This unique ingredient has captured the attention of skincare enthusiasts worldwide…
What is snail mucin?
Snail mucin has emerged as a popular ingredient in the skincare world, praised for its hydrating, anti-aging, and regenerative properties.This unique substance, secreted by snails, contains a rich blend of compounds like glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid, which are believed to offer numerous benefits for the skin. Its ability to deeply moisturize, stimulate collagen production, and soothe inflammation has contributed to its widespread popularity, particularly in the realm of K-beauty.
The Controversy
Although you can buy snail mucin from brands that state they don't use irritants to get the mucin, It's important to address the controversy.
Ethical Treatment Concerns: Some farms employ methods that are considered cruel or harmful to the snails, such as pricking them with needles or exposing them to irritants to stimulate mucin production.
Sustainability and Endangered Species Issues: There are questions about the long-term viability of snail farming practices. Some species of snails are already endangered or threatened with extinction, and intensive farming practices could further endanger these populations. Think about how many snails are needed to produce the volume of slime used by the cosmetics industry. A 15% snail mucin serum would have 4.5ml in a 30ml vial of serum. This means a happy, unstressed snail could produce (at most) enough mucous for eight vials, realistically probably about 4-5 due to losses during the purification and manufacturing stages. Skincare brands will produce tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, units per year.
Lack of Regulation: There is currently a lack of industry-wide regulations or standards governing the ethical and sustainable production of snail mucin.
I've seen this trending product all over Tik Tok and even in my local grocery store. I didn’t try it because I was first of all weirded out by the texture and something just didn’t feel right about it, which led me to look into it. In light of these ethical and environmental concerns, I hope consumers and experts are seeking cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives.
One such alternative is beta-glucan, a natural compound derived from various sources, including oats, mushrooms, and yeast. Beta-glucan offers similar benefits to snail mucin, such as hydration and anti-aging properties, while being a more ethical and sustainable choice.
Benefits of Beta-Glucan
Hydrates & plumps skin: beta-glucan is an excellent humectant that can hydrate and plump the skin by attracting and locking in moisture, even outperforming hyaluronic acid by locking in 20% more moisture.
Skin Barrier Strengthening: Beta-glucan helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Like snail mucin, beta-glucan has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or sensitive skin.
Antioxidant Protection: Beta-glucan acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
Wound Healing: Similar to snail mucin, beta-glucan may aid in wound healing and skin regeneration due to its ability to stimulate collagen production.
At etee, we prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in our product development. That's why we offer a range of skincare products featuring algae derived beta-glucan grown in local small batch fermenters as a key ingredient. These products use the power of beta-glucan to provide hydration, anti-aging benefits, and protection from environmental stressors, all while aligning with our commitment to cruelty-free and responsible sourcing.
