Would You Spend $300 on Snail Slime for Your Face?

by Alexandra Samuel


When Immunocologie Super 7 Elixer Face showed up at my desk, I immediately pumped some out onto my hand, rubbed it in and took a wiff -- you know, the usual stuff you do when you're testing a new product -- and loved it. It felt cool on my skin, smelled amazing and made my hand instantly softer.

Obviously, I started using the stuff on my face right away. Had I know it was pumped with snail slime beforehand, though, I may have thought twice.


See more: 6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs

Yes. Snail slime. Immunocologie's new serum is formulated with snail mucin -- the technical term for slime -- as the primary ingredient in this brand-spankin-new, $300 facial serum. I mean, I had heard of snail facials and, of course, the brand touts it as a regenerative and immune-protecting superstar, but I was seriously skeptical. Three hundred bucks -- and snail slime?! To get the skinny on the slimy ingredient, I caught up with cosmetic chemist Ni'kita Wilson.


Despite the hefty price tag, Wilson says snail slime is legit skin saver. "Mucin is a gel like substance," Wilson explains, "that helps reduce skin's water loss (and thus stays hydrated) which in effect helps soften fine lines and smooth skin all over."

Also worth noting is that mucin contains hydroxyproline, a compound which may help pump-up collagen production.

See more: Look Better Naked

So, does it work if you just let a snail crawl all over your face? Well, yes -- and tons of spas in Asia offer the service -- but Immunocologie's serum has benefits from other ingredients too, including a multitude of antioxidants like vitamins A and C as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Wilson also pointed out the serum also has glycolic acid to smooth skin's texture, along with peptides that help cut down on wrinkles long term.

My verdict: this stuff is awesome. And yeah, it may be a little gross in theory, but I'm sure whatever I come in contact with on the subway is way worse. But don't shell out the $300 unless, you know, money grows on trees for you or something.

Would you ever add snail slime to your skin care arsenal? Tweet us @AESam and@SELFMagazine!

More from SELF:

Drop Two Pounds in One Week!
The 24-Minute At-Home Boot Camp
20 Superfoods For Weight Loss
Secrets To Firing Up Your Metabolism