Melia muses….There is alot of hype going on about snail creams where I live. I have friends who have used them for scar reduction/healing for acne and thought that they really did work (they got the tip from their dermatologist). I’ve just watched the millionth infomercial about one of these creams and am wondering if they really live up to the claims.
The Left Brain leaves a slimy trail:
When I initially heard about snail extract being used in cosmetics my BS detector kicked into over drive. After doing a little bit of research I’m still skeptical but at least I was able to find SOME scientific basis for using this ingredient in cosmetics.
What is snail extract?
The technical name for snail slime is “Helix Aspersa Müller Glycoconjugates.” It’s described as a thick fluid gathered by stimulating live snails. (Sounds like a job Sarah Bellum would enjoy.) Chemically speaking, snail slime is a complex mixture of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides and trace elements including copper, zinc, and iron.
The science of snail slime
There are a number of brands that claim to harness the power of snail trails. For example, there’s Bioskincare, who says their product “protects, deeply moisturizes, renews and triggers the regeneration of skin damaged by acne, injuries, overstretching, photo-aging or dermatological/medical treatments.” Is there any real science that supports the benefits of snail extract? Sort of. There are certainly plenty of references in the scientific literature. First of all, there a number of patents related to how to gather the secretion and process it for use in cosmetics. One Chilean doctor, for example, patented a procedure for gathering the secretions by agitating snails in warm water and then filtering the mucin. (I wonder how you can tell when the snails are sufficiently agitated?) Another patent, credited to a Spanish Oncologist, involves stressing the snails mechanically to induce the production of their mucin. I wish I could be sure that no snails were harmed in the production of this skin cream, but based on these patents, it doesn’t look good! But just because there are patents on snail slime, that doesn’t mean it actually DOES anything. If you’ll notice the patents are related to how to collect the slime, which has nothing to do with proving it really works on your skin.
Will snail slime make wrinkles Es-car-go-away?
So does it really work? A quick Pubmed search reveals a variety of papers describing the effect of snail slime on cell cultures. In these studies a variety of effects where seen including the proliferation of fibroblasts, stimulation of new collagen and elastin fibers, and increased production of fibronectin proteins just to name a few. But since these effects were demonstrated on cell cultures I have a hard time understanding how they relate to a topical cosmetic product. I did find a few other studies, though, that indicate snail extract improves skin condition by increasing the dermis’ natural ability to take up and hold water. And perhaps most interesting were the studies suggesting that the slime might have topical wound healing properties. There’s enough legitimate science here to make me think that snail extract may be a beneficial ingredient.
However, I didn’t see any data that indicates that any specific cosmetic snail cream has any special efficacy. Until I see some controlled studies of these products, I remain skeptical.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
As ridiculous as this sounds at first, snail slime may be a powerful bioactive material. But translating that efficacy to a cosmetic product is another story entirely. In any given product it’s impossible to predict efficacy because it depends on the quality of the snail extract that was used, the amount in the product, and how it’s formulated and processed. Until a marketer of these products can demonstrate they have data on their specific product, I would avoid spending a lot of money on snail creams.
What do YOU think? Would you use snail snot to keep your skin looking younger? Or is it just too gross? Leave a comment and share your snail-ish story with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
Loading ...
{ 8 trackbacks }
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
My personal view is
Use Veg
Go Veg …
nature has given us too many solution for any beauty treatment.
why SNAIL cream ?
First Righty teases me about hickeys and now Lefty implies that I’m a snail molester??? Ohhh, you guys are so gonna get it!
I do recall this on an episode of Penn and Teller’s “Bullshit”.. I believe they said that it was complete BS, but sometimes I wonder about how biased their show is.
Thank you so much for the answer! Here the cream that you buy from the pharmacy is around 40 euros OTC and there are a few that you can buy from TV infomercials for just a bit cheaper. I really thought it was just alot of hype, but from what is actually in the snail mucus (I really don’t like the mental picture right now), it sounds really promising.
My Chilean friend told me about this! She does have a good skin. Not sure whether it’s genetic or due to the snail cream….
I personally find it gross. Snails belong in the garden, not on the plates nor on people’s skin. Yucks.
P.S. I’m doing an article about it on my blog tomorrow.
Two years ago I caught chicken pox from an infant cousin and was left with several scars in my face (I was 28 at the time). I freaked out and ran to the dermatologist who prescribed me three things only: 1. Clean face with a “micellar” cleasing water, no soap. 2. Use a skin cream with snail secretion extract (maybe the same Melia mentions in her comment, price was the same). 3. Use SPF 50 every single day. Three months later all my scars were gone except a really big one on my neck which anyway is covered by hair.
I have a 2.5-month-old 4-inch surgical scar on the back of my neck and various other old keloid scars from athletic activities. I just bought a 2 oz jar of Baba de Caracol Snail Healing Cream from a shop in Chinatown for $19.95 + tax. I started using it as soon as I got home. I’ll keep you posted on the results.
I have eaten snails. My family had a little farm where we raised, among other things, fish. These big fat brown snails thrived on the banks of the fish pond and were delicious stewed in ginger, coconut milk, garlic and onions.
I did hesitate at the thought of helpless creatures tortured for their slime. I am going to see what I can find out about the “harvest” process.
I am tired of false ads that don’t work! Finally, after meeting dermatologist Dr. Rivers of Vancouver and trying his new line I am convinced that I will never use a retail line again!! Professional skincare all the way! http://www.riversol.com – simple effective and potent steps that WORK.
I found a bottle of snail slime in the clearance basket at my local pharmacy, original price 16 american, I paid 8. I’ve used it for 4 days now and I have to admit that I do see a differance in the feel and appearance of my skin! if this stuff works, I’ll be glad to say “I got slimed and loved it!!
Got a snail cream to help with the appearance of bad keeloid scarring. Have to admit it helped. lessened the redness of the bad scars and made a big difference with the smaller/newer scars.
brand was elicina
worked for me
My friend has been using the Cream de Caracol for a few months now and her face is beautiful and glowing. So I decided to participate. I bought myself a bottle for only 8 dollars in a ethnic shop. My skin is brighter, cleaner, and softer. Funny thing is, even my boyfriend has noticed… and is thinking of trying it.
I picked some up when we were in Mexico, as it was pretty inexpensive. I have noticed a difference in that my skin is smoother and seems more even. Not to sound like a broken record, but the best skin care advice thus far from my Dermatologist has been to stay out of the sun and use plenty of sunscreen.
Snai Cream is definitely very good for the skin, for years it has been proved by people who believes in natural products.
I used for years, my skin looks fresh and young, and gesst what…?
I’m 65 years old, and looks a lot youger than my younger bhoters and friends of my age.
What i normaly do is this: every evening before I go bed, I shave my face and apply snail cream on and then go bed,by the next morning my skin feels like a porcelane.
well i bought a bottle today and started using,i must say from, the minute u use u can compare the difference to any skin care product you’d use,theres no burning,stickiness,it feels as if u didnt put anything
It’s ok to eat them but not to use their secretion? Where is the logic behind that?
Have to chime in here. I’m in LOVE with snail slime… well, I love what it does for my skin. I first fell prey to a “free trial” slime that turned out costing about 80.00 a jar. I loved the effect but didn’t like the price tag, so had not used it for quite some time. I recently found another brand through Walgreen’s website. Had to order it online as they don’t carry it in stores, at least not in my town. It’s very affordable and works just as well as the expensive brands. I’m 51 with combination skin, large pores, etc., making many creams too oily, too drying, too heavy, etc. But I gotta admit, slime is perfect for hydration, smoothing, and soothing effects, and is really helping my crepey-eyelids and under eye bags.
I regularly catch, purge and then prepare the South African Giant
Land snail with garlic butter and find them totally delicious.
DIRECTLY after collection, they NATURALLY produce copious quantities
of very clean, clear slime which coats my hands as I wash them
to remove sand etc. The slime is totally odour and colourless and
very moisturising. So in my case, no extra stimulation seems to
be necessary. After the preparation for the week of purging that
they will undergo, my hands feel fabulous and wonderfully
smooth and moisturised- I really feel that the slime works. I currently
am purging about 50 snails, which I will enjoy with loads of garlic
in about a weeks time, however, I have noticed that during the
purging process, they DON’T naturally make slime, so in the
future will harvest the initial slime that they produce in such large
quantities. The 50 snails produced about 250ml of very clean slime.
I will keep it in the fridge for daily use as part of my beauty routine and will keep you posted as to the results.
Anyone doing the same thing ? If so, please share your results.
Hi Bernadette,
Didn’t hear of the SA big land snails yet, whereabouts are you collecting them, what’s their latin name -if you know it – would love to get a hold of just one for my snail collecting hobby, thnx tomkiss.
Pls email: [email protected] or sms: 0723069255
I have decided to give snail slime a try. When I started to look for it, the price tag was FAR too high for something that juries are still out on. Having said that though, there is not guarantee that really expensive creams work either. Anyhow, via my old friend ebay I found a cream with a very reasonable price tag, including delivery from the US to The Netherelands. I am using it for the last few day. I havn’t noticed anything miraculous thus far, however I am going to be open minded and give it a few weeks. If it work its part of my routine. No question about it. If not I didn’t spend that much money, no more than I would on a normal topical moisturiser. I have to say though, that I am routing for the cream to work (vanity is a terrible thing huh?), and if it does I will be a fan for life!!!
i used to live in Chile and tried snail cream. its okay, but i prefer jojoba oil and vitamin e.
Hi there!I´m a 22-year-old Chilean girl. Actually, snail slime works. At the beginning, I was reluctant to accept that, but after the first try, my skin got softer like porcelain. The label of the pot was “Elixir de Caracol” from Pamela Grant company. A friend of mine gave it to me since she knew I´ve always had acne problems like typical scars.
Obviously, the effect of snail slime depends on an excellent snail breeding. You can´t go and try with a product of bad quality because the results would be a disaster. First of all, you have to consult it with your dermatologist and how much you have to put it on your face. I say that because I´ve seen street sales, where the enviromental conditions for breeding snails are not proper at all. For example, a man selling pots with dirty hands and feeding snails with lettuce at the same time and without proper hygienic conditions , Yuk!
Anyway, if you want to try with cream of snail slime, don´t be afraid but also consult with your dermatologist.
I hope that my post would be an useful tip.
Bye!
I am just a consumer living in ohio 44 yrs old with acne ice pick scars. I bought the rejuvenation serum and the bioskincare cream 2 wks ago. I have rosacea and there is limited options for my skin type regarding scars. I am very impressed with both products, my large pores are shrinking, ice pick scars are smaller in size. I was told on the phone the serum is the highest concentration of snail secretion. This product is very real, no BS at all. It is a miracle product for rosacea skin type. I am excited to order the bioskinrepair to help me with the vascular side. I highly recommend bioskincare, it is expensive but well worth it, best regards, just trying to help anyone with rosacea skin type !
Are Snail Creams treated for Angiostrongyliasis and are they safe? Angiostrongyliasis is an infection by a nematode from the Angiostrongylus genus of kidney and alimentary tract roundworms. For example, infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis can occur after consuming raw Giant African land snails, Great Grey Slugs, or other molluscs. I also read that an infection can also occurs by ingestion of poorly washed vegetables containing small snail or their secretions. If their secretions can be infectious, I am worried the cream can be dangerous.
Respected sirs,
In the summer of this year I will watch tons of snails. If you need snail slime to produce anti-wrinkle ointments and other beauty products, email me!
I also hope that you will email me your requirements. Please if you need snail slime, tell me if you want it in liquid form or in powder form!
Sincerely: Kalcho Radanov!
Just bought a jar at CVS. Sounds interesting so will give it a try.
If anyone is interested on buying this type of cream i have two brand new jars of the original karakol kream the one seen on tv(spainh) and the one that Maribel Guardia(famous mexican actress)uses as she comes out on the infomercial.The usual price for the 2 oz jar is around $40 i have two brand new jars that i will let go for a good price of $60 for both if you are interested in them contact me via email at [email protected]
I suffer with rosacea and have been given antibiotic creams by the doctor, which I use when it flares up. I was introduced to snail slime in Spain a year ago and have been using it before I go to bed ever since instead of the antibiotic cream. It is fantastic, I have not had rosacea problems since. Not sure about my wrinkles but it is great for rosacea.
I just recently came back from korea, where a lot of cosmetic brands originate (skinfood/faceshop/etude….). Anyway, while I was in face shop the sales lady dragged me to the expensive area of the store and showed me an escargot cream. I was actually shocked and all i can say was: SNAIL?!?!? Anyway, I thought I would give it a try so I bought: Sseal – secret seal of nature rejuvinating escargot cream special set for around 43 USD(30 ml serum+50 ml cream). After a lot of miscommunication, I figured out that it was a moisturizer and something that gets rid of pimples (lady starts pointing at my pimples and making X mark).After one week of using it, I have to say I’m impressed. My skin looks radiant, acne and acne scars are gone and flawless. Definitely worth the buy!
Hi,i bought my snail cream in the UK http://www.natureas.co.uk and works great.
I use it a lot
It’s awesome!
hi there!!! i have heard so much about the snail cream but i havent been able to find one but i cook the african giant snail and they let out alot of slime when they are killed. i have decided to try using the slime produced. hope it works. am so excited.
I totally agree, it depends on the translation into the product. There are tons of Korean snail products in the market now and I’ve used 2 with varied results. The firs tone that I tried, Dr MJ Mucin Gel, didn’t have much effect on my skin. However, some of my customers who tried it raved about it! The second one which I have just opened, It’s Skin’s Creme d’escargot, is EXCELLENT. It’s one of the most raved about products in Korea and I can see why. Despite having less snail extract in it than the Dr MJ Gel, after using it for a mere 2-3 days, I could see my scars lightening. They have not completely gone yet (I’ve been using it less than a week) btu I have high hopes!!
There´s studies made in italy which I can email to you (pdf. file).
–Mila
@Mia: We’d love to look at the studies that you mentioned. You can send them to us at [email protected]. Thanks!
Good info on Keloids. Also if you are prone to developing keloids — scars that grow beyond normal boundaries — you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin.