COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

A highly concentrated, viscous essence featuring Snail Secretion Filtrate to deeply hydrate, soothe, and repair the skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula is a minimalist powerhouse centered around Snail Secretion Filtrate, a premier ingredient for hydration, skin repair, and elasticity. The inclusion of Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, and Panthenol ensures deep moisture retention, while Allantoin and Arginine provide significant soothing and healing benefits. It effectively targets dehydration and compromised skin barriers without unnecessary fillers.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The safety profile is exceptional. It is free from common irritants such as fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohols. The preservative system (including Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-Hexanediol) is standard and generally well-tolerated. It is highly suitable for sensitive skin, though individuals with dust mite allergies should be cautious due to potential cross-reactivity with snail mucin.

Final Rating: 4.6

A top-tier facial essence that excels through simplicity and efficacy. By focusing on high concentrations of active humectants and reparative agents, it delivers on its promise of glowing, hydrated skin. Its gentle nature makes it a versatile addition to almost any skincare routine, particularly for those focusing on barrier health.

Verdict

This facial essence is a powerhouse formulation that prioritizes barrier health and deep hydration above all else. At the very top of the ingredient list sits Snail Secretion Filtrate, a unique biological component renowned for its ability to repair damaged tissue and restore elasticity. Unlike water-based toners that simply wet the skin surface, the mucin content here creates a protective layer that locks in moisture while actively soothing inflammation. It is particularly effective for those dealing with the aftermath of breakouts, as the regenerative properties help fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Complementing the star ingredient is a suite of effective humectants. Sodium Hyaluronate works to pull moisture into the deeper layers of the dermis, ensuring that the skin remains plump throughout the day. This is bolstered by Betaine and Butylene Glycol, which provide a silky feel without clogging pores, acting as moisture-binding agents that prevent transepidermal water loss. The inclusion of Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Allantoin makes this formula exceptional for calming redness and irritation. These ingredients act as a fire extinguisher for angry or sensitized skin, reinforcing the lipid barrier and reducing localized inflammation. From a formulation standpoint, the list is impressively concise and free from unnecessary fillers. There are no volatile alcohols or synthetic fragrances, which significantly reduces the risk of irritation for reactive skin types. The texture is controlled by Sodium Polyacrylate and Carbomer, giving the product a distinct, viscous consistency that glides effortlessly across the face. While Arginine is present to balance the pH, it also offers mild antioxidant benefits. However, the most distinct characteristic is the texture. It provides a unique slip that might feel unusual to those accustomed to watery essences. Despite the initial tackiness, it absorbs surprisingly fast, leaving behind a glow often referred to as glass skin. Whether you are battling a compromised moisture barrier, suffering from dullness, or simply looking to add a heavy-hitting hydrator to your routine, this product delivers consistent results. It effectively bridges the gap between a toner and a serum, offering a gentle yet potent solution for restoring skin health.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Key Active Ingredients / 主要活性成分

🧪 Snail Secretion Filtrate / 蜗牛分泌物滤液

Purpose: Skin repairing, hydrating, soothing, anti-aging

Concerns: Safe for most; animal-derived ingredients may not suit vegans

Notes: Rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid; promotes collagen production and aids in wound healing.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant, deep hydration

Concerns: None known

Notes: A form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin better; capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Soothing, barrier repair, moisturizing

Concerns: None known

Notes: Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5; excellent for calming irritated skin.

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing, skin conditioning, protecting

Concerns: None known

Notes: Helps soften and protect the skin while actively soothing irritation.

🧪 Betaine / 甜菜碱

Purpose: Humectant, anti-irritant, hydration balancing

Concerns: None known

Notes: A gentle hydrating ingredient derived from sugar beets that helps control water balance in skin.

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent, humectant, viscosity decreasing

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation; generally safe

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and prevents the product from drying out.

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, humectant, preservative booster

Concerns: None known

Notes: Provides a soft finish to the formulation.

🧪 Ethyl Hexanediol / 乙基己二醇

Purpose: Solvent, fragrance agent

Concerns: Can be a mild irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used to thin out the texture and dissolve ingredients.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Stabilizers / 质地调节与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Polyacrylate / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Thickener, film former, absorbent

Concerns: None known

Notes: A super-absorbent polymer that stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Viscosity control, gel-forming agent

Concerns: None known

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture and stabilizes the formula.

🧪 Arginine / 精氨酸

Purpose: pH adjuster, skin conditioning

Concerns: None known

Notes: An amino acid often used to neutralize Carbomer and adjust the pH of the product.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative, antimicrobial

Concerns: Can cause irritation in very sensitive skin or if used in high concentrations

Notes: Prevents bacteria and mold growth in the product.