COSRX Snail 92 Cream: Formula, Evidence and Who It Suits
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream decoded: US vs Korean INCI, 92% snail filtrate research, the brand's own test claim, 9 Korean reviews and price.
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream is a gel-cream moisturizer built on one dominant ingredient: snail secretion filtrate, which COSRX says makes up 92% of the formula. Behind it sit betaine, a light olive-derived emulsifier system, sodium hyaluronate at a disclosed 1,000 ppm, and the soothing staples allantoin and panthenol. The result is a stretchy, hydrating cream that layers easily, suits normal, combination and dehydrated skin well, and works best for very dry skin under a richer final cream.
The formula decoded
COSRX sells this cream with two slightly different ingredient lists. The US product page on cosrx.com and the Korean label (on cosrx.co.kr and in Olive Young Global’s Korean label information) were both checked on October 6, 2026.
US ingredient list (cosrx.com, 22 ingredients): Snail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Ethyl Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Arginine, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Palmitic Acid, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Stearic Acid, Adenosine, Water, Myristic Acid.
Korean ingredient list (18 ingredients): Snail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Arginine, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine.
| Point | US version (cosrx.com) | Korean version |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient count | 22 | 18 |
| Extra ingredients | Butylene Glycol, Water, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid | None beyond the shared core |
| Disclosed concentrations | 92% snail secretion filtrate; 1,000 ppm hyaluronic acid | Same 92% headline |
| Regulatory status | Cosmetic under FDA rules | MFDS wrinkle-improvement functional cosmetic |
| Labeled size | 100g tube or jar (3.52 oz), 50g tube | 100g tube or jar |
The functional-cosmetic line is the most useful difference. Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) lets a cosmetic carry a “helps improve wrinkles” claim once the formula passes its functional-cosmetic review or uses a pre-approved ingredient at a set level. MFDS’s notified list for wrinkle improvement includes adenosine at 0.04%, alongside retinol and retinyl palmitate (MFDS functional cosmetic annex 4). Adenosine is the last ingredient on the Korean label, consistent with a small, fixed dose. COSRX does not publish the adenosine percentage. In the US, the FDA classifies a claim to change skin structure or function as a drug claim, so the same cream is sold as a moisturizer (FDA on cosmetic labeling claims). Our explainer on why Korean sunscreens are not FDA approved walks through the same split for SPF products.
| Role | Ingredients | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrating base | Snail Secretion Filtrate (92%), Betaine, Butylene Glycol (US), Sodium Hyaluronate (0.1%) | Water-binding sugars, glycoproteins and humectants; the reason the cream feels bouncy and hydrating |
| Light emollients | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Palmitic, Stearic and Myristic Acid | A thin cushion that slows water loss without a heavy, oily feel |
| Emulsifiers and gel network | Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Arginine | Build the elastic gel-cream; carbomer and sodium polyacrylate explain the stretchy, slightly tacky start |
| Skin-conditioning | Allantoin, Panthenol, Adenosine | Softening and comfort; adenosine is the Korean wrinkle-improvement functional ingredient |
| Preservation | Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexanediol | Keep the water-rich formula stable |
No fragrance or parfum appears in either list.
What the research says about snail secretion filtrate
Snail secretion filtrate is the filtered secretion collected from snails. It contains glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, allantoin and small amounts of glycolic acid (Bazeer et al., Biomol Biomed, 2024), which is why it behaves mainly as a humectant and skin conditioner. Two controlled human trials have tested snail-secretion products directly.
In a double-blind, randomized split-face study, 25 adults with moderate to severe facial photodamage applied an emulsion with 8% and a serum with 40% Cryptomphalus aspersa secretion to one side of the face and placebo to the other for 12 weeks. Silicone skin impressions showed significant improvement in fine lines around the eyes on the active side at 12 weeks, and texture improved more than placebo at 8 and 12 weeks (Fabi et al., J Drugs Dermatol, 2013). Participants themselves noticed fine-line improvement at week 8.
A second randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave 66 people with mild to moderate mask-related breakouts a serum combining snail secretion filtrate with calendula and licorice root for 12 weeks. The serum group had a greater percentage drop in inflammatory lesions at every visit; hydration and water-loss measurements were similar in both groups (Puaratanaarunkon et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2022). Because the serum mixed three actives, the result describes that combination.
| Claim | Best evidence | Study type, size, duration | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snail secretion products improve the look of fine lines | Fabi et al. 2013 | Double-blind split-face RCT, 25 adults, 12 weeks (8% and 40% secretion vs placebo) | Moderate |
| A snail-filtrate combination serum reduced visible inflammatory breakouts | Puaratanaarunkon et al. 2022 | Double-blind RCT, 66 adults, 12 weeks (combination serum vs placebo) | Moderate |
| This cream improved skin smoothness | COSRX product listing | Brand-reported Visioscan roughness result (38.69%); participants, dates and comparison group not given | Limited |
Neither trial tested this cream; they show what snail secretion has done in other formulas, while COSRX’s test covers the finished product.
COSRX’s own test data
COSRX’s product listing, checked on October 6, 2026, reports a 38.69% improvement in skin smoothness, measured as roughness (SEr) with a Visioscan skin camera. The listing does not give the number of participants, the test dates or a comparison group alongside that figure, so it reads as a brand-reported change from participants’ own baseline.
The page also describes the cream as hypoallergenic tested and lists a 36-month shelf life, or 12 months after opening.
What 9 Korean reviews report
We coded 9 Korean reviews of the cream on the Korean review platform Glowpick, published from April 2016 to May 2026, and counted only reviews with no disclosed sponsorship.
- 6 of 9 describe a stretchy, chewy, gel-like or slightly tacky texture as the cream is first spread.
- 5 of 9 describe easy absorption, a light finish or a moist-but-light feel once it settles.
- 6 of 9 found it works best as a lighter or layered moisturizer, noting tightness when it was used alone, a need for another cream in transitional seasons, or that it suits summer better than a winter night.
- 4 of 9 specifically recommend it for summer or warm weather.
- 2 of 9, one oily and one combination reviewer, found it too rich or slow to absorb.
- 1 of 9 liked the slight tack because it helps base makeup grip.
The clear pattern is a light, bouncy hydrator that most reviewers place in the middle of a routine or use alone in warm months. Reviewers describe overnight moisture alongside a wish for more richness in cooler seasons.
| Skin type | What the reviews report | Best way to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Normal or combination | Light, comfortable hydration, especially in summer | Alone as the moisturizer in warm months |
| Dry or dehydrated | Moist finish; more richness wanted at night and in winter | Under a richer cream, or alone in summer |
| Oily | Light finish in thin layers; one reviewer found it too rich | A small amount, allowed to settle fully |
| Sensitive-feeling | One reviewer reports no breakouts and a powdery finish | Patch test, then a thin layer |
| Under makeup | Slight tack helps base grip | Thin layer, a few minutes to set |
Price per gram
Checked October 6, 2026:
- cosrx.com (COSRX’s official US store): US$26 for the 100g tube or jar, which is US$0.26 per gram; the 50g tube is US$15 (US$0.30 per gram).
- COSRX Korea (cosrx.co.kr): 23,000 won for 100g.
COSRX labels this cream by weight (100g, 3.52 oz); some retailers list the tube as 100mL. A gel-cream like this is close to the density of water, so the per-gram and per-mL figures are nearly the same. The tube is the more hygienic format for daily use.
Who it suits, and who should pick something else
Choose it if you want a hydrating moisturizer that feels light, layers under other products, and stays fragrance-free. It suits normal and combination skin as a stand-alone cream, dehydrated skin that wants water more than oil, and anyone looking for a summer moisturizer. It also fits routines that already use richer creams at night: use it in the morning and keep the heavier product for evening.
Pick something else if you want a matte, powder-dry finish, or one cream to carry very dry skin through a winter night. A fluid lotion suits very oily skin better, and a lipid-rich barrier cream such as AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream suits very dry skin better. If you have reacted to snail products before, skip it: allergic contact dermatitis to a snail secretion essence has been documented in a case report (McCoy et al., J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2024). For persistent redness or breakouts, a board-certified dermatologist can help.
For where a moisturizer sits in a full routine, see what Koreans actually do in their skincare routine.
How to use it
COSRX directs applying a small amount evenly after cleansing and toning, gently patting to aid absorption, and following with sunscreen and makeup in the morning. At night, COSRX suggests it can also be used as a mask.
- Cleanse and tone. Apply any watery toner or serum first and let it settle.
- Dispense a small amount. About a pea-sized amount covers the face because the gel stretches as it spreads.
- Spread thin, then pat. Smooth it out in a thin film and pat until the tacky stage passes, about a minute.
- Layer if needed. Dry skin can follow with a richer cream on cheeks and around the mouth, especially at night and in winter.
- Wait before sunscreen and makeup. Give it two to three minutes to set. Gel networks with carbomer and polymers can roll up if sunscreen goes on too fast; our explainer on why sunscreen pills explains the chemistry and fixes.
- Overnight mask option. For a dry night, apply a thicker layer as the last step and leave it on.
The bottom line
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream is a hydration-first gel-cream with an unusually transparent headline: 92% snail secretion filtrate and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate, plus adenosine that gives the Korean version its wrinkle-improvement registration. Controlled trials of snail-secretion products support improvements in fine lines and visible breakouts, COSRX reports a measured smoothness result for the finished cream, and nine Korean reviewers across a decade describe a bouncy, light moisturizer that shines in summer and as a layer. Use it thin, let it set, and add a richer cream when your skin asks for one.
Sources and research notes
COSRX US and Korean product pages with both ingredient lists and the brand-reported Visioscan smoothness result, Olive Young Global label information, the MFDS functional-cosmetic ingredient annex, FDA cosmetic claims guidance, controlled trials and a case report on snail secretion products, and 9 Korean Glowpick reviews published April 2016 to May 2026, checked on the date shown.
Source record date: 2026-10-06. Prices and availability are as of that date.
- COSRX US: Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (INCI, 92% and 1,000 ppm disclosure, brand-reported 38.69% smoothness, US$26 for 100g on 2026-10-06)
- COSRX Korea: Snail 92 All In One Cream 100g (Korean INCI, wrinkle-improvement functional cosmetic)
- Olive Young Global: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (Korean label information)
- MFDS: Functional cosmetics exempt from data submission, Annex 4 (adenosine 0.04% for wrinkle improvement)
- FDA: Cosmetics labeling claims
- Fabi et al. Cryptomphalus aspersa secretion on photoaged skin, split-face RCT. J Drugs Dermatol 2013
- Puaratanaarunkon et al. Snail secretion filtrate combination serum for maskne, RCT. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022
- Bazeer et al. Hidden benefits of snail mucus. Biomol Biomed 2024
- McCoy et al. Social media influence on adolescent skincare, including snail filtrate contact dermatitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2024
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/review/3305495
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/review/6938018
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/review/7452860
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/review/7469957
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/review/2595348
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/review/7219606
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/reviews/7614068
- Korean user review: www.glowpick.com/brands/1041
Frequently asked questions
How much snail mucin is in COSRX Snail 92 Cream?
COSRX discloses 92% snail secretion filtrate and 1,000 ppm (0.1%) sodium hyaluronate. Snail secretion filtrate is the first ingredient on both the US and Korean ingredient lists, checked October 6, 2026.
Is the US version the same as the Korean version?
Not exactly. The US list on cosrx.com has 22 ingredients and adds butylene glycol, water, palmitic acid and myristic acid. The Korean label has 18 ingredients and is registered in Korea as a wrinkle-improvement functional cosmetic, with adenosine as the last ingredient. The lead ingredients and the 92% claim are the same.
Is COSRX Snail 92 Cream good for oily skin?
It works best for oily skin in a thin layer. In 9 Korean Glowpick reviews from April 2016 to May 2026, 5 described easy absorption or a light finish and 6 noted a stretchy, gel-like texture; 2 oily or combination reviewers found it too rich. Apply a small amount and let it settle before judging the finish.
Is it enough on its own for dry skin?
Dry skin usually gets more from it as a hydrating layer under a richer cream. Six of the 9 Korean reviewers found it works best as a lighter or layered moisturizer, adding another cream when skin felt tight or in cooler seasons.
How much does it cost?
On October 6, 2026 cosrx.com listed the 100g tube at US$26, or US$0.26 per gram. COSRX Korea listed the same size at 23,000 won.