Uncovering the Truth About Snail Mucin and Eczema
By Celia Shatzman
Printed On: Mar 29, 2024
Final Up to date On: Mar 29, 2024
Snail mucin would possibly appear to be a stylish new ingredient, however its historical past really goes manner again — we’re speaking historical Greece. In that way back period, snail mucin was used for its anti-inflammatory properties to stop or deal with pores and skin infections, and as an anti-aging agent, in accordance with Dr. Paul Yamauchi, dermatologist on the Dermatology Institute and Pores and skin Care Heart in Santa Monica, California and affiliated with UCLA College of Drugs.
“Not too long ago, snail mucin has been formulated in a number of skincare merchandise by varied firms and the worth is approaching $770 million {dollars} in 2025,” Dr. Yamauchi mentioned. “There may be restricted analysis on snail mucin though the business improvement has gained big reputation based mostly on shopper views and profitable advertising and marketing methods.”
What’s snail mucin?
Snail mucin refers back to the slimy secretion that’s produced naturally by snails. “Containing hyaluronic acid, it serves as a humectant to attract moisture in and in addition accommodates zinc and allantoin to assist soothe the pores and skin and calm irritation,” mentioned Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Beauty Surgical procedure in New York Metropolis and New Jersey. “Snail mucin is assumed to assist moisturize the pores and skin and assist enhance hydration. It has been generally integrated into Ok-beauty [Korean beauty] merchandise, now being more and more acknowledged for its skill to assist nourish the pores and skin.”
Dr. Yamauchi provides that snail mucin are massive protein molecules which are coated sugar molecules which have a number of capabilities resembling adhesion, lubrication, hydration and antimicrobial results. These properties enable a snail to stay to any floor and permit for antimicrobial protection.
Why is snail mucin trending in skincare now?
“Snail mucin is wealthy in a number of compounds which may be useful to pores and skin,” mentioned Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates in Dallas, Texas. “Snail mucin has been famous for its skill to hydrate pores and skin and promote wound therapeutic. As well as, it could have anti-aging properties as it’s made up of compounds together with peptides and antioxidants that promote collagen synthesis and elasticity. Snail mucin can be identified for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can assist to calm irritated or compromised pores and skin.”
What’s the science behind snail mucin?
The pores and skin barrier is disrupted in eczema, permitting for irritation, dryness and itching to happen. “Due to its hydrating and lubricating properties, snail mucin can present moisturization to the pores and skin and supply soothing reduction,” mentioned Dr. Yamauchi. “Individuals with eczema are extra vulnerable to pores and skin infections on account of scratching which permits micro organism to enter into the pores and skin. As a result of snail mucin has been proven to exert antimicrobial properties, making use of it might deal with and forestall pores and skin infections.”
Although extra analysis is required to completely decide the advantages within the setting of eczema, one examine confirmed that it could provide an anti-inflammatory profit.1 “As a humectant, it really works properly when layered with moisturizing lotions that include ceramides to assist assist and strengthen the pores and skin barrier, as this might help to lock moisture in,” Dr. Garshick mentioned.
Is snail mucin a secure ingredient for folks with eczema?
So long as an individual doesn’t exhibit an allergic response and it’s tolerable (no stinging or irritation), a skincare product that accommodates snail mucin must be secure for folks with eczema no matter severity, in accordance with Dr. Yamauchi.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to think about what else is in a skincare product’s system apart from snail mucin. “For instance, many formulation embrace perfume to masks snail mucin’s characteristically robust scent,” cautioned Dr. Marcus. “Perfume is a notoriously irritating ingredient that must be averted by these with atopic dermatitis. Subsequently, if a product containing snail mucin additionally accommodates perfume, or another doubtlessly irritating ingredient, it could be finest to keep away from this product.”
These with eczema must be cautious when utilizing any new product, so Dr. Garshick at all times recommends doing a patch take a look at with any new product prior to make use of. “This may be achieved by testing the product on a small space on the inside elbow or wrist to see how the pores and skin reacts,” she suggested. “Previous to incorporating snail mucin right into a skincare routine, you will need to verify along with your board-certified dermatologist to find out if it’s best for you.”
References
1. Ricci A, Gallorini M, Feghali N, Sampò S, Cataldi A, Zara S. Snail Slime Extracted by a Cruelty Free Methodology Preserves Viability and Controls Irritation Prevalence: A Give attention to Fibroblasts. Molecules. 2023; 28(3):1222. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031222
