The Battle of Viral Korean Essences: Snail Mucin Essence Vs. Mixsoon Bean Essence

In the ever-evolving World of Korean Skincare, essences have become a staple for those looking to boost hydration and achieve that coveted dewy glow. Among the plethora of options available, Snail Mucin Essence by K-Beauty brands such as Cosrx and Jumiso, and the Mixsoon Bean Essence have emerged as favorites for skincare enthusiasts. 

The increasing popularity and interest in Snail Mucin and Fermented Bean extracts within Korean skincare, along with their notable similarities, have sparked a common question: both bring unique benefits to the table, but how do they compare? Let's dive into the details of each to help you decide which essence might be the perfect addition to your skincare routine.

Snail Mucin Essence: The Healing Powerhouse

Snail Mucin Essence is derived from the secretions of snails. Yes, you read that right – snails! While it might sound off-putting at first, snail mucin is celebrated for its incredible healing properties. It's packed with Glycoproteins, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Zinc, making it a multi-tasking ingredient that can hydrate, soothe, repair, and exfoliate the skin.

Most recognisable of all, are the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence. The Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a fast-absorbing, hydrating formula that enhances skin tone and texture. Infused with low-stimulation filtered Snail Secretion Filtrate (96%), it deeply moisturizes, repairs dry or damaged skin, and offers anti-aging properties to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It leaves skin smoother, more radiant, and elastic, while its high concentration of Snail Mucin prevents moisture loss and maintains a healthy skin texture.

On the other hand, the more newly emerged Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence is scientifically verified as non-comedogenic, enhances skin texture and aids in the repair of sun-damaged skin within a mere 4 weeks without blocking pores. It features a potent blend of two key ingredients: 95% Snail Mucin for refreshing hydration, alongside 5-Peptides that promote anti-aging benefits and skin firmness. Expect to achieve smoother, more resilient, and healthier-looking skin, thanks to its deeply hydrating formula that fortifies the skin's barrier, hydrates thoroughly, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Additionally, this essence is formulated without fragrance, adheres to cruelty-free standards, and is ideally suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Pros

• Intense Hydration: The hyaluronic acid in Snail Mucin draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump with improved elasticity.
• Healing and Repair: It's known for its ability to repair damaged skin, fade acne scars, and reduce redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anti-Aging Benefits: Snail mucin can stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cons:

• Potential Allergens: Those with sensitive skin or allergies might react to this ingredient.
• The 'Ick' Factor: Some may find the origin of snail mucin unappealing, or can't use it due to lifestyle choices such as Veganism or due to religious beliefs.

Mixsoon Bean Essence: The Gentle Hydrator

On the other hand, the K-Beauty scene on TikTok and Instagram, and offline, have seen a increase in the popularity of the Mixsoon Bean Essence - a plant-based product that focuses on gentle hydration and skin barrier repair. It's derived from Fermented Beans, a method known to increase the nutritional value and enhance the absorption of ingredients into the skin. Some are even referring to this product as Vegan Mucin, as a Vegan and Cruelty-free alternative to the long-reigning Snail Mucin.

With its high amino content from Bean Ferment Extract, and moisture recharging and nutrient-rich ingredients including Pear, Barley, and Pomegranate, this essence from Mixsoon provides 3 main functions: skin conditioning benefits, moisture replenishment, and skin texture improvement by removing dead cells that have accumulated at the surface of skin.

The mucilage formula helps to increase moisture retention skin-deep for bouncier skin that is sufficiently moisturised and conditioned. With the additional benefit of smoother skin which is effectively exfoliated, and in turn exudes a natural, more youthful-looking glow.

Pros

• Soothing and Hydrating: Ideal for sensitive skin, it provides deep hydration without causing irritation.
• Skin Barrier Repair: Fermented Bean Extract helps to strengthen the skin's barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors.
• Brightening Effects: It can offer a gradual skin-brightening effect due to skin texture improvement and the non-abrasive removal of dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking radiant and even-toned.

Cons

• Less Intensive Treatment: While incredibly hydrating, it may not offer the same level of repair for damaged skin as Snail Mucin.
• Limited Anti-Aging Benefits: Compared to Snail Mucin, it may not as significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between a Snail Mucin Essence and the Mixsoon Bean Essence ultimately comes down to your skin's needs and your personal preferences. If you're looking for an ingredient that can hydrate, heal, and offer anti-aging benefits, Snail Mucin Essence might be the way to go. However, if you have sensitive skin or are looking for a gentle hydrator that strengthens the skin barrier, Mixsoon Bean Essence could be your perfect match.

Regardless of which you choose, both essences can offer unique benefits to your skincare routine, but work a little differently to improve skin textural issues often relating to skin dehydration.

Here is a list of Snail Mucin and Bean powered leading Korean Skincare products at Glam Touch:

• Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence
• Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
• Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
• Beauugreen Mirco Hole Snail Hydrogel Mask
• Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence
• Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum
• Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Cream
• Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Toner.

As with any new skincare product, it's always a good idea to patch test before applying it to your entire face. This ensures that you'll get all the benefits without any of the drawbacks. Happy hydrating!