COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Amy

As a skincare enthusiast always on the hunt for products that actually deliver, I finally got my hands on the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This Korean beauty gem has been making waves for years, and with COSRX now available in major UK retailers like Boots and Superdrug, I figured it was the perfect time to try one of their most talked-about products.

I’d been curious about the brand for ages, but until recently, I’d never taken the plunge. After using this essence consistently for a month, I’m ready to share my honest experience—texture, results, pros and cons included.

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Packaging and Texture

The essence comes in a sleek, transparent bottle with a pump dispenser for easy and hygienic application. Initially, the thought of applying “snail slime” to my face was a bit off-putting, and the clear, slightly viscous texture didn’t help. However, in the name of beauty, I pressed on.

Despite its slimy appearance, the essence surprised me with its quick absorption and non-sticky finish. It glides smoothly onto the skin, and a little goes a long way. I found that 1-2 pumps were sufficient for my entire face and neck.

What is Snail Mucin in Skincare?

Snail mucin (also known as snail secretion filtrate) is a naturally derived ingredient known for its hydrating, healing, and anti-aging properties. It’s packed with skin-loving components like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, glycoproteins, and antimicrobial peptides. These help repair the skin barrier, improve elasticity, reduce redness, and deeply moisturise the skin.

Ethical Considerations: Are Snails Harmed?

COSRX states that no snails are harmed during the collection process. The mucin is gathered by allowing snails to roam freely across a mesh net in a controlled environment. It’s a humane method that prioritises snail welfare while maintaining the quality of the secretion.

How to Use COSRX Snail Mucin Essence (Step-by-Step)

1. Cleanse your face as usual
2. Tone, if you use one
3. Apply 1–2 pumps of the essence to damp skin
4. Gently pat into your face and neck until fully absorbed
5. Follow with your moisturiser or serum

Tip: I love using this after cleansing and before applying retinol—it helps buffer any irritation and makes my skin feel extra soothed.

My Experience

After about four weeks of daily use, here’s what I noticed:

• Hydration: My skin felt noticeably more plump and dewy.
• Texture: Smoother overall texture with less flakiness around my nose and chin.
• Redness: It calmed irritation from retinol and even helped soothe my hayfever-related skin flare-ups.
• Healing: Minor blemishes seemed to heal faster, and post-spot marks faded more quickly.

Although I had reservations at first, I’ve had no sensitivity or breakouts. However, I’ve seen reports from others (particularly those with dust mite or shellfish allergies) experiencing irritation—so patch testing is a must.

Who Should Try This?

This essence could be a great fit for you if:

• You have dry or dehydrated skin
• You’re using retinoids or exfoliating acids and want a soothing product to balance your routine
• You’re dealing with acne scars or texture
• You want an affordable but high-performance hydrator

Maybe skip it if:

• You have severe allergies (particularly to dust mites or shellfish)
• You can’t handle the idea of a snail-based ingredient, even if it is amazing

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Deeply hydrating and skin-softening
• Helps improve texture and elasticity
• Works well with actives like retinol
• Fast-absorbing and non-sticky
• Fragrance-free and gentle
• Affordable (especially on sale)

Cons:

• The texture may be off-putting at first
• Potential for irritation in allergy-prone individuals

Where to Buy

Despite my initial hesitation, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has earned a spot in my regular skincare rotation. It’s soothing, hydrating, and genuinely helps with texture and redness—plus, it layers beautifully with other products.

If you’re after a hardworking yet gentle essence to improve your skin’s hydration and overall health, this could be your new holy grail. And once you get past the idea of snail mucin, you might just love it as much as I do.

Have you tried this product? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!