Holy Snails First Snow Essence Review

Holy Snails First Snow Essence
1.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Holy Snails First Snow Essence Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Holy Snails First Snow Essence has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Holy Snails First Snow Essence contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Holy Snails First Snow Essence

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Holy Snails First Snow Essence:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Holy Snails First Snow Essence is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.7 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Holy Snails First Snow Essence is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract (est. ≈3.0%) and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Holy Snails First Snow Essence is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract (est. ≈3.0%) and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Holy Snails First Snow Essence

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Holy Snails First Snow Essence to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Holy Snails First Snow Essence for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Holy Snails First Snow Essence is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Centella Asiatica Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Holy Snails First Snow Essence

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Holy Snails First Snow Essence to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Oats
Function:
Origin:
Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helichrysum Italicum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hibiscus Hamabo Extract
Function:
Origin:
Iris Florentina Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Agave Americana Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rose Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fouquieria Splendens Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yucca Brevifolia Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Iodized Garlic Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Diazolidinyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.7 10
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.7 10
2.7
All humectants
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 9.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.3
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
2
Centella Asiatica Extract
1.5
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
1
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
0.3
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 9.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
9.3
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Hydrolyzed Oats
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Oats
Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root Extract
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) ExtractAn extract obtained from horse chestnut seeds that contains an anti-inflammatory and astringent mixture called Aescin. It also offers soothing benefits and is aimed at irritated skin.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Chamomilla Vulgaris Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Vulgaris Extract
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent and soothing extract derived from Ginkgo biloba tree leaves, a rare Chinese tree that is endangered in the wild, but grown nowadays as a decorative tree in parks. When taken orally, the extract can improve memory and brain function.
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Helichrysum Italicum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helichrysum Italicum Extract
Hibiscus Hamabo Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hibiscus Hamabo Extract
Iris Florentina Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iris Florentina Flower Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed OilAn oil cold-pressed from pumpkin seeds. It mainly contains emollient and occlusive fatty acids and phytosterols, as well as unusually high levels of antioxidant vitamin E and carotenoids.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract
Agave Americana Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Agave Americana Stem Extract
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Rose Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rose ExtractRose extract is an unspecified extract from the flowers of various kinds of fragrant roses, such as Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, or Rosa moschata. It is very fragrant and has a fresh, rose scent. Read more about rose oil here: Rosa Damascena Flower Oil.
Fouquieria Splendens Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fouquieria Splendens Stem Extract
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) ExtractAn extract derived from an edible mushroom known as snow fungus. It is full of various proteins, fiber, and humectant moisturizing polysaccharides.
Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract
Yucca Brevifolia Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yucca Brevifolia Root Extract
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractDerived from the root of an elm tree known as David, this soothing and antioxidant extract has been shown to have humectant moisturizing benefits that are similar to hyaluronic acid’s.
Iodized Garlic Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iodized Garlic Extract
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diazolidinyl UreaA synthetic preservative that is effective against most common bacteria. It is not considered broad-spectrum because it does not act against any type of yeast or mold. It is therefore commonly paired with antifungal preservatives.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.