In the lab, cosmetic researchers have identified at least five types of mucus cells in the garden snail alone, each producing a different biochemical composition. Among them, glycosaminoglycans are the prized gems of the skin care world. These molecules have a natural ability to draw in water, making them favored ingredients in plumping moisturizers. Snail goop is also packed with elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamins (A, C, E, and more).
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Many people are exploring mucin's medical potential for wound healing in diabetes, eye health, and even cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. For example, scientists are working on developing eye drops using snail slime, which could help manage certain eye diseases.
Some studies showed that snail mucin performed better than commercial antibiotics (including amoxicillin and streptomycin) when treating burns, gastric ulcers, and post-surgery infections.
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