Love COSRX's Snail Mucin? Check Out These 6 Alternatives

Interestingly, the first alternative is from COSRX itself, which is the Galactomyces 95 balancing essence that claims to fix dullness, rough skin, and dark spots, while promoting hydration, recovering and moisturising the skin. What I love the most about this product is how it claims to do the same things as the snail mucin but instead with Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (which is a yeast derivative) and Niacinamide. 

The watermelon and ceramide emulsion by The Bare Rituals is also something that became Instagram famous—claiming to help with dryness, irritation, eczema, redness, dullness, and even acne. It is suitable for all skin types, is fast absorbing, doesn't clog pores, light in texture and made up of natural ingredients. Similar to the snail mucin essence, it helps with repairing the moisture barrier. In your skincare routine, it is used at the same step as an essence. 

As a brand, belif's products are inspired by nineteenth-century apothecary techniques creating a unique range of products that follow Korea's intricate skin care regimen. When it comes to the Numero 10 essence, it claims to help with immediate hydration as well as prep the skin to better absorb the next product, be it a serum or a moisturiser. The formula is packed with the herb rose of Jericho, while the essence locks up moisture, increasing skin hydration levels. 

The Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi essence is known to be an elixir of sorts for your skin. It is formulated keeping Ayurvedic science at the forefront that claims to give your skin an unmissable golden glow. What we love the most about it is the mist bottle packaging that makes it super easy to use. Further it lends to the skin a natural sheen while hydrating and helping with illumination. It further locks in moisture, can be used all-year around, is a 100% plant-based, and suitable for all skin types. 

Though on the pricier side, we cannot pass on Forest Essentials' activating serum. Now even though this isn't an essence, it does have the benefits of both an essence and a serum similar to Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. This one claims to effectively permeate the skin while helping tremendously with hydration. Further, it is inspired by the ancient Indian ritual of Ushapana, which is the 'first drink of early morning water, the life giving nectar of life.' It helps make the skin smoother, buoyant, and radiant while helping rejuvenate the skin cells. If you're someone who likes multi-purpose products, or doesn't want to add one too many steps to their skin care routine, then add this to your CSMS routine. 

Pro Tip: Read more about the CSMS routine here. 

Though not available in India yet, Innisfree's Soyabean essence is wildly positioned as a direct alternative to COSRX's snail mucin essence. Available on Getuscart through import, we suggest getting this if you really want to try it (or wait a bit till it launches officially in India). If you have kin that can get you this from abroad to save on the shipping cost, then don't think twice! This essence is all about being soothing and moisturising, formulated with Innisfree's top-notch formula. It is made with soyabean extract that helps restore the skin's barrier, help with hydration, while being vegan.