Exploitation of snails

A pair of snails safely hibernating in my compost bin.

Yesterday I was horrified but fascinated to learn that some beauty products contain snail slime or mucin. It is even possible to have a snail mucin facial. In ancient Greece people applied the slime directly by allowing snails to roam over their faces.

According to the manufacturers of such products no modern snails are harmed in the process of harvesting the mucin. The 'farmed' snails are induced to crawl over a rough surface which encourages them to produce mucin. The slime makes it easier for then to move over rough surfaces. Previously the mucin was obtained by deliberately stressing the snails by immersing the unfortunate molluscs in water or giving them a mild electric shock.

The slime is supposed to help hydrate the skin...it also damages paintwork.