Behind the Formula: How We Created Our Signature Snail Mucin Serum

Creating the Perfect Snail Mucin Serum: From Concept to Product Launch

As SWRL's Head of Research & Development with years in cosmetic formulation, creating our signature snail mucin serum became a personal mission. The journey tested our team's dedication but ultimately delivered results that make me proud every time I see customer reviews. Here's the story behind the formula.

Idea and Limitations

"Snail mucin and glowing skin. Can you do it?"—and that's how SWRL was "born." Well, I'm joking, of course. There were many steps before the essential SWRL products were first formulated on paper, then in the laboratory, tested over and over again by the entire team, confirmed, and finally sent to an accredited laboratory for official testing—only then were they ready to launch for customers to experience and tell their own stories about these new essentials for glowing, radiant skin.

Finding the Perfect Source

But that was just the beginning of the concept—we needed to bring it to life. The first step was finding an effective ingredient backed by clinical studies and data proving its efficacy, sustainability, and, most importantly, cruelty-free sourcing. Why does this matter? Well, cruelty-free practices should go without question, but sustainability, along with the diet and environment in which snails are raised, significantly impacts the quality and effectiveness of mucin. And that, in turn, affects its benefits for the skin (more on cruelty-free extraction methods in another journal entry).

We were thrilled to find a family-owned snail breeding farm in Tuscany, Italy, that checked all the boxes—providing efficacious, ethically sourced, and truly cruelty-free snail mucin. Operating since the late 1980s, their traditional approach to snail breeding focuses on natural, outdoor environments that produce the highest quality mucin.

Our chosen mucin was evaluated by the producer and demonstrated antioxidant activity through in vitro testing, as well as hydration enhancement through transepidermal water loss measurements (in vivo). Scientific studies have shown that snail mucin contains growth factors, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins, allantoin, glycolic acid, lactic acid, collagen, elastin, and essential amino acids. This rare combination makes it a unique cosmetic ingredient with moisturizing, exfoliating, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation-reducing, and healing properties.

Balancing Effectiveness and Texture

Keeping in mind the composition of snail mucin, we wanted to enrich the SWRL Shine Serum with additional antioxidant, soothing, and moisturizing ingredients to enhance its benefits—aiming for hydrated, plump, radiant, and glowing skin.

We carefully experimented with different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, searching for the ideal balance between efficacy and texture. We paid special attention to very small and ultra-small molecular weights, as they play a crucial role in deep hydration and plumping.

Here's what we used:

• Very small molecular mass (37–56 kDa) Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid – Helps retain moisture deep within the skin and visibly plumps fine lines.
• Ultra-small molecular mass (15 kDa) Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate – A unique HA derivative offering a cosmetic alternative to injectable fillers, promoting fast wrinkle reduction, improved skin texture, and enhanced antioxidant defenses while providing anti-pollution protection.
• High molecular mass (1000–1800 kDa) Sodium Hyaluronate – Works as an additional thickener and surface moisturizer, locking in hydration.

Additional key ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica Extract – Boosts antioxidant activity and provides soothing benefits.
• Propanediol & Sorbitol – Act as humectants and emollients, enhancing skin plumpness and hydration while preventing moisture loss, leaving the skin soft and supple.

The long and meticulous formulation and testing process paid off, as confirmed by an independent effectiveness study in an accredited laboratory. Our rigorous 4-week trial with 30 participants using standardized measurement tools showed remarkable results. We can proudly say that after just one use, Shine Serum immediately hydrates, soothes, smooths, and delivers a natural, strong glow to the skin. After four weeks of regular use, the serum:

✔ Moisturizes and improves hydration ✔ Makes the skin look more radiant and glowing ✔ Enhances firmness and smoothness ✔ Reduces the visibility of fine lines

And the best part? 90% of the panelists said they would continue using the product—the highest compliment a formulator and brand team could receive.

Looking back at the beginning, it's clear—we successfully created a snail mucin serum that delivers a glowing, dewy, and radiant complexion.

What's Next?

Is the perfect snail mucin serum truly perfect? For me—and the entire team—SWRL represents the process of continuous learning. We are always looking for ways to enhance our launched products, making them more effective, scientifically substantiated, and innovative.

In my lab notebook, I'm already sketching ideas for our next iteration, experimenting with complementary peptides that might enhance mucin's natural properties. Each formula adjustment feels personal—after all, I use these products every day too.

As an R&D specialist, I deeply appreciate the dedication of SWRL's brand owners, who invest so much time, effort, and resources into creating products that not only meet the highest standards but also push the boundaries of cosmetic science. While we love and use our launched products daily, we are always striving to make them even better and to evolve with the latest industry innovations.

And on the toughest days in the lab, when a new formulation just won't cooperate, I remind myself of Karolina's words:

"It's a never-ending process of improving and innovating. We always aim for the highest quality, but there's always more to learn and perfect."

I'd love to hear about your experience with our serum. Your feedback directly influences my work in the lab, so please share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media.