28, 2016 at 1:14 am

    […] Secretion Filtrate I’ve used my fair share of snail products, and for good reason. It is full of bioactive materials, helps the skin take up and hold water better, and has skin healing […]

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  5. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Review – Vanity Rex says:
    March 27, 2016 at 10:53 am

    […] 96% SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE  Also known as snail mucus or Helix Aspersa Müller Glycoconjugates, snail secretion filtrate is known for its skin repairing properties and ability to improve the skin’s natural ability to take up and hold water. For a really, really excellent overview of snail mucus, check out Lab Muffin’s post here. […]

    Reply
  6. 7 Ways Snails Can Make You Beautiful - McDell Healthcare Products Inc. says:
    July 15, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    […] slimes contain chemicals such as antimicrobial peptides and allantoin that act as humectant for the skin. Humectant chemicals are used in many skincare products, like FarmStay’s Snail Moisture Soothing […]

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  7. Bye Bye Foundation — Full Coverage Hype or Hope? - Ageless Beauty says:
    November 9, 2016 at 7:28 am

    […] to LabMuffin, Snail Secretion Filtrate contains lots of skin-beneficial […]

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    April 24, 2018 at 11:51 pm

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Michelle
Hi! I'm Michelle, chemistry PhD and science educator, and I'm here to help you figure out which beauty products are worth buying, and which ones aren't using science!

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