Introduction
Welcome to my guide to snail products for your face! After extensive testing, reviewing and experimenting with numerous Korean cosmetic products, I wanted to compile my favorite snail-based products in a quick, easy-to-use reference guide, below. You'll find some of the most currently popular Korean snail-based sheet masks and face products below, ranked according to cost, quality (based on how much snail filtrate is included in the product) and overall experience.

 But before we get to that, a few quick points:

Background
On a trip to Seoul, South Korea, I learned about the many benefits of interesting and underutilized products that offer benefits to skin--everything from using silkworm cocoons as exfoliators to how animal fat can be moisturizers.

But by far my favorite discovery centered around products that use snail mucus, also known as slime or serum, for moisturizing and healing benefits. After some research, I found there was substantial (though not definite) indications that snail mucus has a lot of potential benefits in skincare and cosmetics. Snail secretions reportedly can stimulate human skin to produce collagen, elastin and other components while while helping to prevent signs of sun damage and aging, overall resulting in healthier, better-looking skin.

​As snail products have begun to take off outside of Asia and across the world, more and more products pop up. Snail filtrate is showing more and more to have a host of benefits. (Read my full report, The Benefits and Risks of Using Snail Slime in Cosmetics, to learn more about the science of snail slime and its benefits.)

Snail mucus products are available in everything from face masks (my preferred vehicle) to lotions, creams, skin patches and more. I began gathering and comparing products, just scratching the surface of what's out there. I focused on the most popular and affordable Korean brands (For more on recommended Korean cosmetic companies, see this post.)

Tips
Even though I've tested many snail products and compiled the highlights below, I strongly recommend taking a look at the ingredients before purchasing snail mucus or serum products. In general, active compounds in snail mucus products can differ depending on the animal and its secretion. Environmental conditions, food source and extraction methods also affect snail mucus quality, so it is not always easy to guarantee consistent results. However, one thing you can look for is what percentage or PPM (part per million) snail filtrate is in the product. This is not always listed, but in general 10,000 PPM is a good amount to look for.

If PPM of snail secretion is not listed, my second go-to is to note how high snail filtrate is on the list of ingredients. If it is one of the last items listed, the concentration of snail mucus is likely very low.

Below, you'll see some of my recommendations for snail facial products that I have found personally useful and with a good amount of snail filtrate. Of course everyone's skin is different, so as with any recommendation make sure to test yourself and see what works well for your particular skin chemistry and make-up.

Metrics for the guide
And, without further delay, you'll find my comparison guide of snail products below. Inclusion in the list is based on a few factors, including overall popularity of the product, maker, cost and percentage of snail filtrate.

Three guides are below, separated out into "Top 3 Snail Masks," their runner-ups in "More A+ Snail Masks" and finally "Top Snail Face Creams." Any products I've already written reviews for I've linked to for further details. Those reviews go over my subjective experience with each and why I like them; analysis of the quality and percentage of the key ingredients; and other factors.

A note on costs
Where I can I've linked to Amazon options for purchasing, however Sokoglam and the respective U.S. website of the Korean cosmetic company may also offer additional options for purchasing. I encourage you to shop around for the best price and shipping options especially around Black Friday and other holiday sales.
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If I've missed any top-notch snail face products, please let me know in the comments!

In addition to face masks, snail facial creams are extremely moisturizing. Here are a few of my favorites.

And there you have it, the Science Beauty Gal's guide to top and trending snail-based face products! I hope to add more as time goes on so feel free to check back for additional recommendations. And, as always, please let me know in the comments if I've missed anything!

PRODUCT: Real Tea Gel Mask - Rose

COMPANY: Skinfood (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: Wow! Where to start? I love this mask for a number of reasons.

This is the first hydrogel mask I've tried (as opposed to cotton or fiber, which the average sheet mask is made of). This leads to a slightly slicker, slimier application, but I found moisture locked in much better and the mask also conformed comfortably to my face.

It was also the first sheet mask I've done which came in two pieces, one for the upper half of the face and one of the lower half. I found this dual application also helped the mask conform tightly to my skin.

The third "wow" factor of this mask was the pieces of real rose petals suspended in the gel. Those, together with rose essence, made for a lovely scented sheet mask.

Now, all of these perks--the material, the two-piece application and the embedded rose petals--comes at a higher price than the average $1 sheet mask. These run about $4, so they're definitely not for every day use.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Scutellaria Baicalersis Root Extract, Camellia Sinersis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosa Gallica FLower Powder, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Camelia Japonica Flower Extract, Rose Extract, Phenyl Trimethicone, Allatoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Water, Potassium Hydroxide 

You can see from the ingredient list that there are a lot of floral elements in addition to the rose. Cosmetic claims of rose ingredients range from "brightening" the skin to benefits for sensitive and particularly aged skin. Like most cosmetics, there seems to be little clinical evidence around the benefits of rose and floral elements on the skin, but the psychological effects of floral scents can be calming overall (I particularly find the rose scent relaxing and pleasant) and the cooling and moisturizing effect of the hydrogel pack calmed my reddened, sun-stressed skin.

Application of the sheet mask is pretty standard: apply to clean, toned skin and leave on for 20-40 minutes. Gently pat in (or wipe off) the excess liquid. As with all sheet masks and products in general, discontinue use if you have signs of redness, swelling, itchiness and do not use on troubled areas. 

SMELL: wonderfully rose fragrant but not overpowering

TEXTURE: cool and smooth, gel-like

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for special occasions, given the cost.

RATING: 3/3
Rating Score Sheet:
​1/3: Wish I could turn back time and get my money back.
2/3: Decent enough to buy again, especially if it's on sale.
3/3: Shut up and take my money!

LINK: It's hard to find this one as a solo purchase, but Skinfood often offers variety packs here   (this mask should run no more than $4 wherever you buy it).

PRODUCT: Pure Natural Mask Sheet Snail

COMPANY: The Saem (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: Snail-based mask sheets are one of my favorite products, as snail slime an ingredient that results in skin healing. 

As with all sheet masks and products in general, discontinue use if you have signs of redness, swelling, itchiness and do not use on troubled areas. 

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Snail Secretion Filtrate, PEG-75, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Chiorphenesin, Glycyrrhiza Giabra (Licorice) Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Camelia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragrance

The ingredients don't list the amount of snail secretion filtrate but it is fairly high on the list, a good sign.

SMELL: pleasant

TEXTURE: minimal

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for being a high-quality mask.

RATING: 2/3
Rating Score Sheet:
​1/3: Wish I could turn back time and get my money back.
2/3: Decent enough to buy again, especially if it's on sale.
3/3: Shut up and take my money!

LINK: Amazon
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PRODUCT: Snail Solution Mask Sheet

COMPANY: Nature Republic (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: This is hands down my all-time favorite snail sheet mask. I bought a pack of 20 on a whim in Seoul's airport with the intent to share some as gifts but found them hard to part with. I ended up keeping most myself--they are that good!

If you've read my earlier posts, you know that snail-based mask sheets are a huge trend right now and, even though it may sound gross, snail filtrate (the excretion that snails leave behind) is excellent for softening skin, at least from an anecdotal perspective.

After cleansing, wear this mask after for 20-30 minutes before bed. As with all sheet masks, avoiding getting the product into your eye and remove immediately if you feel any irritation (some will tingle a bit; this is normal). I personally like to pat my face dry after using a mask and find I get a better effect in the morning.
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INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Portulaga Oleracea Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber), Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Myrothamnus Flabelllifolia Callus Culture Extract, Propylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

This snail mask contains 2,000 ppm. This is important! A lot of masks and cosmetic ingredients don't list how much snail filtrate they have in them. Your first clue is how high snail filtrate or snail secretion filtrate is listed in the ingredients (generally ingredients are listed from the largest amount to least amount). But when it's listed the ppm, or parts per million, then you know exactly how much snail filtrate you're getting in the product. It's tell you the mass of a chemical or ingredient per unit of water (also listed as milligrams per liter, mg/L). 5,000 ppm would be great, but 2,000 isn't bad.

Overall, this mask is very pleasant and leaves the skin wonderfully soft the next morning.
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SMELL: lightly fragrant

TEXTURE: minimal

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for the best mask I've tested so far.

LINK: Amazon

PRODUCT: TONYMOLY Intense Care Snail Gel Mask

COMPANY: TONYMOLY (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: If you've read my earlier posts, you know I adore snail-based mask sheets and products in general, as it's an ingredient that actually results in skin healing. TonyMoly is one of the hottest cosmetic stores in South Korea, and has recently branched to the U.S. (you can spot their brand in Ulta and many other U.S. stores). This particular mask is unique as it's made of 100 percent cotton, yielding a softer face mask experience than other products. 

After cleansing, wear this mask after for 20-30 minutes before bed. As with all sheet masks, avoiding getting the product into your eye and remove immediately if you feel any irritation (some will tingle a bit; this is normal). I personally like to pat my face dry after using a mask and find I get a better effect in the morning. 
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INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-32/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Glacier Water, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Betaine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance

The ingredients don't list the amount of snail secretion filtrate and unfortunately it is pretty low down on the list. However, I found this mask to be highly effective, soft and enjoyable, probably because of the cotton texture combined with the moisturizing ingredients. According the the packaging, the mask sheet is made of non-bleached fabric containing cottonseeds, an extra bonus. 
 
SMELL: pleasant

TEXTURE: minimal

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for a comfortable, relaxing and moisturizing mask.

RATING: 3/3

Rating Score Sheet:
​1/3: Wish I could turn back time and get my money back.
2/3: Decent enough to buy again, especially if it's on sale.
3/3: Shut up and take my money!

More info: Amazon (note that most sheet masks in Korean are about $1 but can be marked up 3 or 4 times as much when buying in the U.S.)

PRODUCT: Snail moisture mask sheet

COMPANY: IT'S SKIN (Korean)

DESCRIPTION: South Korean beauty shops offer a LOT of sheet masks, more than an individual could every try. However, snail-based mask sheets are touted for being exceptionally moisturizing and healing. This Snail moisture mask sheet is no different. It's Skin is one of my favorite Korean cosmetic companies and generally I found their products to be of high quality.

After cleansing, wear this mask after for about 15-20 minutes before bed. As with all sheet masks, avoiding getting the product into your eye. I personally like to pat my face dry after using a mask and find I get a better effect in the morning. According to the packaging, the mask "contains various kinds of moistures to manage original clear skin and make health skin" (verbatim). Let's take a closer look at the ingredients and see if that holds true!
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INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Polysorbate 80, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

Though the ingredients don't list the amount of snail secretion filtrate, because it is the 4th ingredient listed, it is a significant make-up of the product. That combined with rice extract and baobab seed are a triple-whammy of moisturizing.
 
SMELL: pleasant

TEXTURE: minimal

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for a super-moisturizing effect and for listing snail secretion filtrate (the key moisturizing ingredient) high on their list.

LINK: Amazon

​PRODUCT: it's real squeeze mask - bija

COMPANY: INNISFREE

COST: <1,000 WON ($1)

DESCRIPTION: This is one of many ingredients in Innisfree's It's Real Squeeze masks. This one claims the "bija" benefit, a fruit/nut from the torreya tree (a type of conifer with scant online information) which the packaging claims is a "precious" ingredient. Additionally the mask has a Jeju green complex: green tea, tangerine, cactus, camellia leaves, and orchids, all of which have varying anti-inflammatory and soothing properties presumably, aside from smelling delightful. The mask goes on after toner for 10-20 minutes before bed.

EXPERIENCE: A lot of "essence" (liquid) was in the package and seemed to drip while waring the mask, more than other sheet masks I've experienced. I felt a slight tinging, probably from the alcohol ingredient. (Side note: I always read the ingredient list after I try a one-off product as a "blind-test" study.) I did not notice any particularly enhanced moisturizing effect.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: This should be called a "grapefruit" mask as that's the primary fruit/plant ingredient, followed by aloe. Bija oil appears pretty low on the list along with some other nice ingredients on here (green tea, tangerine) though not in any significant proportions.

SMELL: I sniffed and sniffed but no noticeable smell. However, 50 Shades of Snail noticed a distinct initial alcohol and baby powder smell.

TEXTURE: Runny

YAY OR NAY: Nay

PRODUCT: Green tea seed cream and green tea seed eye cream

COMPANY: INNISFREE

COST: sample

DESCRIPTION: Both moisturizing lotions are made from green tea from Jeju island (a volcanic island off the Korean coastline), reveled for its volcanic water and natural beauty. From the box: "an antioxidant mositure cream formulated with freshly squeezed Jeju green tea and green tea seeds to create a clear and dewy skin from deep within."

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Let's take a look at the ingredients, shall we? Camellia sinensis (the tree plant whose leaves produce a variety of teas) is the lead ingredient (56%), a good sign. Rice bran wax, tea seed oil and a variety of fruit extracts (citrus, orange, tangerine) suggest that this will be a pleasantly scented and smooth experience.

EXPERIENCE: I found the green tea seed cream to be an incredibly light moisturizer. Though I only had the sample pack, I was limited in quantity but just the sample was enough to leave my skin noticeably smooth in the morning and not greasy or prone to breaking out like some of the thicker face creams. I am definitely planning to order more of this in the future. 

SMELL: Very lightly fragrant

TEXTURE: Smooth, whitish cream that rubs on comfortably

YAY OR NAY: Yay, a thousand times yay!

LINK: Innis Free World

PRODUCT: Nutrition Daily Sheet Mask

COMPANY: IT'S SKIN

COST: ~5,000 WON ($5)

DESCRIPTION: Seven sheets are made of organic cotton containing honey, rice ferment extract, olive oil and hydrolyzed collagen to "wake up the skin's own potential energy," according to the package. Tap the bag to distribute the "essence" (liquid) among the masks before applying one to a clean and dry face. Leave for 20 minutes for a one-time use after facial cleansing and toning.

EXPERIENCE: This delightful mask left my skin super soft the next morning. Bonus tip: the bag can go in the fridge for an extra cooling effect during hot weather.

INGREDIENT ANALYSIS: Water, glycerin and butylene glycol lead the ingredients list, before getting to the good stuff: mineral oil, honey extract, apple fruit extract, blueberry, rice ferment extract, olive fruit oil and more.

SMELL: Lightly honey

TEXTURE: cool and moisturizing

YAY OR NAY: Yay, for consistent moisturizing with a lovely smell and decent price point.