Beauty
Are Snail Mucin And Beef Tallow Safe To Use On Your Skin? An Esthetician Explains
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Beauty
Are Snail Mucin And Beef Tallow Safe To Use On Your Skin? An Esthetician Explains
Unusual skincare products are all the rage on social media. But are they actually safe to use on your skin?
If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that the world of skincare will always give us surprising new products and procedures. (Hello, vampire facial!). In the age of influencers and social media virality, this is more true than ever.
The latest trends that have caught our attention are both rooted in natural ingredients: snail mucin and beef tallow. Touted as holistic alternatives to traditional skincare, these products claim to hydrate and plump your dewy skin without extra additives. But should we be putting them on our faces?
“The unfortunate reality is that I always have skepticism about trends on TikTok or Instagram,” says Leah Corrin, a medical esthetician and founder of Essence of L, a medi-spa in White Rock, B.C.
Most of the people you’ll find promoting these products are paid influencers, says Corrin, leaving her suspicious of how legitimate their recommendations are. “Even if their claims are science-backed, you’re still getting exposure from someone who isn’t a dermatologist or trained esthetician,” she explains.
That said, she has seen some dermatologists on social media partnering with brands that promote these ingredients. This confusing intersection can be complicated for consumers who aren’t well-versed in the science of skincare.
So, how do we know if viral products like beef tallow are safe to use? Corrin breaks down the efficacy of these ingredients—plus, how to identify safe products and properly test them out.
Is snail mucin safe to use on your skin?
Derived from the secretion of snails, snail mucin was introduced to the skincare market over 10 years ago.
“Before exosomes and stem cell therapy came about, snail mucin was new and trendy,” says Corrin. Claiming to hydrate, reduce inflammation, and heal tissue, the ingredient was often used post-laser treatments and skin peels.
Snail mucin can be found in a variety of skincare products, including Corsrx’s best selling Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Though it has its merits, particularly in terms of plumping up your skin, the ingredient isn’t right for everyone.
The number one challenge that Corrin encounters with snail mucin is allergies. Because of its distinct and relatively unpleasant scent, many companies add fragrance to their products to make them smell better. A combination of these additives can trigger an allergic reaction, causing small, irritated red bumps on the skin.
If you have shellfish allergies or are concerned with using non-cruelty-free products, Corrin also suggests steering clear of snail mucin.
What about beef tallow? Is beef tallow safe to use?
Unlike snail mucin, which is typically added to skincare products, beef tallow is exactly what it sounds like—100 per cent beef fat. So, how does this newfangled moisturizer fare on the skin?
“I wouldn’t say it’s not safe, but it can cause a lot of issues,” says Corrin, who has seen cases where it “wreaked havoc” on patients’ skin.
Despite its hydration claims, Corrin says that the product can actually make your skin dry out and effectively age faster. “There’s no water in the formula, so you’re just putting fat on your face,” says Corrin.
Since beef tallow is a pore-clogging ingredient, it’s also particularly harmful for those with acne-prone skin. Its effects can take time to appear—up to three months—so trialing this product requires time and commitment that Corrin doesn’t recommend.
How to safely test new products
The first thing Corrin suggests is to check where new products are coming from, particularly how long a brand has been in business.
If a brand is touting “natural remedies,” be wary of what ingredients they’re using. “Natural doesn’t always mean better,” says Corrin. “Stinging nettles are natural, but are you going to go out into the forest and roll around in them?”
It’s about how these ingredients work together chemically, rather than how holistic they claim to be. Generally, she recommends investing in medical-grade products that have extensive clinical testing behind them.
Once you’re ready to try out a new product, it’s best to do a patch test to see how you react. This is especially important for those who have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
First, place two dots of product about two inches apart on your forearm. Apply the product morning and night for about three days, keeping an eye on the skin to see if there are signs of redness or bumps. If everything looks good, try a similar approach on your jawline before moving on to the rest of your face.
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