Black Snail Collagen Serum
Black Snail Collagen Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A concentrated, lightweight gel serum packed with 60,000 mg of snail secretion filtrate, hydrolyzed collagen, and copper tripeptide-1. Designed to deeply hydrate, firm, and smooth skin texture while supporting natural recovery from dryness and environmental stress. Part of coxir's Black Snail Collagen line featuring a unique Black-3-Complex of black rice, black soybean, and black sesame.
Snail Mucin Recovery
60,000mg of snail secretion filtrate nourishes and supports the skin's natural recovery process from dryness and damage.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSnail Mucin Recovery
60,000mg of snail secretion filtrate nourishes and supports the skin's natural recovery process from dryness and damage.
Copper Peptide Anti-Aging
Copper Tripeptide-1 promotes collagen synthesis and supports skin firmness and elasticity at a fraction of typical copper peptide product costs.
Black-3-Complex
Antioxidant-rich black rice, black soybean, and black sesame extracts protect against moisture loss and brighten skin tone.
Collagen & Adenosine
Hydrolyzed collagen provides peptide-level hydration while adenosine visibly smooths fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. However, contains fragrance and trace essential oils (bergamot, litsea cubeba). Consult your OB-GYN before use during pregnancy.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (fatty acid derivative) and fragrance components that may feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have active fungal acne.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Lightweight gel formula contains no heavy oils or known pore-clogging ingredients. Suitable for most acne-prone skin.
Free of retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. Safe to layer with most active ingredients without risk of over-exfoliation.
Listed as the last ingredient. The scent is mild citrus-herbal and fades quickly, but those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
Snail mucin contains antigens that may cross-react with house dust mite allergens. If you have a dust mite allergy, proceed with caution and patch test.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSnail Secretion Filtrate 60,000mgProven
The star ingredient listed first, indicating the highest concentration. Snail mucin is rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and antimicrobial peptides. It deeply hydrates, supports wound healing, and promotes collagen production.
- Research: A 2007 study found snail mucin has potent antioxidant properties via superoxide dismutase enzymes, induces fibroblast proliferation (key for wound healing), and downregulates collagen-destroying MMP enzymes.
- Clinical: A 2013 double-blind study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found significant improvement in fine lines after 14 weeks of topical snail mucin use.
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) TraceProven
A powerful signal peptide that stimulates collagen and elastin production, promotes wound healing, and has anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most affordable copper peptide serums available at this price point.
- Mechanism: GHK-Cu activates genes involved in collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling, supporting skin firmness and reducing signs of aging.
- Benefit: Also exhibits antioxidant activity, helping protect skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution.
Hydrolyzed Collagen SupportingPromising
Collagen broken down into smaller peptide chains that act as humectants and emollients on the skin's surface. While topical collagen cannot replace the skin's own collagen, it provides effective hydration and barrier support.
- Function: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides attract and hold water on the skin surface, improving hydration levels and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Note: Works best as a moisture-binding ingredient rather than a structural collagen replacement. Pairs well with the copper peptides in this formula.
Adenosine FunctionalProven
A KFDA-approved anti-wrinkle active ingredient commonly found in Korean skincare. Stimulates collagen production, improves skin firmness, and supports tissue repair without any irritation.
- Regulatory: Recognized by the Korean FDA as a functional anti-wrinkle ingredient at concentrations as low as 0.04%.
- Benefit: Hydrates, smooths texture, and promotes wound healing. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Allantoin SoothingProven
A well-established soothing and skin-conditioning agent. Promotes cell regeneration, calms irritation, and helps maintain skin moisture. Makes the formula gentle enough for sensitive and reactive skin types.
- Properties: Anti-irritant, moisturizing, and keratolytic (gently promotes skin cell turnover). Widely used in wound-care and sensitive skin products.
Black-3-Complex (Rice, Soybean, Sesame) SupportingPromising
A proprietary blend of three antioxidant-rich black food extracts: black rice (Oryza Sativa), black soybean (Glycine Max), and black sesame (Sesamum Indicum). Rich in anthocyanins that protect against oxidative stress and moisture loss.
- Black Rice: High in anthocyanins and vitamin E, provides antioxidant protection and helps brighten skin tone.
- Black Soybean: Contains isoflavones that support skin barrier function and protect against environmental damage.
- Black Sesame: Rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish skin and support healthy moisture levels.
30 ingredients
Snail Secretion Filtrate (60,000mg), Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PVM/MA Copolymer, PEG/PPG-18/4 Copolymer, Betaine, Allantoin, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycine Max (Black Soybean) Seed Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum (Edelweiss) Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM after toner. Apply before heavier creams and oils. Pairs well with the coxir Black Snail Collagen Toner and Cream for a complete routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and let it absorb. The serum works best on slightly damp skin to maximize hydration benefits.
Dispense 1–2 Pumps
Press the pump to dispense a moderate amount of serum onto your fingertips. One to two pumps is sufficient for the entire face.
Apply & Pat
Spread the gel serum evenly across your face and neck. Gently pat in a tapping motion to encourage absorption. Avoid rubbing.
Follow with Moisturizer
Once the serum has absorbed (nearly instant), follow with your moisturizer to seal in hydration. Finish with sunscreen in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want an affordable copper peptide serum
- You're looking for lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration
- You enjoy the benefits of snail mucin without a goopy texture
- You have dry, dehydrated, or mature skin
- You want anti-aging benefits (fine lines, firmness)
- You prefer a multi-functional serum that hydrates and firms
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You are very sensitive to fragrance or essential oils
- You need a completely alcohol-free formula
- You have a known dust mite allergy (cross-reactivity risk)
- You want a fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient option
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDeeply hydrating formula with snail mucin and collagen delivers lasting moisture. Pairs perfectly with a rich cream on top.
Lightweight gel texture hydrates dry zones without adding heaviness or shine to oilier areas. Absorbs almost instantly.
Fast absorption and non-greasy finish work well for oily skin. The dewy finish may feel too moist for extremely oily types.
Gentle formula with allantoin and aloe. Contains fragrance (last ingredient) so patch test first. Generally well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Ideal match. Copper peptides, adenosine, and collagen all target fine lines and loss of firmness. Excellent anti-aging value at this price.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) is a plus. However, not fungal acne safe and the dewy finish may not suit all acne-prone users. Patch test recommended.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8–12Immediate Hydration & Smoothness
Skin feels noticeably softer and more hydrated from the first application. The gel texture absorbs quickly and leaves a dewy, plump appearance without stickiness.
85% noticed improved hydrationImproved Texture & Glow
Skin texture begins to feel smoother and more refined. Dullness fades as the Black-3-Complex antioxidants and snail mucin work on evening out skin tone. Skin looks more luminous.
70% noticed brighter complexionFirming & Fine Line Reduction
Copper peptides and adenosine begin to show cumulative anti-aging effects. Skin feels firmer, and fine lines (especially on the forehead and around the eyes) appear softened. Skin barrier feels stronger.
60% noticed firmer skinVisible Anti-Aging Benefits
Full anti-aging results become apparent with consistent use. Skin looks more youthful and bouncy. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, and overall skin resilience improves significantly.
55% noticed wrinkle improvementRatings by platform
485+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent value — copper peptides at a budget price point (~$18)
- Lightweight gel absorbs almost instantly with no sticky residue
- Deeply hydrating and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and dewy
- No goopy, stringy texture typical of other snail mucin products
- Pump packaging is hygienic and easy to dispense
- Noticeable improvement in skin firmness and fine lines with regular use
- Paraben-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free formula
- Works well as a multi-step K-beauty routine or standalone hydrating serum
Criticized
- Contains fragrance — can be off-putting for fragrance-free seekers
- Alcohol is listed as the 5th ingredient — may concern dry/sensitive skin users
- Small 50ml bottle may not last long with twice-daily use
- Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe
- Copper peptide concentration is not disclosed (likely trace amount)
- Packaging update caused confusion among repeat buyers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESThe cult-favorite snail essence with 96% snail mucin in a larger 100ml bottle. More affordable per ml but lacks copper peptides, collagen, and the Black-3-Complex. Stringier, gloopier texture. Fragrance-free.
Combines snail mucin with ginseng root water for brightening and anti-aging. Different approach — focuses more on radiance than collagen/peptides. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe.
Snail mucin + centella asiatica (cica) for soothing and repair. Better for irritated or compromised skin barriers. Lacks copper peptides and the collagen focus of the coxir formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but refrigerating can extend shelf life and provide a cooling sensation during application.
Opaque plastic pump bottle with screw-on cap. Hygienic pump dispenser prevents contamination and ensures consistent dosing.
Yes — 50ml is under the 100ml TSA carry-on limit. Sturdy pump bottle with secure cap prevents leaks.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThe formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients typically flagged during pregnancy. However, it does contain fragrance and trace amounts of essential oil derivatives. While the concentration is very low, we recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any new skincare product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
No, this serum is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (derived from fatty acids) and fragrance components that may feed Malassezia yeast. If you have active fungal acne or are prone to Malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives like the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or the Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum, which are both fungal acne safe.
Yes! This serum contains no harsh actives itself, so it layers well with most active ingredients. You can use it alongside retinol, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs, and BHAs. The snail mucin and allantoin may actually help soothe skin irritated by these potent actives. For best results, apply actives first (on clean skin), allow them to absorb, then follow with this serum for hydration and recovery support.
This serum is best suited for dry, dehydrated, combination, and mature skin types. The lightweight gel texture works exceptionally well for combination skin, while the snail mucin, collagen, and copper peptides address the anti-aging needs of mature skin. Oily skin types can also use it but should monitor the dewy finish. Those with very sensitive skin should patch test due to the fragrance content.
Hydration and improved skin texture are typically noticeable within the first week. A brighter, more luminous complexion usually appears within 2–4 weeks. Firming effects and visible fine line reduction from the copper peptides and adenosine generally require 4–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For best anti-aging results, use consistently for at least 8–12 weeks.
Apply this serum as Step 3 in your routine: after cleanser and toner, but before moisturizer, eye cream, and sunscreen. In a K-beauty multi-step routine, it replaces the essence/serum step. Apply to slightly damp skin (right after toner) for best absorption. Use both morning and evening.
This serum has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. The lightweight gel formula contains no heavy oils, mineral oil, or known pore-clogging ingredients. It is generally suitable for acne-prone skin (non-fungal acne). However, individual skin chemistry varies, so if you are extremely breakout-prone, introduce it gradually and monitor your skin's response.
The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The hygienic pump bottle helps minimize contamination and extend usable life. With twice-daily use (1–2 pumps per application), the 50ml bottle typically lasts 6–8 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal shelf life. Check for changes in color, texture, or smell as signs the product has expired.
Verdict: The coxir Black Snail Collagen Serum is an excellent-value K-beauty multi-tasker that delivers hydration, anti-aging, and skin-smoothing benefits at a price that significantly undercuts competing copper peptide serums. Its lightweight gel texture and near-instant absorption make it a pleasure to use daily, and the combination of snail mucin, copper tripeptide-1, hydrolyzed collagen, and adenosine is well-thought-out for targeting fine lines and dehydrated skin. The main drawbacks are the inclusion of fragrance, alcohol as the 5th ingredient, and its lack of fungal acne safety. If you can tolerate light fragrance and aren't dealing with Malassezia, this is one of the best-value snail serums on the market — especially for mature and dry skin types looking for affordable anti-aging.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|







