COSRX Snail Mucin Review 2024: I tried the ‘gross’ serum 50k love
Korean skincare brand, COSRX, is known for its beloved snail mucin line so I tested the products – including the viral serum.
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As someone that’s no stranger to K-beauty, COSRX has been a brand I’ve always known, loved and seen on social media.
For those that aren’t familiar though, COSRX is a highly-rated Korean beauty brand that has made waves in the skincare world for its effective skincare range like pimple patches and more commonly, its snail mucin product line.
Luckily for you, Amazon have just kicked off their Prime Big Deal Days with insane deals on bestselling COSRX products, including:
- 66 per cent off COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, $12.99 (down from $38)
- 64 per cent off COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream, $15.47 (down from $43)
- 45 per cent off COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream, $19.97 (down from $35.99)
- 44 per cent off COSRX Snail Peptie Eye Cream, $30.85 (down from $55)
- 37 per cent off COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, $25.22 (down from $40)
- 34 per cent off COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch, $35 (down from $53)
- 28 per cent off COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence, $36 (down from $49.99)
- 25 per cent off COSRX Glass Skin Starter Set, $33.74 (down from $44.99)
While snail mucin may sound icky and gross, it’s an ingredient that is very good for your skin – it helps with skin healing, brightening, adding moisture, hydration and promoting collagen production.
COSRX is one of few brands that seem to do snail mucin products right, and the results and cult-following it has make it worth trying out.
So here are my thoughts on six products from COSRX’s beloved snail mucin line, including the COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence that boasts over 50,000 five-star ratings.
Happy reading!
SERUMS
COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, $12.99 (down from $38) at Amazon Australia
COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
If you’ve seen this all over your TikTok FYP, you’re on the right side of TikTok. This serum has gained quite the reputation among many k-beauty lovers including myself. As someone with dry and sensitive skin, this highly-rated serum is equal parts hydrating, gentle and soothing – which is what I look for in all of my skincare.
Now, to address the elephant in the room, yes – this product is in fact made from snail secretion. As gross as it sounds, this serum works wonders and has a cult-following so it basically cancels out the weirdness of it all … right?
Snail secretion (or mucin) is actually really beneficial in moisturising and healing your skin barrier, and reducing signs of ageing.
The texture is quite goopy but watery and it’s incredibly lightweight, has no strong scent and absorbs easily into the skin within seconds. It feels silky smooth upon application and does not feel heavy which makes it great for layering with other skincare products.
Hydrating enough to use alone or topped up with a moisturiser, this essence is very soothing and calming for sensitive skin and provides instant hydration.
When using it in conjunction with the matching COSRX All in One Snail Cream, I’m left with healthier and plumper skin that feels as smooth as a baby’s butt.
So don’t let the idea of snail mucin put you off from trying out this product because I can truly see why the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has such a loyal following – it’s amazing, affordable and has done wonders for my skin.
COSRX Niacinamide 5% + Snail Mucin 74% Dual Essence, $36 (down from $49.99) at Amazon Australia
COSRX Niacinamide 5% + Snail Mucin 74% Dual Essence
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
While everyone seems to harp on about the ever-so popular Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, I personally like this dual essence more.
I’d even say that it’s a hidden gem in the k-beauty brands’ snail mucin line that deserves A LOT more hype.
It has been formulated with 74 per cent snail mucin and 5 per cent niacinamide – which is a lower concentration, making it great for everyday use. Plus, niacinamide in general is amazing for minimising and tightening pores, fading dark spots, and brightening, evening out and soothing your skin.
In terms of packaging, the niacinamide and snail mucin are separated in the bottle which is super interesting – however, if you use the pump properly and press down in the centre, the pump will dispense both liquids at the same time so you get the best of both worlds.
Although it is pricier than the other essence, I find that it’s completely worth it given the extra benefits of the niacinamide and you don’t need much for each use. It’s a true powerhouse!
MOISTURISER
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair All in One Cream, $15.47 (down from $43) at Amazon Australia
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair All in One Cream
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
When I say this cream lives up the hype, I truly mean it. This highly regarded cream is hydrating, gentle and soothing – ideal for my dry and sensitive skin.
Although it has a goopy and snotty texture, it blends out into a lightweight watery texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin at all and absorbs into the skin effortlessly. It also has a very subtle scent that isn’t overwhelming.
I’ve been using it for a few weeks – morning and night, and my skin has noticeably been more plump, hydrated and glowy with less redness. A little goes a long way with this guy so it’s totally worth the price, and it works great as a base for your make up too.
The COSRX All in One Snail Cream is genuinely a game-changer and truly deserves a spot in your staple skincare routine.
CLEANSER
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, $25.22 (down from $40) at Amazon Australia
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
As I’ve mentioned before, I have dry skin and often find that the majority of cleansers leave my skin feeling even drier than before and super tight. However, this gel cleanser thankfully doesn’t do that, it instead leaves my skin feeling super smooth, supple and clean.
It’s super gentle, lathers really nicely and also makes for a great follow-up cleanser after an oil cleanser.
EYE CREAM
COSRX Snail Peptide Eye Cream, $30.85 (down from $55) at Amazon Australia
COSRX Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
Just when I thought I had my skincare routine down pat, this COSRX eye cream snaked its way into my everyday routine and I’m not complaining.
I’ve been a loyal fan of the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment for years, which admittedly is quite rich, kinda oily and price but I’ve slowly kicked it to the curb (sorry Kiehl’s) and have been gravitating towards this COSRX eye cream more as it’s more affordable, lightweight and hydrating but not oily.
It’s made with 73.7% snail mucin, 2 per cent niacinamide and peptides, this gentle eye cream not only promotes collagen production but it hydrates, firms, brightens and smoothens the eye area. I highly recommend you try this one.
EYE PATCH
COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch, $35 (down from $53) at Amazon Australia
COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
Although not a need and just a nice-to-have, these eye patches are definitely a little luxury that I wouldn’t mind investing in from time to time.
Formulated with snail secretion filtrate and niacinamide, it comes with 60 patches with two sizes – large and small, and effectively provides hydration as well as reducing puffiness under the eyes.
I keep my eye patches in the fridge and pop them on once I wake up for an extra cooling and depuffing effect, and it works wonders!
SHEET MASK
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask, $8.90 at Amazon Australia
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
This sheet mask has got to be one of the best I’ve tried and when I tell you I’ve tried a lot of sheet masks in my time, I mean it. This face mask alone has been incredible for keeping my dry skin deeply hydrated for a long time.
It’s soaked in the popular COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, so you know it’ll provide deep hydration, soothe my skin and leave it feeling plump.
I prefer to use it at night and leave it on for 20 minutes, and once I take it off I like to pat in the residue of the essence to really reap the benefits.
I will say though, this is definitely not a must-have – just a nice-to-have. Also, it’s kinda tricky to unfold the mask as it’s super slippery and goopy due to the essence.
HOW I TESTED COSRX SNAIL MUCIN PRODUCTS
To see whether COSRX’s snail mucin skincare line is truly worth the hype, I used the above products on rotation everyday for four weeks to see if they’re as effective as they claim to be.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I USE SNAIL MUCIN EVERYDAY?
Yes, snail mucin can be used everyday on a once or twice a day basis (day and night), or as often as needed – it’s important to stay consistent with use in order to see optimal results.
WHAT DOES SNAIL MUCIN WORK WELL WITH?
Snail mucin is a gentle and moisturising ingredient with healing properties that works well with other ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, as well as strong exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA).
ARE SNAILS KILLED FOR SNAIL MUCIN?
If you’ve been wondering if snails are harmed when making the Advanced Snail line, COSRX have stated that they don’t harm snails at all.
“Snails are placed over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room. As nocturnal creatures, this provides them with a comfortable space to freely roam about. After about an hour, the snails are transferred back to their homes while the mucin is collected and processed for use.
“Note, no external stress is applied to the snails or the mesh net for two different reasons. First, it is prohibited to manufacture, distribute and sell products that have undergone animal testing in Korea. Second, optimal mucin production occurs when snails are well-rested and content. So, no snails are hurt during the collection process!”
So, you don’t have to feel bad or guilty when purchasing and using snail mucin products from COSRX. However, I can’t speak for any other brands.
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