For those who purchase an independently reviewed services or products through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Snail mucin may not appear to be probably the most glamorous thing to slather in your skin, but shoppers are coming out of their shells to reap the ingredient’s hydrating, skin-smoothing advantages. We tested the TikTok-famous CosRx’s snail mucin essence to pen an honest review, so that you don’t should think twice before adding it to your cart during Amazon Prime Day.

Before you jump to conclusions — the CosRx snail mucin essence doesn’t smell, leave you sticky, or turn you into an invertebrate. The essential ingredient, commonly listed as snail secretion filtrate on labels, is a processed version of the mucin that snails naturally excrete while they’re on the move. In skincare, it’s presupposed to help decrease inflammation, deliver moisture, and, in response to a 2013 study published within the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, smooth the look wrinkles. Since it’s gentle and well-tolerated, nearly anyone can provide it a try (although it is best to at all times double check along with your doctor, particularly in case you’re pregnant or breastfeeding).

Many trending beauty and wellness practices (like gua sha, dry brushing, and ice baths) aren’t recent in any respect. Same goes for snail mucin. Ancient Greeks could have used snail excretions as skin treatments — Hippocrates reportedly advised using crushed snails to alleviate inflamed skin, in response to a 2018 article published within the Middle East Journal of Science. By the twentieth century, snail mucin experienced a renaissance with South American snail mucin-based skincare brand Elicina, created after Chilean farmers discovered that minor cuts and scrapes healed quickly after handling snails.

Mucin is officially mainstream today, and no snail mucin product is more popular than CosRx’s snail mucin essence. The gel-textured essence is the primary bestseller in beauty and private care on Amazon, with over 28,000 five-star rankings as well. On TikTok, CosRx’s snail mucin essence has 42.1 million views and counting. This beauty editor had no selection but to order it up and put it to the test.

Read on for our testing review of CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. And in case you’re sold, you’re in luck, as Amazon Prime Day beauty deals include a 42% off discount on this product. As a top seller on Amazon, this CosRx snail mucin deal won’t last for long, so shop quick.

Join for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the inside track on the perfect in beauty and elegance with in-depth reviews of exciting recent releases and buyer’s guides to search out the products that you must try ASAP.

Related: The Best Amazon Prime Day Fashion Deals of 2023

How We Tested CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

CosRx Snail Mucin Essence Review — Editor Testing Notes

My combination skin goes haywire during summertime. I at all times experience more redness, breakouts, and, despite the balmy weather, dry patches. In order soon as my Amazon delivery of CosRx’s snail mucin essence arrived at my door, I got to testing. The primary profit I noticed from using this gel-textured essence was a cooling sensation and immediate hydration that made my skin look dewy without feeling slick (much like the effect of an awesome hyaluronic acid serum). Products with a watery consistency are likely to pill on my skin with the face serums and tinted sunscreen I apply afterwards, but this one absorbs in under a minute and plays well with all the pieces I layered on top.

Other than the fast moisture boost, I didn’t notice much of a difference in my skin tone or texture in the course of the first week of usage. But after two weeks of consistent, twice-a-day use, I noticed a drastic decrease in redness, and a subtle smoothing of the wonderful lines on my brow — and the one change I made in my skincare routine was the addition of the CosRx snail mucin essence.

For a product at this price point, I expected lackluster packaging, so the heft and sturdiness of the container had me pleasantly surprised. This product is a tad goopy (to be expected!), but I’m pleased to report that the pump dispenser doesn’t leak or get clogged. It’s a budget-friendly win in my book.

The way to Use the CosRx Snail Mucin Essence

As this CosRx product is an essence, it ought to be step one in your skincare routine after cleanser. For max advantages, use the product at morning and night: Wash your face and evenly pat it dry with a washcloth, then apply two pumps of the product onto your face, neck and décolleté. Use your fingertips to evenly pat the product onto your skin, specializing in dry patches or areas where you’re experiencing redness or irritation. Within the morning, follow up along with your favorite brightening serums, face sunscreens, and foundations or skin tints. At night, you may couple the CosRx snail mucin essence with retinol products and night cream.

Related:
The Best Face Washes for Oily Skin
The Best Face Washes for Dry Skin

Why Trust WWD?

Since 1910, WWD — sometimes called “the style bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the worldwide women’s and men’s fashion, retail and wonder communities, while also informing the patron media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for each fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors proceed to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To pen this review, one WWD Shop editor purchased CosRx snail mucin and tested the product over a two-week period. The editor didn’t make every other changes to her skincare routine in the course of the testing window to accurately note any changes in the feel, tone, and feel of her skin. During testing, our editor took note of how the product interacted with other skincare products and makeup, and noted how the essence wore throughout the day.

Meet the Writer

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a author and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested a whole lot of products during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in choosing the essences, serums, and face creams that make a meaningful difference in your skin. Learn more about us here.