Snail Mucin vs. Bean Essence: Which One is Better for Your Skin?

Two powerhouse skincare ingredients with unique benefits and viral fame to boot. But how do they compare, and which is best for your skin type, plus product recs for each.

Look, I'll be the first to admit that my skincare journey has led me down some…shall we say, questionable paths. But nothing—and I mean NOTHING—has made me question my life choices quite like the day I found myself standing in front of my bathroom mirror, casually slathering snail slime across my face, while contemplating whether fermented beans might be the better option (thanks K-beauty).

I'll admit, I was skeptical. The idea of putting something slimy and gooey on my face didn’t sound super appealing, but my curiosity won out in the end. After all, people from all across the world were swearing by these unconventional ingredients, I had to see what the fuss was for myself. So, which slimy skin saviour is better? Do you really need either of them? Let’s break it all down—the benefits, the differences, and my personal take after using both.

The Snail Mucin Craze, Explained

Yes, snail mucin is exactly what you think it is: that slimy trail that snails leave behind them. Gross, I know, but before you gag and close this tab, hear me out.

Despite its popularity in K-beauty products, the modern snail mucin craze actually kicked off in Chile in the 1980s when snail farmers noticed their hands became unusually soft and cuts healed quickly after handling the snails. But it was the skincare marketing geniuses in Korea who took note of this unusual ingredient, and turned it into the full-blown skincare phenomenon it is today.

Potential Benefits of Snail Mucin

Snail mucin is rich in many naturally occurring compounds with hydrating, soothing and anti-aging properties.

• Deep Hydration – Snail mucin contains glycosaminoglycans, which help retain moisture and keep the skin plump.

• Soothes & Repairs – Contains allantoin and collagen, which support cell regeneration and help heal damage to the skin barrier.

• Anti-Aging – copper peptides help to smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity.

• Exfoliation – Contains glycolic acid that promotes exfoliation for a smoother texture.

• Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory – Ideal for irritated and sensitive skin, helping to calm redness and inflammation.

Who Should Use Snail Mucin?

Snail mucin is best suited for:

• Dry or dehydrated skin that needs long-lasting moisture.

• Aging skin looking to improve elasticity and fine lines.

• Acne-prone skin needing repair for post-inflammatory marks and scarring.

• Sensitive skin that requires gentle hydration without irritation.

Recommended Snail Mucin Products

• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – The OG cult-favorite that delivers hydration and skin repair.

• Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence – Combines snail mucin with peptides and bee venom for added soothing and anti-aging benefits.

• Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule – With added soothing and hydration from centella and hyaluronic acid.

Soybean Essence: The New Rising Star

On the other side of this skincare showdown, we have fermented bean essence, typically derived from soybeans, This ingredient originates from traditional Asian skincare practices, where fermented ingredients have been used for centuries. Fermentation breaks down the nutrients in beans, supposedly making them more bioavailable and potent when applied to the skin.

Bean essence became an overnight sensation with Mixsoon’s product especially becoming a viral hit. It has the same gooey consistency of snail mucin, and has similar (though not identical) benefits, with the advantage of being vegan, and allergy friendly.

Benefits of Bean Essence for Skin

• Brightening – Rich in antioxidants, bean essence helps even out skin tone and fade dark spots.

• Anti-aging – Fermented soy contains peptides that promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

• Oil Control & Sebum Regulation – Perfect for oily skin, as it helps regulate sebum production without over-drying.

• Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory – Packed with isoflavones, it soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.

• Hydrating – Like snail mucin, fermented soybean also supports the increase of glycosaminoglycan levels in the skin.

Who Should Use Bean Essence?

Bean essence works well for:

• Oily and combination skin that needs hydration without excess heaviness.

• Dull or uneven skin tone looking for brightening benefits.

• Acne-prone skin that can benefit from gentle anti-inflammatory properties.

• Aging skin seeking peptides for long-term collagen support.

Recommended Bean Essence Products

• Mixsoon Bean Essence – The product that brought the world’s (and my) attention to beans, this incredible essence is formulated with a number of fermented ingredients, including soybean, pear juice and barley.

• Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence – A highly concentrated essence with fermented galactomyces and niacinamide to brighten and strengthen the skin barrier.

• Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Serum – A nourishing yet lightweight serum infused with soybean extract and ceramides to support hydration and elasticity.

My Personal Preference as Someone with Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

While I can appreciate the deep hydration and soothing effects of snail mucin, I personally prefer bean essence for my oily, acne-prone skin. Why?

• Lighter Feel: Snail mucin, while effective, sometimes feels a little too heavy on my skin. Especially in humid weather, it felt like it was just sitting there on my skin. Bean essence, on the other hand, absorbed in more quickly and effortlessly for me. It also didn’t feel as heavy after going on.

• Better Oil Control: Bean essence helps regulate sebum production without drying me out, making my skin feel more balanced. I found it worked better to control my acne, whereas I found myself breaking out if I used snail mucin every day.

• Brightening Benefits: As a brown girl, I’ll always take brightening properties if I can get them. Over time, I’ve noticed that bean essence has helped even out my skin tone and fade acne scars faster than snail mucin ever did.

That being said, I can imagine someone with far more dry, dehydrated or irritated skin than me, would probably prefer to reach for snail mucin because of its repairing properties. The best choice depends on your specific skin needs and how your skin reacts to each ingredient.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Both snail mucin and bean essence are excellent skincare ingredients with unique benefits. If, like me, you have oily, acne-prone, or dull skin, fermented soybean essence might be the better option for you. And if you have dry, damaged, or aging skin, you’re probably going to prefer snail mucin, even though my skin didn’t love it.

If you’re unsure, consider incorporating one at a time, giving yourself a few weeks to checkout the results (take pictures if you really want to compare), and making a decision based on the evidence. Remember, neither of these are going to make miracles happen overnight. Consistency, and listening to your skin are both key.

Have you tried snail mucin or bean essence in your skincare routine? Which one works better for you? Let’s chat in the comments below!

About The Skinimalist

Hi, I’m Mal, a 30-something recovering skincare addict, and this is my blog. A space where I attempt to de-influence you from chasing trends and buying more skincare products you may not need.

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