Snail Secretion Filtrate is an ingredient included in cosmetic formulations for its regenerative and moisturizing properties.

Industrial Production Process

• Selection and breeding of snails. Specific types of snails, usually Cornu aspersum (previously known as Helix aspersa), are chosen for their ability to produce an optimal amount of mucin.
• Stimulation of secretion. Snails are stimulated to induce the secretion of mucin. This can be done through non-invasive methods, such as light exposure to steam or controlled humidity, ensuring no harm or stress to the animals.
• Collection of mucin. The secreted mucin is hygienically collected without causing harm to the snails. This collection occurs frequently to maintain the effectiveness of the mucin.
• Filtration. The collected mucin is filtered to remove impurities and particles, leaving a pure mucin filtrate.
• Purification. Further purification processes such as centrifugation and fine-pore membrane filtration are applied to concentrate the mucin and ensure the removal of any contaminants.
• Stabilization. The mucin is stabilized with approved preservatives to prevent degradation and maintain the efficacy of the final product.
• Quality control. Microbiological and chemical tests are conducted to ensure that the snail secretion filtrate is safe, pure, and ready for use in cosmetic products.

What it is used for and where

Snail secretion filtrate is prized for its ability to improve skin texture and accelerate the healing process. Rich in glycoproteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, this natural ingredient helps promote skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, and provide intense hydration. It is effective in treating a variety of skin problems, including aging, dryness, and damage caused by sun exposure. Used in serums, creams and masks.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Medical

A protective effect of snail secretion filtrate has been demonstrated in reducing macroscopic and histologic lesions of gastric ulcer in laboratory animals (1). It reduced inflammation in atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory and allergic disease (2).

Cosmetic Applications

• Skin Regeneration. Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin elasticity and texture, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks (3).
• Moisturization. Rich in hyaluronic acid, it keeps the skin hydrated and plump, improving softness and smoothness.
• Healing Properties. Efficient in wound healing, it reduces acne scars and accelerates the skin repair process.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects. Reduces inflammation and redness, making it ideal for treating sensitive or irritated skin.
• Antioxidant. Protects the skin from environmental damage and free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Snail Slime Filtrate is considered safe for cosmetic use and biodegradable, but cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported (4), so it is advisable to check for any sensitivities to the product before any heavy use.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Gugliandolo E, Cordaro M, Fusco R, Peritore AF, Siracusa R, Genovese T, D'Amico R, Impellizzeri D, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Crupi R. Protective effect of snail secretion filtrate against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 11;11(1):3638. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83170-8.

Abstract. Gastric ulcer or peptic ulcer is a common disease worldwide. Basically, it develops when there is an imbalance between the protective and aggressive factors, especially at the luminal surface of epithelial cells. Thus, there is a constant interest in research new drugs for treatment of gastric ulcer. The snail secretion is a dense mucous, that covers the external surface of the snails, with important functions for the survival of snails. The biological proprieties of snail Helix Aspersa Muller mucus it has been known for centuries to treat human disorders in particular for skin disease. Recently the use of snail mucus has seen a worldwide increase, as a component in cosmetic product and it has been used in particular for the management of wound and skin disorders. In this study we use a murine model of ethanol intragastric administration which has been widely used to test the drugs efficacies and to explore the underlying mechanism for gastric ulcer development. The intragastric ethanol administration causes several mucosal damages and an induction of a severe inflammatory response. Our results show a significant protective effect of snail secretion filtrate in reducing macroscopic and histological lesions, as well the protective effect on mucus content, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion this study demonstrate the protective effect of intragastrical snail secretion filtrate, in a model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice, suggesting its possible useful use in the treatment or prevention of gastric ulcer.

(2) Messina L, Bruno F, Licata P, Paola DD, Franco G, Marino Y, Peritore AF, Cuzzocrea S, Gugliandolo E, Crupi R. Snail Mucus Filtrate Reduces Inflammation in Canine Progenitor Epidermal Keratinocytes (CPEK). Animals (Basel). 2022 Jul 21;12(14):1848. doi: 10.3390/ani12141848. 

Abstract. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory and allergic disease, whose multifactorial etiopathogenesis is the consequence of the link between the genetic, immunological and environmental components. The complexity and difficulty in understanding the causes that trigger or exacerbate this pathology makes it difficult, once diagnosed, to proceed with a targeted and effective therapeutic process. Today, the new frontiers of research look to natural and innovative treatments to counteract the different manifestations of dermatitis. From this point of view, the mucus secreted by Helix aspersa Muller has proven, since ancient times, to be able to neutralize skin diseases. To study canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), we used cell lines of canine epidermal keratinocytes (CPEK) that are optimal to understand the biological reactivity of keratinocytes in vitro. The data obtained from our study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory capacity of snail secretion filtrate (SSF) in counteracting the production of proinflammatory cytokines produced during cAD, highlighting the opportunities for further studies to be able to identify new, natural and safe treatments for cAD and to open new frontiers for veterinarians and owners.

(3) Wojnarowicz, J., Wilk, A., Duchnik, E., & Marchlewicz, M. (2021). The effect of snail secretion filtrate on photoaged skin. Journal of Face Aesthetics, 4(2), 113-127.

Abstract. Skin is the organ in permanent contact with environmental factors which could accelerate the aging process. The changes occurring due to the aging process are particularly noticeable in the skin. Skin ageing is dependent on endogenous and exogenous factors determined by environmental factors, primarily the ultraviolet radiation (photoaging).The Authors reviewed the articles available at PubMed, ResearchGate and GoogleScholar on the composition and application of preparations containing snail mucus. The results of the literature analysis revealed that snail mucus contains substances such as allantoin, glycolic acid, lactic acid, collagen, elastin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinases as well as their inhibitors, and antioxidant enzymes. Also, it was demonstrated that the use of preparations containing snail mucus had beneficial effects on the condition of the skin, including improved skin hydration, normalisation of the thickness of the epidermis, improved skin structure, increased cell proliferation index, reduction of skin elastosis and decreased hyperpigmentation. Moreover, the regenerative mechanism of action of snail mucus resulted in a clinical alleviation of lesions in patients with dermatological problems of various aetiology. Therefore, it appears that snail mucus could be a good biostimulator and its use has many beneficial effects for the skin.

(4) McCoy K, Class MM, Ricles V, Wagoner G, Cross D, Trautz A, Krakowski AC. Kids These Days: Social Media's Influence on Adolescent Behaviors. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2024 May;17(5):40-42. 

Abstract. We live in an electronic world with near-ubiquitous access to smartphones and social media. One consequence of this new reality is that children and teenagers may be unduly swayed by social media influencers who promote skincare products and practices, colloquially referred to as "skinfluencers," and enjoy unfettered access to emerging trends-not all of which lead to positive results. Herein, we describe two cases of adolescents presenting to a pediatric dermatology department after trying different beauty trends endorsed by social media influencers. The first patient developed allergic contact dermatitis to "snail slime" (96% Snail Secretion Filtrate; COSRX), a popular over-the-counter skincare product that has received notable attention on social media platforms due to its purported skin hydrating effects. The second patient presented urgently due to her mother's concerns of "overnight moles," which, in fact, the patient had acquired after applying makeup using a social media-endorsed "freckle stamp." Clinicians should be aware of these emerging trends to properly educate, manage, and treat patients susceptible to their influence-especially within the particularly impressionable teenage population. Copyright © 2024. Matrix Medical Communications. All rights reserved.