Snail serum anti-ageing cream left shopper's skin 'tighter after a couple of uses'

Skincare aficionados are well-versed in a familiar roster of ingredients that promise to enhance one's complexion, such as hyaluronic acid, allantoin, retinol, vitamin E, glycolic acid, and collagen. Yet, there's an unconventional component gaining traction for its rich benefits: snail mucin, commonly referred to as snail slime.

This unique ingredient is becoming a staple in skincare formulas due to its abundance of beneficial elements. A prime example is COSRX's Advanced Snail 92 All in One cream, now available on Amazon with a 32% discount, priced at just £15.

This reparative daily cream boasts a potent concentration of 92% snail mucin, which not only enhances the skin's moisture barrier for a plumper, more hydrated look but also calms the skin, reported Wales Online.

The cream is designed to absorb without leaving any tacky residue, thanks to the inclusion of snail mucin, which works alongside other hydrating components like hyaluronic acid known for improving skin elasticityand betaine, to fortify the skin's natural barrier through intense moisturisation.

COSRX asserts that their snail mucin formula "instantly soothes damaged skin and delivers moisture deep into your skin". The key attributes of snail mucin listed by the brand encompass collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and allantoin.

The brand also emphasises that the extraction of snail mucin is conducted ethically and eco-consciously, ensuring no harm comes to the snails during the process, before it's refined for cosmetic use. But what do people who have actually used it say?

On Amazon, the product boasts an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star average, based on nearly 44,000 ratings. One reviewer, who gave it five stars, called the cream a "game changer" and raved: "I honestly didn't expect much when I bought this cream.

"I mean, "snail mucin"? It sounded weird, but my friend swore by it, so I decided to give it a go. And wow, I'm so glad I did! As a uni student, I don't have the time or money to spend on complicated skincare, so I wanted something that would just work. This COSRX Snail Cream is a total game-changer! ".

Another user reported seeing impressive results after just a few weeks, saying: "I'm blown away by the results! My skin feels incredibly hydrated and smooth, and it has helped improve the texture and tone of my skin". A different reviewer praised its ability to improve skin texture, explaining: "From the first application, I could feel the magic happening. My skin texture improved dramatically, going from 'meh' to 'marvellous' in just a few days. It's like my face got a VIP pass to the smooth skin club".

However, not everyone experienced miraculous results. A three-star reviewer noted that their skin "still felt a little tight and applying more didn't help much". Another user mentioned that the product "doesn't smell of anything. The lid inside is inconvenient", and found the inner lid to be inconvenient. So, if you're expecting a fragrant product, this might be worth considering.

If you're keen to try other snail mucin products, there are several options available. iUNIK's Black Snail Restore Cream is available on Skinsider for £11.05, or you could give the Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin 30ml a go, which retails at Boots for £12.75.

For those preferring something more conventional, The Ordinary offers a moisturiser with 30ml priced at £4.70. However, judging by the glowing reviews for COSRX's Advanced Snail 92 All in One cream on Amazon, it seems like this product is certainly worth considering.