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Snail mucin in cosmetics

Cosmetic "snail slime" is a filtrate of snail secretion, INCI SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE1. It should not be confused with SNAIL EXTRACT, an extract of the snail's body2. The clinical trials cover the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa at 8 or 40%34; reviews note a lack of randomized trials6.

Snail secretion filtrate in macro view, clear liquid on a sage green ceramic surface, raking light

Snail mucin at a glance

Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database12. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.

INCI name
SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATECosIng: product obtained from the filtered secretion of one or more snail species1
Other names
Snail secretion filtrateSnail slime, snail mucus, snail mucin. The commercial term "slime" actually covers secretion filtrates
Not to be confused with
SNAIL EXTRACTCosIng: extract of the body of the snail Pomacea canaliculata, with skin conditioning and emollient functions2. It is not the secretion
Other similar INCI names
SNAIL EGG EXTRACT, fermentsSnail egg extract10; fermented filtrates (by Aspergillus or Saccharomyces) of the secretion1
CAS number
Not assignedCosIng lists no CAS or EC number for SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE or SNAIL EXTRACT12
Origin
Snail secretion (one or more species)The clinical trials cited cover the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA®), at 8 or 40% depending on the product34.
Composition
Mucins and other variable compoundsMucins are heavily glycosylated proteins; their structure remains poorly characterized7. Standardizing mucus is a problem: no single quality indices or defined limits6
CosIng functions
Skin conditioning"Skin conditioning"1
EU status
No restriction specific to the ingredientAbsent from Annexes II to VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as consolidated on May 1, 2025, apart from the general mention on ozone-depleting substances in CosIng111. CosIng asks to check entry 419 of Annex II (category 1 and 2 animal materials) for SNAIL EGG EXTRACT, not for the secretion filtrate10
Allergen to declare
NoAbsent from Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 and the consolidated Annex III11
Safety
No CIR or SCCS assessment retainedThe clinical trials cited report good tolerance, without an allergy analysis35

What the research says

Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.

Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory

SkinSkincare

Periocular wrinkles: an improvement at 12 weeks

Clinical trial
25 participants, 2 centersDouble-blind, randomized, 14 weeks8% emulsion and 40% serum of SCA versus placebo, one side of the face each

Periocular wrinkles on the active side decreased significantly at 12 weeks (p = 0.03) and texture improved more than with placebo. Participants reported no significant difference in the quality of their skin3.

Combination with a snail egg extract

Clinical trial
50 women aged 45 to 653 months, versus vehicleSCA + IFC-CAF (egg extract), 30 women in the active group

The active group had a drop in transepidermal water loss and an improvement in roughness, firmness and elasticity. Both groups improved their fine lines and wrinkles. The authors call for larger studies4.

SCA creams + other actives: hydration, firmness, elasticity

Clinical trial
120 women aged 40 to 65Open study, no control groupSerum and creams with SCA, ectoin, hyaluronic acid, olive oil and peptides

Hydration, epidermal thickness, firmness and elasticity improved from 45 days. The effect of the secretion alone cannot be isolated, because the formula contains other actives5.

Skin cells in culture: proliferation and migration

Laboratory
HaCaT keratinocytes and dermal fibroblastsSCA, in vitro

The secretion promoted cell proliferation, migration and survival, as well as the expression of adhesion molecules. A cell culture result: it does not predict the effect of a cream8.

Enzymatic activities and extracellular matrix

Laboratory
Fibroblasts in cultureSCA

The secretion contained antioxidant activities (SOD and GST), stimulated fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix assembly, and regulated metalloproteinases9.

Review perspectiveQuality of evidence

No sufficient randomized trial, standardization is difficult

Review
2025 reviewCornu aspersum mucus

The authors note the absence of single quality indices and limits, the complex structure of mucins, and the lack of randomized clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of Cornu aspersum mucus6.

A poorly characterized material

Review
2021 perspectiveSnail mucins

Snail mucins are described as poorly characterized despite their use in skincare. The authors call for studying their structure and the diversity of mucin genes7.

This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. Any industry funding is indicated in the sources. The clinical trials cited cover one specific extract, the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA®), and not every "snail slime". Reviews stress the lack of independent randomized trials.

Which products can use snail mucin?

No formula in our white label catalog features snail mucin yet. Our formulation lab can add it to a custom formula or to a catalog formula. Its common uses:

Face

Face serums and creams based on snail secretion filtrate, for dry or mature skin.

Body

Hydrating body care containing snail secretion filtrate.

Frequently asked questions about snail mucin

What is snail mucin in cosmetics?
In cosmetics, a filtrate of snail secretion is used, INCI name SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE, classified by CosIng as a skin conditioning agent1. "Slime" and "mucin" are common terms: on the label, the INCI is what counts.
What is the difference between SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE and SNAIL EXTRACT?
SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE is the product of the filtered secretion of one or more snail species1. SNAIL EXTRACT is, according to CosIng, the extract of the body of the snail Pomacea canaliculata, with skin conditioning and emollient functions2. They are two different materials: check the INCI on the supplier's specification.
What are the benefits of snail mucin for the face?
Two trials against placebo or vehicle with the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa show an improvement in periocular wrinkles at 12 weeks (25 participants)3 and in firmness and elasticity at 3 months (50 women, with an egg extract)4. These trials cover a specific product at 8 or 40%, and one is funded by a manufacturer4.
Do the studies apply to every snail mucin?
No. The trials cited cover the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA®)345. Reviews note the absence of standard quality indices for snail mucus and the lack of randomized trials6. The result for one material does not transfer to another.
Is snail mucin allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
No restriction is specific to it: it is absent from Annexes II to VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as consolidated on May 1, 202511. CosIng asks to check entry 419 of Annex II for snail egg extract, not for the secretion filtrate10. The supplier must document the origin.
Is snail mucin vegan?
No, it is an animal-derived ingredient. Brands aiming for a plant-based positioning must rule it out.
Can you manufacture a snail mucin product for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified lab adapts a catalog formula or develops a custom formula with a snail secretion filtrate. Free samples are included.

Sources

Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.

  1. European Commission. CosIng, entry SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE. ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
  2. European Commission. CosIng, entry SNAIL EXTRACT. ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
  3. Fabi SG, Cohen JL, Peterson JD, et al.. The Effects of Filtrate of the Secretion of the Cryptomphalus Aspersa on Photoaged Skin J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(4):453-7. PMID 23652894
  4. Lim VZ, Yong AA, Tan WPM, et al.. Efficacy and Safety of a New Cosmeceutical Regimen Based on the Combination of Snail Secretion Filtrate and Snail Egg Extract to Improve Signs of Skin Aging J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(3):31-36. PMID 32308795Cantabria Labs
  5. Addor FAS. Topical effects of SCA(®) (Cryptomphalus aspersa secretion) associated with regenerative and antioxidant ingredients on aged skin: evaluation by confocal and clinical microscopy Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:133-140. doi:10.2147/CCID.S191153
  6. Hudz N, Turkina V, Alyokhina T, et al.. Chemical Variability and Biological Potential of Cornu aspersum Mucus as a Source for the Development of New Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Products Molecules. 2025;30(21):4197. doi:10.3390/molecules30214197
  7. McDermott M, Cerullo AR, Parziale J, et al.. Advancing Discovery of Snail Mucins Function and Application Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021;9:734023. doi:10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023
  8. Cruz MC, Sanz-Rodríguez F, Zamarrón A, et al.. A secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa promotes proliferation, migration and survival of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro Int J Cosmet Sci. 2012;34(2):183-9. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2011.00699.x
  9. Brieva A, Philips N, Tejedor R, et al.. Molecular basis for the regenerative properties of a secretion of the mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2008;21(1):15-22. doi:10.1159/000109084
  10. European Commission. CosIng, entry SNAIL EGG EXTRACT. ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
  11. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products, version consolidated on May 1, 2025. eur-lex.europa.eu
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