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*This is not a sponsored review
As you know, I've been in the beauty industry (makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance) for over 35 years, so I'm used to hearing dramatic false claims about what a product promises. To be honest, most of those claims are B.S. That's why when I first heard about a skincare product that was made from snail mucin, not only did I almost throw up, I immediately thought to myself, "Oh, here we go again with another bullshit product."
And now, with social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, there is so much bullshit out there paying people to post 5-star reviews about a product, which makes me doubt product claims so much more. And trust me, I have people (primarily kids) coming into my store all day long, sticking their cell phones in my face and asking, "DO YOU CARRY THIS PRODUCT? I SAW IT ON TIKTOK."
One time I assisted a young girl (14 years old) who wanted me to show her where a specific retinol product was located in the store because she wanted to start using RETINOL. I said to her, "Sorry, but I won't sell you retinol, you're much too young to start using that product." And do you know what she did? She took the product off the shelf and purchased it anyway because a TikTok "influencer" told her she needed it.
Don't get me wrong, there are many positive things about social media. However, today you need to be extremely discerning about everything you are fed. I do a TON of research before I purchase something online. Particularly personal care products because that's my business.
So, after hearing about snail mucin for the past year and a half, I decided to seek some professional feedback from a dermatologist I follow on YouTube to see what he had to say.
I was shocked....he LOVED it and had nothing but great things to say. And since I respect his opinion, I chose to purchase the product and see for myself.
After Googling where I could purchase it here in Philadelphia, I found it in two different places. And since I hadn't been to Chinatown in years, I decided to take a walk over to the K-Beauty Outlet (which stands for Korean Beauty) and pick up a bottle of snail mucin. Which, by the way, was incredibly inexpensive ($25.00 for 3.38 ounces). I mean, even if I ended up hating it, the price was not anything I'd regret.
Most of you will be shocked to read this, but I've spent much more money on certain skincare products. There is one product I use that has a price tag of $180.00 for 1 ounce. However, I do get my employee discount, which is quite generous. I don't purchase a lot of skincare, but the things I do purchase are pricey because they are multitasking products. Besides, taking care of my skin (face and body) has always been important to me because I was at one time a licensed esthetician.
Okay, so let's talk about snail mucin.
Here is a photo I took of the bottle I purchased...
What is Snail Mucin? -
Quite literally, snail mucin is a snail’s secretion. You may also see it referred to as “snail secretion filtrate” (SSF) on the ingredient list of skin-care products.
Snail mucin is a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans.
And no, mucin doesn’t involve killing snails. Mucin is extracted from Giant African Land Snails which can grow up to 4cm long. They have been tested to make sure they are safe for humans. The snails are farmed rather than wild for quality purposes. Snail mucin is collected by keeping snails in a dark room and having them slide along a surface that can collect their slime, such as glass or mesh.
Yes, I know, that sounds gross. However, think about it, some people eat snails. Ewwwwwwww!
Skin Benefits of Snail Mucin -
Snail mucin contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating, and wound-healing properties. There's even some early evidence to suggest that it could fight certain types of skin cancer.
- Fades dark spots and scars
- Improves skin texture
- Soothes damaged skin
- Intense hydration
- Promotes collagen production
- Aids in skin regeneration.
- Excellent for eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
Safety -
- Snail mucin does not react with other ingredients.
- Is safe to use during pregnancy
How To Use -
After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount on your entire face (AM and PM). Gently pat (don't rub) using fingertips to aid absorption, and then apply your moisturizer.
My Feedback -
True, it does have a slimy, gooey feel at first. But once you apply it to your skin, it gets absorbed quickly, leaving no stickiness. In fact, it feels invisible - weightless.
Results -
What I noticed immediately was how hydrated and plump my skin felt and looked. It also decreased the redness in my face. I have some broken capillaries, which faded after using this product only a few times. Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I acquired a lot of sun damage. After using this product for two weeks, I noticed a decrease in the hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. It also made my skin texture very smooth and gave me an overall glow.
So yes, I found the results of this product impressive. And for the price point and quantity, even more impressive.
Now that the seasons are changing to much cooler/colder temperatures, this product will be ideal for keeping my skin super hydrated throughout the fall and winter months.
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I would like to conclude this post by sharing a few photos of Chinatown and the K-Beauty Outlet. The people who work in the store were very helpful and friendly. I had a great time!
All the products were so well-organized and nicely displayed...
Oh, and I also purchased these foot masks, which were only $3.00 each (on sale). They're fabulous!
Hope you enjoyed this product review and found it interesting and helpful.
Have a great rest of your week, everyone! 💖
Links:
Places to purchase Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin:
*Ulta
Ron, great presentation! You really know how to highlight a product and make even someone like me, who knows nothing about beauty products, become interested. You make me want to try this stuff!
ReplyDeleteSnail mucin for your skin. Who knew?!? Hey, but if it works like you said it does, why not? Personally, I've never eaten a snail. As you expressed....Ewwwwwwwwwww! However in France, they are a delicacy. Escargot! NOT for me.
You mentioned the cooler/colder seasons coming up, which is when my skin becomes very dry. So, this might be the perfect product for ME. Do you use a moisturizer with this too, or does this serve as you moisturizer?
Thanks for the recommendation, Ron. Very interesting! Love that photo of the Chinatown arch as you enter Chinatown. It's beautiful!
Hey there Daniel!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. And yes, I ended up loving this stuff. But had you talked to me a year and half ago, I was like, "NO WAY would I ever put snail MUCIN on my skin!" Just goes to show, neve say never. LOL!
Yet, there was a part of me (because I'm in the business) that wanted to know more about it. Had it not been for the dermatologist I follow on YouTube, and his positive feedback, I would have never tried it.
Yes, you do use a moisturizer with this. You would apply it on top of the mucin. Snail mucin is a moisture binder, so it needs something afterwards to bond to the skin. Such as your moisturizer.
Isn't that arch faaaaaaaabulous? It's called the Chinatown Friendship Gate. I love how colorful it is.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Oh Ron, you know how much of a product junkie I am, so I love whenever you share your feedback about products you've tried and recommend. I purchased Snail 96 Mucin Essence about a year ago. I initially got it from Ulta, but now I just order it directly from them because they sometimes have sales. I've gotten it even cheaper than $25.00, which I think is not a bad price at all. Especially for the size.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this stuff! The biggest benefit for me has been texture and complexion. I had acne as a kid and this stuff really evened out my skin tone and texture. It also makes my makeup stay on longer. so I use it as a primer. Like you said, it makes my skin glow, feel more hydrated, and plump. I started my best friend on it. And now she loves it too.
I don't mind the slimy, gooey feel. I actually like it. And like you mentioned, it absorbs quickly and feel weightless.
You also mentioned several other benefits (like excellent for eczema, psoriasis and rosacea), which I didn't know. I have to tell my mother to start using this because she has rosacea and has tried everything.
I didn't know Philly had a Chinatown?!? That's awesome. And I love the inside shots of the K-Beauty Outlet. I would go crazy in there, buying everything. LOL!
Thank you for sharing this excellent review, Mr. Ron! I wish you would do more of these (hint, hint).
And I'm going to check out the places you linked on your list.
P.S. I'm insanely curious. What is the name of the product you purchase for $182.00? Inquiring minds want to know. xox
Ron, I'm impressed that you told the young girl you wouldn't sell her retinol at FOURTEEN YEARS OLD! Can you believe these kids today? They live on TicTok, so every time an influencer highlights a product, they MUST have it. My niece is that way. My sister has to enforce "time out" because if she didn't, my niece would be on the phone all day. I can't believe she even has a phone at her age. I didn't get my first cell phone until I was in my 20s. And it was a flip phone. Lol!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, you have to be discerning about what you see online because people get paid to promote products. I do a lot of research as well. You have to.
Never heard of snail mucin, so thank you for the very informative introduction. How in the world did they ever discover that snail mucin was good for your skin?
I will definitely look into it. The price is not bad at all. I've spent much more than that for face creams. Thanks for your feedback!
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteHA! I knew (being a product junkie) you'd enjoy hearing about snail mucin. And I'm not at all surprised that you have already tried it. And wow...you started using it a year ago? That's awesome! I kept hearing about it for over a year, but had no interest in trying it. That is, until about three weeks ago. I'm very impressed with the results, AND how inexpensive it is! Yes, the Ulta in Philly had it as well. However, I decided to purchase it at the K-Beauty store in Chinatown.
Yup, I while doing my research I discovered that it helped with so many skin conditions, like rosacea. I have so many client who have rosacea, which is a very challenging skin condition.
What I noticed the most about this product is how it reduced the hyperpigmentation on my skin from YEARS of soaking in the sun. That, and reducing the look of the broken capillaries. Amazing!
The name of that product is Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream. If been using it for over a year and it's truly remarkable. I use the snail mucin first and then apply the rich cream over it. The man who created it is a biomedical scientist and physician.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a faaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!
X
Morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteHA! My first phone was a flip phone as well! It was a Nokia!!!
As I shared, there are many "positives" to social media. However, being in the industry that I am, I see (every single day), how the really young kids (both girls and boys) are obsessed with purchasing products that they simple DO NOT NEED at their age because an "influencer" told them that they need it. Realistically, no one should be using retinol until they are in their late 20s. I didn't start using it until I was in my 30s. If you start too early, your skin will stop doing what it naturally should be doing. I can't stop someone from purchasing it, but I can certainly give them my honest opinion.
"Never heard of snail mucin, so thank you for the very informative introduction. How in the world did they ever discover that snail mucin was good for your skin?"
What I read was that snail mucin has been used for centuries in various cultures. And I've always been fascinated by what people used in past centuries for various things because I have found them VERY effective.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice! Have a great rest of your week!
X
Oooooo Ron, thank you so much for sharing the link to that product! Later today on my lunch break I will investigate it more. Can't wait! Thanks again xo
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Denise! And be sure to read about how he created the product and his background. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteYou're a very brave man, Ron. I don't know if I could ever put snail mucin on my face, regardless of how beneficial it would be. Let alone EAT a snail. But that's just me. LOL!!! I'm so skittish when it comes to how something feels on my skin or in my mouth. I'm weird about texture.
ReplyDeleteBut regardless, this product does sound impressive. And you're spot on about social media. As good as it can be, it can be overkill and not always completely honest. Look at the use of "filters" on Instagram. Anyone can look perfect by simply adding a filter.
Now, the foot mask I would definitely try. I big on manicures and pedicures. And I also use a daily body moisturizer, both day and night.
Like the photo of Chinatown!
I hear you, Abby. I too am weird about texture, which is why I put off trying this stuff because people kept telling me how slimy it felt. And the first time I tried it, I was like, "Ewwwww...can I do this?!?!' Ha! But I've got to say that after a few times, the texture didn't bother me. As I shared, it's absorb so quickly, you don't even feel it. No, I couldn't eat a snail. Or a claim. Or an oyster.
ReplyDelete"As good as it can be, it can be overkill and not always completely honest. Look at the use of "filters" on Instagram. Anyone can look perfect by simply adding a filter."
You got that right! And you know, people are starting to call people out on using filters because I read a lot of comments on Instagram that mention they can TELL the account holder is clearly using a filter.
Me too. I try and take good care of my hands and feet. I stand on my feet all day, so I give them TLC. And during the winter months, my hands and cuticles get dry and cracked, so I take the time to keep them moisturized. My lips too.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Have a terrific rest of your week!
X
"Oh here we go again, another bullshit product" I LOVE YOU.
ReplyDeleteTikTok could pesuade cows that they need milk. It is INSANE. I am sharing this with my daughters because they'll enjoy your writing and skincare advice.
We are extremely fortunate to live near so many wonderful Korean beauty shops and grocery stores. Over summer break, we even went to the coolest Japanese dollar store, which had so many cool beauty products for under $5 and was so neatly organized.
While I am hesitant to try snail mucin, I am not saying no because I trust you. Now escargot? Nope. 🤣
Excellent post, my dear friend!
"TikTok could persuade cows that they need milk."
ReplyDeleteOMG Kari, when I read that I literally busted out laughing!!!!!! I LOVED that!!!!
"We are extremely fortunate to live near so many wonderful Korean beauty shops and grocery stores. Over summer break, we even went to the coolest Japanese dollar store, which had so many cool beauty products for under $5 and was so neatly organized."
That's AWESOME!!!! Having lived in Japan for a little over two months, I became obsessed with Asian products because they are so far advanced than products here in America. And what I especially love is that much of research comes from ancient ingredients and formula's that really work!
"While I am hesitant to try snail mucin, I am not saying no because I trust you. Now escargot? Nope. 🤣"
Ha! Agree!!!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your humor and thoughts. Have a FAB rest of your week!
X
Ok, you will not believe this, but we've had a HORRIBLE slug problem in our garden this year and your post reminded me of the slugs because they leave a slime trail all over our sidewalks and driveway. It's been crazy. I wonder if it's the same 'ingredients' as the snail trails?? I could start bottling the stuff! HA!
ReplyDeleteRon, I am so paranoid about what I put on my face because of all the issues I've had over the years. It's ranged from pimple break outs from very popular face lotions/creams to having my face blow up just from using ophthalmologist recommended eye lid wipes. I also have bad reactions to most eye makeup remover. I'm finding that the less I put on my face, the better.
The entrance to Chinatown is just gorgeous! I didn't even know Philly had a Chinatown, but I guess most big cities do. Cleveland has one, but I've never been to it because it borders a horrible area of the city. I do know that Asians love their skin care and beauty products. They must work because I cannot believe how young my DIL's mother and grandmother look.
Another fun post, Ron. I am sitting here with long sleeves on because I'm freezing, so I suppose you are in for a real treat, weather-wise. Enjoy while I'm in misery . . . . LOL!!! XO
"I wonder if it's the same 'ingredients' as the snail trails?? I could start bottling the stuff! HA!"
ReplyDeleteThat CRACKED ME THE HELL UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it made me wonder if it is?!? Although, just to be safe, I wouldn't try it. HA!
"I'm finding that the less I put on my face, the better."
And that's awesome! Most of the people who come into my store want to purchase more products than what they need, and I tell them, "Less is more. You don't need a ton of products to take care of your skin." Nowadays, everyone (especially the kids on TikTok) think they need everything on the market.
As I shared, I spend good money on my products, however, I don't use A LOT of products. Besides, who has time to do all the steps they require?
Isn't that entrance to Chinatown beautiful? They call it...the Chinatown Friendship Gate. I haven't been to Chinatown in years, so it was fun visiting again.
Having lived in Japan, I saw just how incredible their skin is (both the women and the men), so I tend to favor their products. I pretty much use all Asian products on my skin.
"I am sitting here with long sleeves on because I'm freezing, so I suppose you are in for a real treat, weather-wise. Enjoy while I'm in misery ."
OMG, send that cold weather my way, please! It's not too warm here now, however, last week was like living in a furnace. I cannot WAIT for the colder weather. BTW, I was in Trader Joe's on Monday and saw that they have all their fall food. I bought so many things! I also bought three baby pumpkins. They are so cute!
Have a fab rest of your week, my friend. Thanks for stopping by!
X
Thank you, Ron, for your fine review of this product. Yes, it sounds totally gross, but I imagine that's true of a lot of things (wonder who was the first person brave enough to try eating an oyster??)
ReplyDeleteSome years ago, my dermatologist diagnosed me with rosacea and, while the gel I use daily has helped immensely with the redness, I'm always on the lookout for other products that will work. I'll ask my derm about this snail stuff when I go in a few weeks.
Good for you, telling that young girl she didn't need retinol! Many others would have just tried to snag an easy sale, but I think it's far better to be honest up-front. I know I'd have done the same thing, even if she'd insisted.
Have a great rest of your week. Are you getting rain from Hurricane Lee yet?? xx
Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"but I imagine that's true of a lot of things (wonder who was the first person brave enough to try eating an oyster??)"
Exactly! And as I shared, I almost threw up at the thought of putting snail mucin on my face. But I gotta say, after trying it, now I see what the dermatologist I follow on You Tube was talking about. It's actually a very effective product. And much cheaper than other things I've purchased.
Rosacea is such a challenging skin condition to address because many different things are the cause of it. Glad to hear the gel he recommended helps immensely. That's awesome! I tell people who ask me about their rosacea to be very gentle with your skin. No harsh chemicals (products), and to use lukewarm water to cleanse - never extreme hot or cold because that aggravates rosacea.
" Many others would have just tried to snag an easy sale, but I think it's far better to be honest up-front. I know I'd have done the same thing, even if she'd insisted."
Throughout my whole career in this business, I have always been upfront and honest with my clients. And that's why they trust me. Yet some people, even though I'm honest with them, will do whatever they want.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Always great to see you. And no, not any rain from Hurricane Lee yet. However, last week we had horrendous heat. This week, however, it's been very mild. Thank god!
Have a great rest of your week!
X
Hey Ron, I stopped back to tell you that I checked out the product and guess what? I purchased it! I got the small size though. I had a visa gift card that I hadn't used, so I used it to make my purchase. Can't wait for it to arrive!
ReplyDeleteYou GO, girl! You only have to use a little bit, so the small size will last you a while. And how awesome that you had a gift card! Aren't gift cards that best gifts? Let me know how you like the product.
ReplyDeleteRon, I really enjoyed reading this post, but my girlfriend (who loves skincare and makeup products) loved it even more! You've got here very curious about this snail mucin product and plans on buying it for that price. Not bad at all. Once it arrives, I may try it as well. I've got extra dry skin and very sensitive, so this sounds like it would be ideal.
ReplyDelete""Oh, here we go again with another bullshit product." - LOL!
I love your honesty, dude! And kudos to you for telling the 14 year old that she was too young. Most people would simply want to make a sale. Social media, as much as I enjoy it, can be tricky. You have to be very careful about things you read and see because it can be illusional.
Great photo capture of the entrance into Chinatown!
Morning, Matt!
ReplyDeleteThis product is very good for sensitive skin. What I also like is that it's good for so many other things as well. I tend to buy products that are multitasking because I don't like to layer too many things. I also want it to be quick and easy.
"Social media, as much as I enjoy it, can be tricky. You have to be very careful about things you read and see because it can be illusional."
Yes, yes, yes! It can be very illusional, you're right. That's why I tend to doubt things at first.
Thank you! I hadn't been to Chinatown in years. I had a really great time!
Great to see ya, Matt! Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week!
X
Hey Ron! Listen, I wanted to wait until I purchased Snail 96 Mucin (at K-Beauty Outlet) before I left my comment. I read your post days ago and I was so intrigued, that hubby and I walked the outlet over the weekend a got it. And I have to say that I am loving it (and so is hubby). The texture is a bit gross and took a few applications to get used to it, but DAMN, I saw a difference the first time. My husband said that it calmed his skin after shaving in the morning. I loved how plump, smooth, hydrated, and dewy it made my skin.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mr. Ron (skin care expert) for the recommendation. I bet your customers love you honesty!
Hope you're having a great week so far, even though it's only Monday. Lol!
And by the way, I got one of those foot masks too. FABULOUS indeed! xo
"I loved how plump, smooth, hydrated, and dewy it made my skin."
ReplyDeleteHey, Elaine....that's AWESOME!!!! And I am so happy to hear that you found it effective and beneficial. You're husband too! Tell him, I too use it after shaving! In fact, yesterday I applied it to my arms because they felt dry and it immediately took away the dryness. It made my skin look so moist.
I am always honest with my customers because there is so much B.S. on the market, and I want them to trust me. I also like to give them tips about how to use products. And they seem to appreciate that.
Ooooo.... you are gonna LOVE that foot mask! The day I went in the store, they were on sale, so I bought FIVE! They seem to have sales quite frequently. Nice people too!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your feedback, I really appreciate that!
Have a terrific week, my friend! And enjoy this nice cool weather!
X
An interesting review!! I would never eat snails, but could possibly put a product like that on my face if it came highly recommended. That's great you did research and then found it locally. Isn't Chinatown wonderful!? We haven't been to any of the shops in a while, but remember them having some neat things. You're right, that store does look very organized.
ReplyDeleteBravo for you telling a young customer you wouldn't sell her retinol. True, many would probably choose to get it anyway, but can feel good that you at least tried.
Ooh, enjoy the foot masks, too!
~M
Hiya, Mary!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did a ton of research before trying it and found the claims to be quite true! And for $25.00, I didn't think taking a chance would break the bank. I'm happy I tried it because so many of my clients ask me about it.
"Isn't Chinatown wonderful!? We haven't been to any of the shops in a while, but remember them having some neat things. You're right, that store does look very organized."
LOVE Chinatown because it's like I'm in a whole other world! I love the energy there!
The foot masks are FAAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS! And were only 3 bucks!
Have a terrific Tuesday, my friend!
X