Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvel
Open accessAbstract
Dear Editor,From a scientific perspective, snail mucus, or snail secretion filtrate (SSF), has emerged as a significant discovery in dermatology and regenerative medicine. Several studies on mucus composition have illuminated its features in recent years, yet much remains unexplored. High-quality snail mucus contains adequate levels of active substances (e.g., allantoin, glycolic acid, proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and polyphenols). It comprises a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and trace minerals produced both externally and internally, which improves skin hydration, flexibility, and smoothness. This makes it an ideal ingredient for anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and serums. The beauty and pharmaceutical industries popularize commercial SSF products due to their natural composition and scientifically proven performance as a promising dermatological treatment. These products offer synergistic therapeutic effects, including cell signaling, tissue growth, tissue repair, wound healing, hydration, anti-aging properties, and exfoliation. Read more in the PDF.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This letter to the editor argues that snail secretion filtrate (SSF) is a promising natural ingredient for skincare and dermatological therapeutics, citing its active composition and a range of reported cosmetic and medical benefits. It concludes that further research and interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to realize snail mucin's therapeutic potential.
Key findings
No primary data are reported; the claims are drawn from cited literature.
- High-quality snail mucus contains active substances including allantoin, glycolic acid, proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and polyphenols, and is described as a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and trace minerals that improves skin hydration, flexibility, and smoothness.
- Reported synergistic therapeutic effects include cell signaling, tissue growth, tissue repair, wound healing, hydration, anti-aging, and exfoliation; SSF is also described as useful for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
- Preclinical trials and clinical evidence are said to show potential for wound healing, skin regeneration, inflammation reduction, and antibacterial and antifungal properties; an early study reportedly suggests anticancer properties by limiting skin cancer cell proliferation, and SSF-derived extract is used as eye drops for dry eye.
- Beyond cosmetics, SSF's wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions are said to extend to medical-grade products such as wound dressings, ointments, and therapeutic gels.
Methods
Not stated in the paper. This is a letter to the editor with no stated design, dataset, or analysis; it is a narrative commentary citing six references (references 1–6).
Limitations
The paper states that much remains unexplored and that "further research and innovation are required to effectively use snail mucin's therapeutic potential," and it calls for interdisciplinary collaboration among dermatologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and biotechnologists. Evident from the text: no primary data, no systematic search strategy, and no quantitative results are presented; specific claims (e.g., anticancer and dry-eye effects) are attributed to cited sources without critical appraisal or detail on study quality.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
8 of 10 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Interpretationcitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvel
SSF's wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions extend its use to medical-grade products like wound dressings, ointments, and therapeutic gels.
“Beyond cosmetics, SSF’s well-documented wound healing effectiveness and anti-inflammatory actions extend its use to medical-grade products like wound dressings, ointments, and therapeutic gels [5].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [5] Wargala E Zalewska A Sławska M Kot I Snail mucus as an innovative ingredient used in the cosmetologyand medical industry Aesth Cosmetol Med 2023 12 2 45 9 https://doi.org/10.52336/acm.2023.001 source
The ‘Snail Mucus in Medicine’ section says snail mucus is used in wound-healing agents and surgical adhesives, while ‘Snail Mucus in Cosmetology’ reports anti-inflammatory effects. The paper does not establish use in medical-grade wound dressings or ointments; its reference list mentions a wound-healing gel, but the medicine section cautions that medical uses remain under study. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvel
Advances in sustainable and ethical agricultural methods help promote SSF's dual appeal, improving its economic viability.
“Advances in sustainable and ethical agricultural methods help promote SSF’s dual appeal, improving its economic viability [5].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [5] Wargala E Zalewska A Sławska M Kot I Snail mucus as an innovative ingredient used in the cosmetologyand medical industry Aesth Cosmetol Med 2023 12 2 45 9 https://doi.org/10.52336/acm.2023.001 source
The SNAIL MUCUS EXTRACTION section describes a modern method as harmless to snails and says it permits repeated extraction. The Abstract describes uses in both cosmetics and medicine. Neither passage says these methods improve the economic viability of snail secretion filtrate (SSF), so that part of the claim is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.82)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvel
Commercial SSF products have scientifically proven performance as a promising dermatological treatment.
“The beauty and pharmaceutical industries popularize commercial SSF products due to their natural composition and scientifically proven performance as a promising dermatological treatment.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [2] Rashad M Sampò S Cataldi A Zara S Biological activities of gastropods secretions: snail and slug slime Nat Prod Bioprospect 2023 Oct 23 13 1 42 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-023-00404-0 37870705 PMC10593653 source
The Skin regeneration and anti-aging properties section says snail secretions are used in skincare products and reports evidence for skin-related effects. The Conclusions say studies have confirmed beneficial effects of gastropod slime. However, the paper does not establish scientifically proven dermatological performance for commercial SSF products specifically; it describes some skincare benefits as potential and says further investigation is required. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvel
SSF-derived snail mucus extract is used as an eye drop to treat dry eye conditions.
“SSF-derived snail mucus extract is also used as an eye drop to treat dry eye conditions [4].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [4] McDermott M Cerullo AR Parziale J Achrak E Sultana S Ferd J Advancing discovery of snail mucins function and application Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021 9 9 734023 https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023 34708024 PMC8542881 source
The Introduction discusses snail mucus in skin care, wound dressings, and drug delivery, but does not describe an eye-drop treatment for dry eye. Searches for “dry eye,” “eye drop,” and ocular terms found no supporting passage in our copy; the References mention snail secretion filtrate only in connection with skin aging. (LLM, conf=0.75)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvel
SSF comprises a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and trace minerals produced both externally and internally.
“It comprises a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and trace minerals produced both externally and internally, which improves skin hydration, flexibility, and smoothness.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] Das PJ Laskar MA Kalita JK Mohan HR Deka A Ahmed N The potential therapeutic applications and mechanisms of action of cryptomphalus aspersa (snail) extracts in dermatology and wound healing World J Biol Pharm Health Sci 2024 18 2 110 7 https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.2.0253 source
- May combine two claims. 5
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvelSSF has well-documented wound healing effectiveness and anti-inflammatory actions.
“Beyond cosmetics, SSF’s well-documented wound healing effectiveness and anti-inflammatory actions extend its use to medical-grade products like wound dressings, ointments, and therapeutic gels [5].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [5] Wargala E Zalewska A Sławska M Kot I Snail mucus as an innovative ingredient used in the cosmetologyand medical industry Aesth Cosmetol Med 2023 12 2 45 9 https://doi.org/10.52336/acm.2023.001 source
The SNAIL MUCUS IN MEDICINE and SUMMARY sections say snail mucus aids wound healing and is used in wound-healing agents. SNAIL MUCUS IN COSMETOLOGY reports anti-inflammatory effects, but the paper does not establish that these effects are well documented specifically for snail secretion filtrate (SSF). It also does not identify wound dressings, ointments, and therapeutic gels as medical-grade SSF products; the medicine section says its medical use remains under study. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvelCommercial SSF products offer synergistic therapeutic effects, including cell signaling, tissue growth, tissue repair, wound healing, hydration, anti-aging properties, and exfoliation.
“These products offer synergistic therapeutic effects, including cell signaling, tissue growth, tissue repair, wound healing, hydration, anti-aging properties, and exfoliation [2].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [2] Rashad M Sampò S Cataldi A Zara S Biological activities of gastropods secretions: snail and slug slime Nat Prod Bioprospect 2023 Oct 23 13 1 42 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-023-00404-0 37870705 PMC10593653 source
The Skin regeneration and anti-aging properties and Wound healing properties sections describe potential hydration, anti-aging, tissue-regeneration, and wound-healing effects of snail or slug slime, and note its use in skincare products. They do not establish that commercial SSF products deliver synergistic therapeutic effects, and they do not specifically support exfoliation. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvelPreclinical trials and clinical evidence have shown potential for wound healing, skin regeneration, inflammation reduction, and antibacterial and antifungal properties.
“Preclinical trials and clinical evidence have shown potential for wound healing, skin regeneration, inflammation reduction, and antibacterial and antifungal properties.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [4] McDermott M Cerullo AR Parziale J Achrak E Sultana S Ferd J Advancing discovery of snail mucins function and application Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021 9 9 734023 https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023 34708024 PMC8542881 source
The Introduction sections on wound healing and antimicrobial agents report skin regeneration, wound-healing effects in animal models, and antibacterial activity, including tests on bacteria isolated from clinical wound samples. They do not report antifungal activity or establish that snail mucins reduce inflammation; the passage about NSAIDs attributes inflammation reduction to the drugs. Testing clinical samples is also not the same as a clinical trial. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvelAn early study reveals that snail mucus may have anticancer properties, limiting skin cancer cell proliferation.
“An early study reveals that snail mucus may have anticancer properties, limiting ting the skin cancer cells skin cancer cell proliferation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [4] McDermott M Cerullo AR Parziale J Achrak E Sultana S Ferd J Advancing discovery of snail mucins function and application Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021 9 9 734023 https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023 34708024 PMC8542881 source
May combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ Hidden benefits of snail mucus: A natural skincare marvelSSF improves skin hydration, flexibility, and smoothness.
“It comprises a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and trace minerals produced both externally and internally, which improves skin hydration, flexibility, and smoothness.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] Das PJ Laskar MA Kalita JK Mohan HR Deka A Ahmed N The potential therapeutic applications and mechanisms of action of cryptomphalus aspersa (snail) extracts in dermatology and wound healing World J Biol Pharm Health Sci 2024 18 2 110 7 https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.2.0253 source
The paper relies on this without support.
High-quality snail mucus contains adequate levels of active substances (e.g., allantoin, glycolic acid, proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and polyphenols).
“High-quality snail mucus contains adequate levels of active substances (e.g., allantoin, glycolic acid, proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and polyphenols).”
The paper relies on this without support.
Snail secretions can be utilized as a cosmetic ingredient and therapeutic model for skin and disease renewal, improving skin health, reducing wrinkles, and treating conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
“Snail secretions (SF) can be utilized as a cosmetic ingredient and therapeutic model for skin and disease renewal, improving skin health, reducing wrinkles, and treating conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.”
The paper relies on this without support.
SSF’s adaptability for many applications helps it enter large markets and become a main ingredient in cosmeceuticals.
“SSF’s adaptability for many applications helps it enter large markets and become a main ingredient in cosmeceuticals.”
Cites
A natural biological adhesive from snail mucus for wound repair
Deng, T., Gao, D., Song, X., Zhou, Z., Zhou, L., Tao, M., Jiang, Z., Yang, L., Luo, L., Zhou, A., et al. (2023) · Nature Communications · doi:10.1038/s41467-023-35907-4 · Cited by 289 · see citing works
Advancing Discovery of Snail Mucins Function and Application
McDermott, M., Cerullo, A. R., Parziale, J., Achrak, E., Sultana, S., Ferd, J., Samad, S., Deng, W., Braunschweig, A. B., & Holford, M. (2021) · Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology · doi:10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Biological activities of gastropods secretions: snail and slug slime
Rashad, M., Sampò, S., Cataldi, A., & Zara, S. (2023) · Natural Products and Bioprospecting · doi:10.1007/s13659-023-00404-0 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
El-Attar, A. A., El-Wakil, H. B., Hassanin, A. H., Bakr, B. A., Almutairi, T. M., Hagar, M., Elwakil, B. H., & Olama, Z. A. (2022) · Membranes · doi:10.3390/membranes12050536 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Snail mucus as an innovative ingredient used in the cosmetology and medical industry
Student Scientific Association of Biologists - Biocosmetology Section, F. O. E. B., Wargala, E., Zalewska, A., Student Scientific Association of Biologists - Biocosmetology Section, F. O. E. B., Sławska, M., Student Scientific Association of Biologists - Biocosmetology Section, F. O. E. B., Kot, I., & Sub-department of Entomology, D. O. P. P. (2023) · Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine · doi:10.52336/acm.2023.001 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Das, P. J., Laskar, M. A., Kalita, J. K., Mohan, H. R., Deka, A., Ahmed, N., & Dutta, B. (2024) · World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences · doi:10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.2.0253 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Development and Applications of Bambusa stenostachya Leaf Extract in Personal Care Products
Liu, H.-C., Hsieh, C.-Y., Tsai, P., Chou, T.-Y., Yang, S.-C., Chang, C.-H., Huang, Y., Chien, C. C., Lee, S., Shih, H.-D., et al. (2025) · Processes · doi:10.3390/pr13010233 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Tağrısever, N. E., Bilginer-Kartal, R., İzbudak, B., Kocaağa, B., & Bal‐Öztürk, A. (2026) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-51633-5
Mosalam, E. M., Abdel‐Bar, H. M., AbdElhafez, A. R., Ghoneim, M. E.-S., Metwally, E. M., Nofal, A. E., & Elberri, A. I. (2026) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms27177729
- Authors
- Bazeer, A. B., Nagarajan, P., & Gayathiri, E.
- Affiliations
- Vinayaka Missions University (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Nagarajan, Prithiviraj
- Venue
- Biomolecules and Biomedicine
- Published
- 2024-08-13
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 2578-2579
- ISSN
- 2831-0896 (ISSN-L)
- 2831-090X
- PMC
- PMC12452115
- OpenAlex
- W4401537530
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1
- FWCI
- 0.48
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- Biomolecules and Biomedicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Wound Healing and Treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › Silk-based biomaterials and applications
- Keywords
- snail mucus, skin care ingredients, allantoin, glycolic acid, glycosaminoglycans, polyphenols, skin hydration, anti-aging cosmetics, wound healing, tissue repair, exfoliation, signal transduction
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Humans, Mucus, Skin, Snails, Wound Healing, Skin Care
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