Snail secretion (Achatina fulica) for formulators: actives, mechanisms, benefits
Introduction
Snail secretion contains a range of active ingredients especially useful in cosmetics for creams, serums, and gels for the face, body, neck, and décolleté. Recommended in anti-acne protocols, it reduces the formation of blemishes and speeds up epidermal repair. It helps fade spots, reduces the visibility of scars, counters dehydration and redness, helps prevent stretch marks, and acts as an anti-aging agent. It is therefore indicated for anti-ageing, reparative, soothing, and post-shave care.
Key actions
Protect and care
Naturally occurring peptides with antibacterial activity act as a protective, antioxidant shield, strengthening the skin’s hydrolipidic film against external aggressors. They help improve skin prone to acne or psoriasis.
Regenerate and repair the epidermis
Rich in allantoin and glycolic acid, snail secretion gently regenerates and exfoliates the skin, promoting cell renewal. These actives support tissue repair and healing, particularly in cases of acne, superficial burns, and other scars.
Reduce signs of aging
Collagen gives tissues mechanical strength, elastin supports skin suppleness, and glycolic acid improves skin texture and appearance. The complexion looks smoother, firmer, and more supple; wrinkles, fine lines, and spots are visibly diminished.
Brighten the complexion
Glycolic acid refines skin texture and evens the tone. Vitamins, especially A and C, add radiance while supporting hydration and helping slow cutaneous aging.
Key active ingredients
Allantoin
Regenerates epidermal layers; nourishing and protective. Indicated for post-shave care and formulas targeting blemishes, pimples, wrinkles, burns, scars, and abrasions.
Collagen
The skin’s main fibrous component, providing support and resistance to stretching. Its natural production declines with age, contributing to skin aging.
Glycolic acid
Stimulates collagen and elastin production, promotes epidermal renewal, and removes dead cells for smoother, more even, better-hydrated skin.
Elastin
A key protein for skin elasticity, allowing skin to stretch and return to shape; about 2% of dermal weight.
Mucopolysaccharides
Hygroscopic substances that form a structural gel on contact with water. They maintain long-lasting hydration, support tissues, and enhance protection.
Vitamins A, C, and E
Vitamin A supports pigmentation and hydration; vitamin C aids protection and healing; vitamin E, an antioxidant, protects against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and supports hydration.
Natural antibacterial peptides
Help limit pathogens (e.g., staphylococci, pseudomonas). Act as a protective barrier against pollution, UV, cold, dust, and wind.
Applications and detailed cosmetic benefits
Moisturizing action
Thanks to mucopolysaccharides, excellent water retention and lasting comfort.
Healing action
The combined effect of allantoin + vitamins + collagen stimulates tissue regeneration and epidermal repair.
Soothing action
Allantoin, proteins, and mucopolysaccharides help prevent and reduce redness caused by sun or cold.
Purifying action
Glycolic acid and peptides help prevent the build-up of impurities and, if present, assist in their removal.
Exfoliating action
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the stratum corneum, softens hyperpigmentation, and helps prevent stretch marks.
Regenerating action
Allantoin stimulates elastin and collagen fibers, supporting tissue repair and smoothing wrinkles.
Nourishing action
Presence of elastin and collagen for better tissue elasticity; the appearance of wrinkles is visibly reduced.
Protective action
Protection against dryness, UV, and premature aging.
Antibacterial action
Particularly relevant in anti-acne routines by reducing implicated bacteria.
The secrets of snail secretion for a radiant complexion
Soothing properties
Composed of glycolic acid, collagen, elastin, and allantoin, snail secretion is naturally soothing. Highly active allantoin supports tissue repair. Products formulated with fresh secretion are appreciated for smoothing wrinkles, softening signs of aging, and calming temporary irritation or itching. Vitamin A is especially beneficial for dry skin and protects against external aggressors.
Repairing action on marks from imperfections
Marks may follow minor injuries, pimples, or redness. Allantoin promotes cell regeneration and helps repair epidermal tissues, contributing to fading these traces and limiting the appearance of new ones.
Suppleness and elasticity
Collagen input and the natural richness in elastin improve the skin’s response to aggressions and support its elasticity, helping prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-aging properties
Three components stand out: collagen (mechanical strength), glycolic acid (removal of dead cells; visibly younger-looking skin), and elastin (suppleness). Together, they contribute to a smoothing and firming effect.
Hydration and radiance
Glycolic acid helps achieve a luminous complexion and better hydration by promoting a more even distribution of melanin and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Vitamin A supports long-lasting skin hydration year-round.
Clinical data (example)
According to an evaluation of a snail-secretion cream conducted by COSMEPAR, after use the skin was judged firmer (76%), regained tone (76%), was smoothed (86%), and appeared more vital (81%). These results illustrate the potential of products formulated with snail secretion and can guide product development.