HX08 Snail your way to timeless skin: ancient wisdom meets modern beauty!

Abstract The skincare industry continues to explore innovative antiageing treatments, including the use of snail mucus secretions for their potential to reduce pigmentation, scarring and wrinkles. Although initially met with scepticism, the use of snail secretions in skincare has historical roots dating back centuries. In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates reportedly used crushed snails for inflammatory skin conditions. The Han Dynasty in China documented its use in children’s tetanus, insect bites and haemorrhoids. Southern Italians have long used snail mucus to treat warts, calluses and acne, while rural communities in Southwest Cameroon applied snail mucus to freshly lacerated wounds. The modern resurgence of snail mucus began around 20 years ago when Chilean farmers noticed their skin healed quickly without scarring after handling snails. This observation led to research on Helix aspersa Müller snail secretions, which were shown to reduce skin damage. In 1993, the first snail cream received a patent, and in 1995, Elicina became the first commercially available snail cream. Today, snail secretion-based products remain popular, particularly in South Korea’s K-beauty market and the USA. The snail beauty products market was estimated at USD 2.5 billion in 2023. Recent studies suggest the antiageing effects of snail mucus may stem from its antioxidant properties, which promote skin repair and reduce oxidative stress. The use of snail secretions for skin health has deep historical roots, predating scientific understanding of their mechanisms. As ongoing research continues to reveal their potential, snail mucus products are increasingly gaining mainstream acceptance.