Why Snail Mucus (Yes, You Read That Correctly) Will Change Your Beauty Routine

jun 25, 2017

We've done some pretty crazy things in the name of beauty—bubbling facemasks anyone?

Or how about our quick foray into magnetic eyelashes? This is why we jumped at the chance to explore the crazy beauty ingredient that has been popping up in K-beauty products: snail mucus. No need to reread that last sentence—using slime from snails is a real thing!

This miracle ingredient has been used in Asia and Ancient Greece for ages but has only recently been discovered stateside. Snail slime packs a potent punch and is made up of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein and peptides. In a snail's natural environment, the above ingredients help protect its skin from damage. The idea is that the benefits will also happen when it is applied topically to human skin. In fact, snail farmers that harvested snails for eating in France noticed that their skin was visibly smoother after handling snails. This hatched up the idea for using snail mucus in beauty products.

In order to ease you into snail beauty, we've rounded up some of the most popular products out there.

TONYMOLY Intense Care Snail Hydro-Gel Mask

(via Macys)

This mask is designed to rehydrate, soften and brighten skin. Its unique snail mucus extract promotes anti-aging and repairs the skin. The best part about it is that it's incredibly easy to use. First, cleanse your face. Open the package and apply the mask, let it sit for 20-30 minutes. After that, remove the mask and voila! Just like that, hydrated and supple skin will surface.

TONYMOLY Timeless Ferment Snail Eye Mask

(via Macys)

The delicate area underneath our eyes always requires extra TLC. This hydrogel eye mask is perfect for treating that hard-to-reach surface. The mask itself is very special as the snails used for it went through a gold tea fermentation process. At five dollars a pop, this is a super luxurious treatment you can afford!

Gold Snail BB Cream

(via Soko Glam)

Snail slime is a superstar in the K-beauty world, and BB Cream is also a star in this circle. It was only a matter of time before somebody infused BB creams with snail's miracle ingredient. This lightweight makeup alternative not only covers up imperfections, it also helps heal them. With an SPF of 50+, this is a no-brainer product you should keep in your beauty arsenal.

Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Sleeping Mask

(Via Soko Glam)

We're all for multitasking! A product that gets to work while we get some shut-eye is definitely something that perks up our ears. This hydrating mask is infused with snail extract and will support your cells' individual regeneration as you sleep. It adds moisture and firmness as well.

Now that you know the best snail products to try out there, cop a few summer makeup tips from beauty guru Chrisspy HERE.