I spent the first few months of last year desperately waiting for the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence to come back in stock in the Indian market. It wasn’t just me though, everyone I know had their eyes glued to different shopping sites.
And after months of consistent usage, I’d say the wait and the thrill were worth it. I haven’t put it down ever since the day I started using this essence!
I know some people get grossed out by the mere thought of touching something that has snail in it but I am not really one of them. To me, it was a new, albeit a weird concept that I tried in the name of skincare some years ago and fell in love.
If you’ve been wondering whether you should get this essence, in this post I’ll try my best to convince you why it’s a must-have in my opinion. I’m (unfortunately) not being paid for it but I’m genuinely in love with this snail essence. And almost everyone that I “influenced” to try it (via my Instagram) can vouch for this undying love.
Packaging
There’s nothing to write home about when it comes to the packaging of this essence – it comes in a frosty plastic bottle and is easy to use. The pump isn’t tight and easily squeezes out the product without any squirting.
Price: $22/INR 1450 for 100 ml.
You can buy it from Limese (India – aff. code RIFAT10 for 10% off), ULTA & SOKO GLAM (USA), and YESSTYLE (all over the world).
Ingredients & What Do They Do?
The COSRX Snail Mucin Essence has a very minimal ingredients list and the best part is that it has no added fragrance or essential oils. Neither does it have any scent – you know how certain fragrance-free skincare smell like your chemistry lab? This doesn’t. So yay, for everyone with sensitive skin AND sensitive nose out there!
This essence has snail secretion filtrate at the top with a whopping 96% strength – it helps in improving damaged skin barrier, maintaining elasticity, and providing hydration to the skin.
There are amazing humectants such as Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, and Allantoin that will keep your skin hydrated and moist. While Arginine would help fight free radicals, support collagen production, and also increase hydration.
Snail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Arginine, Allantoin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol.
Texture
The texture of the snail mucin essence is exactly how you’d imagine a snail product to be – slimy and gooey. But once you apply it on your skin, it gets absorbed like a beauty, leaving no stickiness behind, provided you’re using it the right way. (Keep scrolling to find out the right application trick.)
What does COSRX Snail Mucin Essence Do?
My Experience!
The COSRX Snail Mucin brought a wave of calmness to my sensitive, acne-prone, oily skin that was braving prescription retinoid on its own. It’s one of the very few products I can blindly trust when it comes to taking perfect care of my skin.
Another being the By Wishtrend Propolis Ampoule that was my saviour last year when I was dealing with the worst breakout of my life.
With every use of this snail essence, my skin got hydrated and plump and was able to strengthen its barrier. If you’re struggling with dull skin, this is going to brighten it up and make your skin look healthy.
“A happy skin barrier is key to healthy skin.”
– Yours truly
It’s become a staple in my skincare routine and I like to call it my daal-chawal (Indians would know what I mean) of skincare.
Does cosrx snail mucin work on acne & acne spots?
I’ve heard some people ask whether it reduces acne spots and honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think so. If you have existing acne marks, snail mucin cannot make them disappear.
The only relationship I can think of when it comes to snail mucin essence and acne is, since it boosts your skin barrier, the skin’s ability to heal itself gets better and you see some difference in acne or blemish situation. This COSRX essence is also soothing in nature so it reduces inflammation and you might notice reduced acne or spots.
It’s a good product for prevention and skin maintenance if you have acne-prone skin.
I am pointing it out because you need to have realistic expectations from your skincare otherwise it results in excess of experimentation and increased frustration.
If you’re not convinced, read another blogger’s opinion on the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence. She’s on her third bottle and has touted it as one of the best Korean skincare products she’s ever used.
How to use cosrx snail mucin essence?
It’s an essence so you ideally apply it after Cleansing and Toning your skin. However, if you’re like me and seldomly use a toner (Toner isn’t a necessity), apply the snail essence right after cleansing when your skin is STILL DAMP.
Trust me, it works the best when your face is damp. If you apply after your skin has dried out, you’ll feel like it’s just sitting over your face. ALWAYS DAMP! Applying skincare on damp skin also ensures better penetration and that your skin faces less water loss.
I use 2 pumps but the quantity is up to you, play around and see what works the best. What’s great about this product? You can use it in the same routine with any product/ingredient. There’s no conflict! Also, I use it in both my morning and nighttime skincare routine.
Final Verdict on Snail Mucin Essence
If you’re looking for a hydrating and soothing product, you need some snail love in your life. The COSRX Snail Mucin Essence is for everyone out there – dry, oily, combination – all of them! It’ll give you the required hydration, and keep your skin calm and bouncy.
The only exception is if your skin is allergic to this ingredient. It’s rare but not impossible – just like with any other ingredient.
Pros of COSRX Snail Mucin Essence
- Adds hydration
- Helps with skin barrier strengthening
- Compatible with every ingredient/product
- Soothing and calming
- Increases skin elasticity
- Fragrance and essential oil-free
- Suited for all skin types
CONS OF COSRX SNAIL MUCIN ESSENCE
- None, I can’t find any!
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Manisha says
Can I use Vitamin C and any other actives after this? Or should I use the active serums before it?
Rifat Yaseen says
Yes you can use after 🙂
Kyra says
Do I apply this before or after moisturizer?
Rifat Yaseen says
Before 🙂
Lucky Charm says
Hello, may I ask if I should use the mucin before of after the pimple spot gel treatment?
mwheehehe says
i just bought one for my mom after reading your review and i want to ask if is it possible for this product to cause purging?
Rifat Yaseen says
Absolutely no purging.
Ella Prigmore says
Is it better to use in the morning or at night? Also would you use it before or after an acne treatment?
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey, it can be used both morning and night. And I use it right after facewash when my skin is still slightly wet. Once the essence is absorbed properly I move with other products including the acne treatment ones.
Angelica says
How would I use it with hyaluronic acid? Can I do both in one routine or should I use one in the morning and one in the night?(since both have to be applied to damp skin after washing)
Rifat Yaseen says
Whichever has a lighter texture can go first but it does not make a huge difference tbh. Use whichever you want to. If you do hyaluronic acid first then apply this essence when skin is damp from hyaluronic acid that you have used or vice versa.
Sandra says
Can i use it in my routine without moisturizer or it just act as humectant?
Rifat Yaseen says
This is just a humectant, you’ll need to follow up with a moisturizer unless you’re living in a very humid environment and have very oily skin.
Charitha says
Does it purge? I mean do I have to go slow like when I include an active? Or I can include it in my routine normally?
Rifat Yaseen says
Hey, no it doesn’t cause any purging. You can use it daily just like a normal product.