By now, we know that getting real results doesn’t always require a $300 cream or fancy tool. In fact, a recent NewBeauty survey* of more than 1,300 readers proved that one of the most-loved products among our readers rings in at just $25, and it’s quickly become a go-to for hydration, glow and skin-barrier repair.
Enter: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25), a lightweight, K-beauty staple that’s earned cult-favorite status for good reason. Designed to hydrate, repair and prep the skin, this mucin-rich formula is especially loved by those with combination, sensitive or barrier-compromised skin, and the rave reviews speak for themselves.
Why Readers Love COSRX Snail Mucin
A 37-year-old with combination and sensitive skin swears by it, saying it “hydrates and makes my skin glow.” A 30-year-old adds that it’s “super hydrating and it heals my skin barrier,” while a 52-year-old with combination skin uses it as a primer for the rest of her routine, noting that it “preps my skin for other skin care.” And for one 36-year-old? It all comes down to its impressive “effectiveness.”
BUY ON ULTA – $25
BUY ON AMAZON – $17
What’s Inside
Dubbed a “multivitamin for your skin,” the essence is powered by a 96-percent concentration of snail mucin, which works to nourish, repair and plump the skin while leaving it visibly brighter and more elastic. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, and arginine, an amino acid that supports firmer, healthy-looking skin. The result: a bouncy, glowy complexion that feels deeply moisturized without any greasiness.
Whether you’re new to snail mucin or looking for a hard-working hydrator that delivers visible results, this under-$30 serum punches far above its price tag.
*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025
