Have you ever noticed how the skincare industry constantly seeks ways to use the natural world for aesthetic benefits? This generally involves incorporating flora like flowers, trees, and fruits, and it can range from trendy new skincare formulations to TikTok remedies at home.
There are a few we can get behind, especially ingredients with extensive research showing proven benefits (Botanical Oil Concentrate for the win!). But what about incorporating fauna into our skincare? One such example: snail mucin.
At first, it seems odd to bring the animal kingdom into our morning routines, but if we think of all the incredible things that other species can accomplish, we suppose it makes sense to explore some of the ways in which these factors can serve us... Right?
Of all the unorthodox skincare ingredients, few have sparked as much curiosity and debate as snail mucin. Praised for its proposed skin-transforming properties, snail mucin has gained popularity as a key ingredient in many skincare products. However, amidst the hype, it's essential to examine the efficacy and ethical considerations surrounding this unconventional beauty trend.
As a proudly Canadian-designed and manufactured company, we also never test on animals or use them in our formulations—a value we care deeply about. While we choose to step away from this current trend, we’ve done the research so you don't have to. Keep on reading to learn more about our thoughts and findings on snail mucin.
Slime Under the Microscope
Derived from, you guessed it, the slime secreted by snails, snail mucin has garnered attention for its potential skincare benefits. The main reported effects are its anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing properties.
Proponents claim snail mucin can hydrate, repair, and rejuvenate the skin. From diminishing fine lines to improving skin texture, the suggested benefits of snail mucin have made it a sought-after ingredient in the beauty industry.
Ok glow getters, we're about to get technical. Snail mucin is rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. We often tout these ingredients for their major contributions to achieving a host of skin goals, but as a refresher course:
- Glycoproteins strengthen the bond of skin cells, often working with other chemicals to fortify the skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic acid is an IT Girl and that’s because of its dual hydrating and plumping effects.
- Antioxidants are responsible for eliminating free radicals in our bodies and reducing the damage inflicted by environmental factors.
While snail mucin may offer skincare benefits, like any skincare ingredient, it carries the risk of potential allergic reactions, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or shellfish allergies.
Although rare, allergic reactions to snail mucin can manifest as redness, itching, or swelling. Therefore, it's essential to perform a patch test before incorporating snail mucin products into your skincare routine and to discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Animal Treatment
As a company that never tests on animals, this next finding is a hard one to swallow. The production of snail mucin raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and sustainability.
You see, the process of harvesting mucin often involves subjecting snails to stressful conditions, such as starvation or electric shock, to stimulate mucus secretion. Not to mention that the demand for snail mucin has led to unsustainable harvesting practices, threatening wild snail populations and ecosystems.
While we aren't here to cast judgment on your skincare choices, we are proud to share that nearly our entire collection is vegan. You can read more about it here.
Alternatives
Given the personal and ethical considerations surrounding snail mucin, many skincare enthusiasts are seeking alternative products that offer similar benefits without moral dilemmas. Fortunately, there are plenty of cruelty-free and sustainable options available, each backed by research and efficacy 🤓
The components of snail mucin listed earlier (glycoproteins, HA, and antioxidants) can be found in a host of skincare products that are easily accessible, including our own core collection. Take our Rich Moisture and Soothe for instance.
Rich Moisture wields the powerful properties of Grape seed Extract, Green Tea Extract, and Vitamin E. Soothe on the other hand brings the hydrating and soothing impacts of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
What does this mean for you? You don't need to use snail slime to achieve smoother and hydrated skin. In fact, we bet many of the products you already own can achieve just that.
Techniques & Trends
The way you apply your products can also mimic the effects of snail mucin. “Slugging” describes the act of applying an occlusive, which is literally a product that acts as a barrier by sealing moisture into the skin. Petroleum jelly is a popular example, but any product that claims to seal in hydration is an occlusive, including our Rich Moisture.
Water loss and dehydration are major contributors to dry and dull-looking skin, so slugging is a commonly recommended technique. Plus, no slugs are harmed with this method! We're fans of this technique and have a blog dedicated to this trend. Read more about it here.
Stick to the Green
Nature is chock-full of things that carry skincare benefits, from soothing inflammation to promoting collagen production—the very same things snail mucin is said to accomplish. Ingredients such as plant extracts and vitamins offer antioxidant-rich formulations that nourish and protect the skin without relying on animal-derived substances.
Our Botanical Oil Concentrate is all about employing the magic of nature. Our golden elixir contains 12 flower, seed and fruit oil extracts, and infuses your skin with juicy vitamins while maintaining a lightweight formulation. It can really only be described as a heavy-duty staple without all the weight of the benefits it provides.
Where We Stand
While snail mucin may have its place in your TikTok algorithm, it's essential to weigh its purported benefits against personal and ethical considerations—snails need support, too!
In a world where anything and everything is available to you at your fingertips, finding alternative formulations that offer similar efficacy without compromising on your values has never been easier. And by opting for sustainable skincare options, we can embrace skincare conscientiously and compassionately, nurturing our skin while respecting the planet and its inhabitants.