Random, I know, but snail secretion is the key ingredient in my favourite moisturiser

I've recently become obsessed with a new moisturiser, the COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Daily Face Cream.

And if you're wondering if you read that right – the 'snail' is meant to be in there.

Snail mucin is a popular skincare ingredient, especially among Korean beauty products. But, as you'd expect, it's kind of gross.

As a squeamish girl, it took me a while to come around to using snail goop on my face, even though it's something of an all-rounder that's made my skin clearer, brighter, and much more moisturised.

So, let me plead my case.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Daily Face Cream

Buy yours for $24

What is snail mucin?

You've likely seen snail mucin out in the world. It's the substance secreted by snails that usually leaves a trail – it's sticky, silvery, and often spotted after rain when the snails are out and about.

The collection and use of snail mucin sounds like it could be harmful to snails, and as a die-hard animal lover, it was the first thing I looked into. The COSRX team have explained via their website that they collect mucin by placing snails over a mesh net in a dark, quiet room.

"As nocturnal creatures, this provides them with a comfortable space to freely roam about. After about an hour, the snails are transferred back to their homes while the mucin is collected and processed for use," they go on to explain.

While this means the product technically isn't vegan, it is cruelty-free.

What's so good about snail mucin?

Now that you know what it is, you're probably wondering why we're putting it on our faces.

Chemically, snail mucin has a range of compounds that are great for the skin, such as collagen and elastin, glycolic acid, and allantoin.

Each of these is helpful to the skin in different ways, but the collagen and elastin content is particularly good for anti-ageing. Meanwhile, allantoin is a moisturising compound that can aid with inflammation, making it useful for those battling acne or scarring.

Anti-ageing was my priority when I introduced snail mucin products into my routine, but I'm also happier with my skin overall. It seems brighter and bounces back quickly from irritation, breakouts, and redness (although I can also credit this tbh Skincare product with the reduction of my pimples).

READ MORE: A viral TikTok moment made me buy this acne cream

What is it like to use?

You need to know that it's a little bit gross.

If it wasn't, I'm convinced that every woman I know would be using it in their skincare routine. However, snail secretion is as it sounds: slimy, sticky, and at the start, quite off-putting.

To be blatantly honest, I've had my jar of COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Daily Face Cream for almost a year, and it's only in the last month that I've committed to using it. Now that I'm converted, I won't go a day without putting it on my face – usually both morning and night. However, it took me a long time to get used to the texture.

In the very beginning, I may have even dry-retched at the sight of the lid coming off the jar, as the slimy nature of the product left filmy residue sticking to the interior of the lid in thin, disgusting lines. I hated it. I still kind of hate it.

But, I also love it. It avoids being oily or greasy, with the mucin used as the key emollient ingredient. And while it feels a bit too cool and slimy going on to be ultra-enjoyable, it absorbs into the skin very quickly, so you're not left feeling gross. I love that it's moisturising and hydrating, and it seems to act as a great primer for makeup, too.

How about the rest of the range?

COSRX has an 'Advanced Snail' range, which the moisturiser belongs to. But since I've come around to love the cream, I've also invested in the Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence. To me, it's less slimy than the cream, but others have reported it's the most snail-y of the range.

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Was $38, now $19.50

While I'm not really sure that I need both, I love doubling up these products and calling it a day, usually with only the occasional extra serum added to the mix. I love these products because they are affordable, non-irritating, and make for a skincare routine on their own. These positives vastly outweigh their texture.

Also, the COSRX range is regularly on sale on Amazon, so make sure you check there for a deal before you invest!

Check out more snail mucin products

COSRX Snail Peptide Eye Cream with 73.7% Snail Mucin and Niacinamide

On sale for $34.20

COSRX Niacinamide 5% + Snail Mucin 74% Dual Essence

Slashed to $36.31 here

COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser

Now 28% off

COSRX All About Snail Kit

$37.28 for four products

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

$32 here

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