K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice Review

K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Snail Secretion Filtrate (est. ≈97.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Snail Secretion Filtrate (est. ≈97.0%).

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, K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Snail Secretion Filtrate (est. ≈97.0%).

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: K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Snail Secretion Filtrate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Snail Secretion Filtrate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Snail Secretion Filtrate may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence Snail Mucin 97% + Rice to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
97
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
Est. %
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water
Function:
Origin:
Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
99.2
97
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 99.2 10
10.0
97
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
97
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 99.2 10
10
All humectants
99.2
97
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 97 -
Total
0
Snail Secretion Filtrate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
97
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
97
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 97.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
97.6
Snail Secretion Filtrate
97
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
97
0.3
0.3
All soothing 97.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
97.6
97
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Snail Secretion Filtrate
Est. %97
Function
Origin
Snail Secretion FiltrateA purified and filtered slime from garden snails. It contains humectant and soothing mucin (which showed amazing results in clinical tests), decreased redness and stinging, and improved firmness, hydration, and coloration of the skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Ethyl Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl HexanediolA synthetic solvent used to dissolve difficult ingredients. It also has a pleasant scent and could be used to contribute to product fragrance.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

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.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Water
Est. %0.3
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.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water
Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake)