Health expert gives verdict on Jeremy Clarkson product

The new fifth season of Clarkson’s Farm has been released on Prime Video this week (Wednesday, June 3), with the first four episodes now available to stream.

Among the season’s most talked-about storylines is the farm’s latest business venture: harvesting snail slime, known as snail mucin, to create a new range of skincare products.

Long popular in Korean skincare, snail mucin has gained widespread attention in recent years, with “snail mucin” and related skincare terms generating around 20k searches every month in the UK.

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Rhysa Phommachanh, health specialist at Landys Chemist, said: “Snail mucin has become incredibly popular because it’s a multitasking ingredient that appeals to a wide range of skincare concerns.

“It contains naturally occurring compounds such as glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants, which can help support hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and improve the appearance of skin texture over time.

“One of the biggest reasons for its rise is that consumers are increasingly looking for products that deliver multiple benefits without adding complexity to their routine.

“Snail mucin is often well tolerated by many skin types and can be used alongside other skincare ingredients, making it an attractive option for people wanting healthier-looking skin without relying on multiple separate products.”

Ms Phommachanh has now shared her 10 tips on using the product.

Don’t assume it’s suitable for everyone

“Although snail mucin is generally considered gentle, some people can experience sensitivity or allergic reactions,” she said.

“Interestingly, those with dust mite or shellfish allergies may be more likely to react, so it’s worth carrying out a patch test before applying it to the entire face.”

Apply it to slightly damp skin

“Many people use snail mucin on completely dry skin, but applying it to slightly damp skin can help maximise its hydrating properties,” she said.

“The ingredient works particularly well when there’s moisture present for it to help retain.”

Seal it in with a moisturiser

“Snail mucin is excellent for hydration, but it shouldn’t necessarily be the final step in your routine,” she said.

“Applying a moisturiser afterwards helps lock in hydration and prevents moisture loss throughout the day.”

Store it away from heat and sunlight

“Most people focus on storing medication correctly but forget that skincare products can also degrade,” she said.

“Keeping snail mucin products in direct sunlight, humid bathrooms or warm environments may affect their stability and texture over time.

“A cool, dry cupboard is usually best.”

Be cautious when layering with strong exfoliants

“Snail mucin can be used alongside ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid, but if you’re using multiple active ingredients in one routine, introducing them gradually can help reduce irritation and allow you to see how your skin responds,” she added.

It may help offset irritation from active ingredients

“One lesser-known benefit is that snail mucin is often used as a ‘buffer’ alongside ingredients such as retinol,” she said.

“While it won’t prevent irritation entirely, many people find the added hydration helps improve comfort and support the skin barrier.”

Don’t overlook your neck and hands

“Most consumers focus exclusively on the face, but the neck and hands are often among the first areas to show visible signs of skin ageing and dehydration,” she said.

“Applying snail mucin to these areas can help maintain overall skin hydration.”

Remember that hydration isn’t the same as moisturisation

“A common misconception is that hydrated skin and moisturised skin are the same thing,” she said.

“Snail mucin primarily helps attract and retain water within the skin, but many people will still benefit from using a moisturiser alongside it to support the skin barrier.”

Check the percentage before buying

“Not all snail mucin products contain the same concentration of snail secretion filtrate,” she added.

“Consumers often assume all products perform similarly, but formulations can vary significantly, so it’s worth reviewing ingredient lists rather than relying solely on marketing claims.”