Snail Slime Filtrate, also known as snail mucin filtrate, is a cosmetic ingredient known for its hydrating, regenerative, and soothing properties. Rich in mucopolysaccharides, proteins, glycolic acid, and allantoin, the filtrate offers intensive treatment for the skin, enhancing brightness, softness, and elasticity. It is particularly suitable in skincare formulations aimed at reducing signs of aging and promoting cellular renewal.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The filtrate contains mucopolysaccharides, glycolic acid, allantoin, collagen, elastin, and vitamins. Mucopolysaccharides provide hydrating and film-forming properties, while glycolic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant. Allantoin and proteins stimulate skin regeneration and aid healing, making it suitable for damaged or mature skin.

Physical Properties

Snail Slime Filtrate appears as a clear, water-soluble liquid and is easily incorporated into serums, creams, lotions, and face masks. Its texture is lightweight and non-sticky, offering deep hydration and a silky effect on the skin.

Production Process

The filtrate is collected from snail slime through a gentle, non-invasive process that ensures the animal’s welfare. After collection, the slime is filtered and purified to isolate bioactive compounds, preserving its regenerative and moisturizing properties.

Applications

• Medical: Used for its soothing and regenerative properties, with potential applications in treatments for damaged skin and scars (1).

• Cosmetics: Snail Slime Filtrate is widely used in anti-aging, moisturizing, and skin-regenerating products. It is ideal in serums, creams, and face masks due to its ability to improve skin texture and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

• Industry: In the cosmetic industry, it is valued for its versatility and ability to enhance the efficacy of anti-aging formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Snail Slime Filtrate is considered safe for cosmetic use and biodegradable, but cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported (2), so it is advisable to check for any sensitivities to the product before any heavy use.

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) McCoy K, Class MM, Ricles V, Wagoner G, Cross D, Trautz A, Krakowski AC. Kids These Days: Social Media's Influence on Adolescent Behaviors. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024 May;17(5):40-42. 

Abstract. We live in an electronic world with near-ubiquitous access to smartphones and social media. One consequence of this new reality is that children and teenagers may be unduly swayed by social media influencers who promote skincare products and practices, colloquially referred to as "skinfluencers," and enjoy unfettered access to emerging trends-not all of which lead to positive results. Herein, we describe two cases of adolescents presenting to a pediatric dermatology department after trying different beauty trends endorsed by social media influencers. The first patient developed allergic contact dermatitis to "snail slime" (96% Snail Secretion Filtrate; COSRX), a popular over-the-counter skincare product that has received notable attention on social media platforms due to its purported skin hydrating effects. The second patient presented urgently due to her mother's concerns of "overnight moles," which, in fact, the patient had acquired after applying makeup using a social media-endorsed "freckle stamp." Clinicians should be aware of these emerging trends to properly educate, manage, and treat patients susceptible to their influence-especially within the particularly impressionable teenage population. Copyright © 2024. Matrix Medical Communications. All rights reserved.

(2) Singh, N., Brown, A. N., & Gold, M. H. (2024). Snail extract for skin: A review of uses, projections, and limitations. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23(4), 1113-1121.

Abstract. Background. Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits. Aims. This study aims to explore current literature on the variety of snail mucin applications. Specifically, we present a review of the uses, global market estimates and projects, and limitations to snail mucin.....Results. The therapeutic use of snail mucin in medical fields has been studied as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, antitumor agents, wound healing agents, and biomaterial coatings among others. Additionally, the use in cosmetic fields includes antiaging, hydrating, anti-acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation treatments. It is important to highlight that most studies conducted were preclinical or small clinical studies, stressing the need for additional large-scale clinical trials to support these claims. Investigations into the global market found estimates ranging from $457 million to $1.2 billion with upward projections in the upcoming decade. Limitations include ethical habitats for collection, allergy investigation, and missing clinical studies. Conclusions. The findings presented here emphasize the expanding uses of snail mucin and its ingredients alongside a growing market cosmetic industry should consider. We also emphasize the need for appropriate clinical trials into the stated benefits of snail mucin to ensure consumer safety and ethical extraction of mucin.