BUTTER-C
Signature ingredients
Snail secretion filtrate essence OEM/ODM manufacturing
Snail Secretion Filtrate Essence · OEM/ODM
Snail secretion filtrate (INCI: Snail Secretion Filtrate, often called snail mucin) is the mucus secreted by snails, collected and filtered to make a moisturizing ingredient for essences, serums, creams and sheet masks. It is a biological mixture of proteins, glycoproteins, mucopolysaccharides and smaller molecules; when researchers compared four commercial filtrates, they found that properties and composition depend strongly on how the secretion is collected — so “snail secretion” on different labels is not necessarily the same material. Human skin evidence is still thin: a few small trials, most with industry authors or funding, some carried out after laser procedures; the data on cell proliferation come from laboratory experiments. The snail essence is therefore built as a moisturizing essence that helps skin feel soft and smooth, with no promise of renewal or of restoring damaged skin. Quality is decided at the raw-material stage: animal-origin documentation, per-batch microbiology and a preservative system that passes challenge testing. The material is not in Butter-C's current stock list, so it is sourced per order with a mandatory COA. Butter-C offers turnkey OEM/ODM manufacturing, from formula development and testing to a labeled finished product and notification dossier.
Formula base
Snail secretion filtrate, humectants and water
An essence is almost entirely water, so the four groups below decide the skin feel, the microbiological robustness and the product story.
Snail Secretion Filtrate: one INCI name, many materials
The brown garden snail goes by several names in the literature: Helix aspersa, Cornu aspersum, Cryptomphalus aspersa. Four commercial filtrates from Cornu aspersum differed in origin, extraction medium (citric acid, lactic acid or none) and additives, including preservatives added by the manufacturer (Di Filippo 2024). Comparing two materials requires their COAs, not their names.
Sourced per order, COA mandatory
The material is not in Butter-C's current stock list. The supplier needs to state the snail species, collection method, filtration process, preservatives already in the material, dry matter content and a microbiology certificate for each batch.
Study percentages do not convert
The trial on photoaged skin used an 8% emulsion and a 40% serum of the secretion (Fabi 2013) — the share of secretion in the product as the researchers reported it. Because filtrate composition differs between suppliers, 40% of one material does not equal 40% of another; the level in the formula is set by skin feel, stability and cost (formulation experience).
Base humectants
Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol and a small amount of Sodium Hyaluronate — together with the snail secretion filtrate, the basis for the moisturizing claim. Niacinamide can be added to suit the positioning.
Key technical points
Microbiology, animal-origin documentation, ethical collection
Microbiology is the main risk
Garden snail mucus carries a rich bacterial community, about 10.78 × 1010 CFU/mL, originating from soil, plants and the snail itself (Belouhova 2022). Filtration, preservation and per-batch microbiological testing of the raw material are therefore mandatory; the finished product must pass an ISO 11930 preservative challenge test. Preservatives already in the raw material are listed in the INCI declaration and counted toward the Annex VI limits (for example, total Phenoxyethanol not above 1%).
Animal-origin documentation: Annex II, Ref 419
Snail Secretion Filtrate is not listed in ASEAN Annexes II, III or VI (06/2026 version). Ref 419 prohibits “Category 1 material and Category 2 material as defined in ASEAN definition of animal products”; the accompanying definitions place “Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates other than species pathogenic to humans or animals” in Category 3 — the category that is not prohibited. Snails are terrestrial invertebrates, but the supplier must still show the material does not meet the Category 1 or 2 criteria (for example, residues of contaminants above permitted levels).
Ethical collection
The Singh 2024 review lists ethical habitats for collection as an open limitation of this ingredient. Butter-C asks suppliers to describe their farming and collection methods in the documentation; a “humanely collected” story is used only when documents support it.
Adding it to the formula
Added in the cool-down phase; at high levels it replaces part of the water; pH and viscosity are checked after mixing (factory practice, no published source). Heat and light stability and the working pH range follow the supplier's TDS; color, odor, viscosity, pH and microbiology are tracked across stability time points.
Three formulation directions
Three styles of snail essence
Water-light snail essence
Snail secretion filtrate with glycerin and panthenol; patted on by hand after cleansing. For normal and dry skin, with a short ingredient list.
Lightly thickened snail – hyaluronate essence
Adds Sodium Hyaluronate and a low level of gum for a plumper, bouncier feel. It differs from the HA hydrating serum page in that snail secretion filtrate is the named ingredient and animal-origin documentation comes with it.
Snail essence for relief from dry, tight-feeling skin
Panthenol, allantoin and beta-glucan, fragrance-free. Allantoin is added separately at a defined level: an analysis of a Helix aspersa extract found only small amounts of allantoin and glycolic acid (Trapella 2018). “Suitable for sensitive skin” only after tolerance testing on the finished product.
Packaging is part of the formula
Pump or airless bottles limit hand contact with the product; a dropper also works once the preservative system has passed challenge testing (formulation experience).
Parameters we monitor
What the R&D lab measures on every sample
These are the parameters Butter-C tracks during formula development and scale-up. Specific limits are agreed with you on the approved sample and then written into the product's in-house specification.
- Incoming raw material file
- Species, collection method, extraction medium, preservatives already present, pH, dry matter, protein, microbiology (total count, specified microorganisms), heavy metals; origin documentation under Ref 419.
- Appearance, color & odor
- Clarity, color and odor against the reference sample across stability time points; an odor change triggers an immediate microbiology check.
- pH
- Measured directly at 25°C; pH drift tracked across stability time points.
- Density & viscosity
- Quick batch identification; viscosity matters for the lightly thickened version with Sodium Hyaluronate.
- Stability
- Accelerated aging at 40°C, freeze–thaw cycling, light exposure and storage at 4°C; checked for haze, precipitation and separation.
- Microbiology & challenge test
- Tested at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; preservative efficacy (challenge) test to ISO 11930 on the final formula, with the actual raw material lot to be used.
- Skin evaluation
- To state a hydration figure or “helps skin look smoother”, measure it on volunteers using the finished product itself; tolerance testing as the target market requires.
- Packaging compatibility
- Filled into the actual bottle and pump; seal integrity and material odor monitored.
Claims
Claims matched to the evidence for snail secretion filtrate
The Singh 2024 review notes that most snail secretion research is preclinical or small clinical studies. Fabi 2013 is a randomized, double-blind, two-center trial in 25 people with moderate to severe facial photodamage: one half of the face received an 8% emulsion and a 40% serum of Cryptomphalus aspersa secretion, the other half placebo, for 12 weeks; periocular wrinkles on the active side improved significantly at week 12 and texture improved more than on the placebo side, but participants did not report a significant difference in skin quality; the abstract names no funder, although PubMed tags the record as having non-government research support. Lim 2020 (50 women aged 45–65, 3 months, vehicle-controlled) used a combined regimen of secretion filtrate and snail egg extract, was funded by a company and had an employee of that company among its authors — the results belong to the whole regimen. Truchuelo 2020 (20 people, a 40% product) was carried out on skin after fractional laser — the setting of a medical procedure; one author is from the company's medical department and the other is a scientific adviser to the company. The fibroblast proliferation and migration data (Trapella 2018) are in vitro. We have not found a CIR Expert Panel safety assessment. Level of evidence: limited. Results on wrinkles and post-laser skin are not a basis for claims; Annex 03-MP of Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT does not accept claims of preventing or reversing aging.
Moisturizes, helps skin feel soft and smooth
Based on the snail secretion filtrate and the humectants in the formula. Instead of: skin renewal, restores damaged skin, closes wounds.
Helps skin look smoother and healthier (to be tested on the finished product)
Instead of: anti-aging, erases wrinkles, fades scars, fades dark marks.
Contains snail secretion filtrate (Snail Secretion Filtrate)
When a percentage is stated, it is the percentage of the commercial raw material (already containing water and preservatives), not of dry matter; the label lists every component of the raw material. Instead of: “rich in allantoin and glycolic acid” without a quantitative COA, “90% snail is better than 40%”.
Directions: do not apply to open wounds, burns or freshly lasered skin
Studies in these settings are medical trials; post-procedure skin follows the doctor's instructions. Instead of: use after laser, post-procedure recovery, drug-like claims about burns or acne.
Animal origin: transparent information
Snail secretion filtrate is collected from snail mucus. Instead of: vegan, all-natural.
Warning
Eating snails can trigger asthma or anaphylactic reactions, mainly in people already sensitized to house dust mites (Martins 2005 — dietary data; the risk from topical use has not been fully studied). People allergic to snails or house dust mites, or with sensitive skin, should patch-test a small area first; pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor. Instead of: hypoallergenic, safe for all skin types, safe for pregnancy.
Manufacturing specifications
Capabilities
- Texture
- Clear liquid or lightly thickened essence; may be slightly off-white with a light stringy feel depending on the raw material.
- Packaging format
- Pump, airless or dropper bottles, opaque plastic or glass. Volume agreed when packaging is selected.
- Minimum order quantity
- Agreed per order — depends on the formula direction, packaging and raw material lot.
- Testing
- Performed at a GLP / ISO 17025-accredited laboratory; certificates of analysis delivered with each batch.
- Documentation
- Product Information File (PIF) and notification dossier prepared by Butter-C, with the supplier's COA, animal-origin documentation and microbiology certificates.
- Packaging
- Label design, printing and packing run in parallel with formula development.
Suggested product concept
A moisturizing snail essence for dry skin
One product concept to help you picture the result; not a ready-made product for sale. The actual formula is built around your brand's positioning and price range.
Snail secretion filtrate as the featured ingredient
Sourced per order; level set by the COA, skin feel and stability; origin documentation and per-batch microbiology certificates attached.
Humectant group
Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate — the basis for the moisturizing claim.
Fragrance-free, challenge-tested preservation
A preservative system that passes ISO 11930 on the final formula; pH fixed on the sample.
Opaque plastic pump bottle
The label shows the INCI name Snail Secretion Filtrate and every component of the raw material, plus a warning for people allergic to snails or house dust mites; claims stay at moisturizing and softening.
Customization options
What you can specify
The same product type can serve very different customers. Tell us your requirements in the areas below and our pharmacists will build the matching formula.
Snail secretion filtrate level
Chosen by skin feel, cost and the supplier's material; a percentage on the label must be stated as the percentage of commercial raw material.
Skin feel
Water-light or lightly thickened; fast-absorbing or leaving a moist layer.
Partner actives
Sodium Hyaluronate, panthenol, allantoin, niacinamide — chosen together with the pH range and stability testing. A serum named for multi-weight HA belongs on the HA hydrating serum page.
Fragrance and color
Fragrance-free or lightly fragranced; no added color, or colorants per Annex IV.
Companion products
Sheet mask and cream in the same snail line, sold as a set.
Ingredient direction
Alcohol-free, fragrance-free — please state these at the outset; a vegan direction cannot use snail secretion filtrate and can switch to beta-glucan, sodium hyaluronate or plant polysaccharides.
Further reading
Related topics
Snail secretion filtrate (snail mucin) in cosmetics
Composition, human evidence, microbiology, allergy and ASEAN rules (in Vietnamese).
ISO 11930 preservative challenge testing
The mandatory test for biological raw materials in a water base (in Vietnamese).
Sensitive skin
Why a small-area patch test comes before using a new product (in Vietnamese).
Soothing essence manufacturing
A different direction: a minimalist essence named for centella and purified actives.
Hyaluronic acid serum manufacturing
A different direction: a hydrating serum named for multi-weight hyaluronic acid.
Sheet mask manufacturing
A product format that often uses snail secretion filtrate in its essence.
How we work
From idea to finished batch
Eight steps and three milestones signed off by both sides: approved sample, notification number, finished batch. Step-by-step details (in Vietnamese) →
Get started
Tell us about the product you plan to launch
Send us your product direction and expected volume. Our team will get back to you during business hours (Vietnam time, GMT+7).
Head office: Huu Le village, Dai Thanh commune, Hanoi · Factory: Thanh Oai Industrial Cluster, Binh Minh commune, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline +84 967 176 511 · [email protected] · Privacy policy ← Full catalog