COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser: How to Use It

What should you expect from it?

The practical job of cleansing is to remove dirt, pollutants and excess oil. Water alone is less effective at removing oily particles. Think of this product as a face wash rather than your targeted treatment or moisturizer. COSRX separates cleansing, targeted care and moisturizing into different steps, so the snail name does not get to do every job.24

Is it a good choice for sensitive skin?

COSRX positions this cleanser for sensitive skin, but "gentle" is not a regulated term. If fragrance has caused reactions before, choose a cleanser labeled fragrance free rather than relying on a sensitive skin claim. Even a product selected for your skin type can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, so test a new cleanser before using it across your face.145

How do you wash with it?

These are general face washing steps. Follow the cleanser's pack directions for the amount to use and any specific instructions.6

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can increase dryness and irritation.
2. 2Gently massage the cleanser over your face, jaw and neck with your fingertips. Skip scrubbing brushes, loofahs and harsh washcloths.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water until the cleanser and any residue are fully removed.
4. 4Pat dry with a clean cotton towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing. If you use a serum or essence, COSRX places targeted care before moisturizer. Apply sunscreen during the day.

Should you use it morning and night?

• For most people, washing in the morning and evening is a reasonable starting point.
• For dry or sensitive skin, try water alone in the morning and cleanser in the evening.
• For oily or acne prone skin, cleanse morning and evening. An additional wash after vigorous exercise can help remove sweat.
• For combination skin, twice daily washing generally works, but dryness or irritation is a reason to change to a gentler cleanser or use a thicker moisturizer.
• If you only cleanse once a day, make it the evening wash.

There is no universal rule that a cleanser must stay on your face for 60 seconds. Do not borrow the longer contact times used for medicated cleansers as instructions for this product. Washing more often also removes more natural oil and can leave skin drier.3

Do you need a makeup remover first?

If you wear makeup, start with a cleansing balm, cleansing oil or micellar water, then follow with your facial cleanser. Double cleansing is useful for makeup removal, not a compulsory second lap of the sink. Without makeup, two consecutive cleanses can add unnecessary complexity and dryness.3

Does snail mucin make reactions impossible?

Natural ingredients can still cause irritation or allergy. A teenager developed contact dermatitis, an inflamed skin reaction, after repeatedly applying a different COSRX product containing 96% snail secretion filtrate to her lips. That case concerns a different product and use, not this gel cleanser. For children and teenagers, the benefits and tolerability of many cosmetic skincare ingredients remain poorly studied.67

How do you test it before regular use?

1. 1Choose a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or in the bend of your elbow.
2. 2Apply the amount and thickness you would normally use, twice daily for seven to 10 days.
3. 3For this small area test, rinse the cleanser off after five minutes or as directed on the pack. This test timing is not a daily face washing instruction.
4. 4If no redness, itching or swelling develops, begin using the cleanser on your face.

When should you stop using it?

If redness, itching or swelling develops, gently wash the product off and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve a reaction. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe and those measures do not relieve it. If you cannot identify what keeps causing reactions, a dermatologist can arrange patch testing to investigate the trigger.5