It’s time we introduce you to one of our new favorite creams ever: The Missha Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer
Here at The Klog we test a lot of different moisturizers. Most are wonderful, but nothing that’s going to intensely change your life. But this new Missha snail moisturizer is a different story. It’s changed just about every single member of The Klog team’s life. Read on to discover why..
Ingredients:
One of the biggest sells about this product is it’s ingredient list, which boasts snail slime extract, niacinamide, baobab tree extract, and squalene. What they all have in common is their ability to replenish dehydrated and dry skin, however, each one addresses a slightly different issue—making this an extremely versatile moisturizer.
We asked Michele J Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, to expand on what exactly makes each of these ingredients power-hitters for moisture. She says, “Snail slime extract contains proteins, polysaccharides, and elastin which help moisturize skin and improve skin texture.”
It’s one of the signature K-beauty ingredients that separates the true fans from all the rest. While quite a few people would be weirded out by this slimy ingredient, those of us who have crossed to the K-beauty side know it’s pretty much the best thing to ever happen to our skin. Snail slime is an amazing ingredient that naturally contains hyaluronic and glycolic acid. So when you use snail mucin products, you’re getting a combination of the two in naturally occurring amounts.
For niacinamide, Farber says, “Niacinamide is great for redness, evening out skin tone, and hydrating skin. Niacinamide helps improve the skin barrier so that it retains water better and is better protected from the outside elements.” So while the snail mucin improves the appearance and texture, niacinamide helps to tone and protect your skin from further damage.
The snail mucin, combined with the super effective baobab tree extract, makes up the anti-aging component of this moisturizer. Dr. Farber says, “Baobab tree extract is rich in antioxidants and is great for stimulating collagen and anti-aging.”
And last but not least is squalene. It may sound like a weird sea creature, but this stuff is really amazing when it comes to hydration. Farber says, “Squalene is a natural lipid that is a super-hydrating ingredient that helps lock in moisture to the skin.” It’s a must have in any routine, but really gives this particular moisturizer a leg up.
Why we love this Missha cream:
What’s not to love? This moisturizer is loaded with some of the best ingredients around for hydration, anti-aging, and damage control. But ingredients alone don’t make for a great product—there also has to be an expert formulation and balance of said contents. What makes this moisturizer a step above the rest is how well it functions as a “moisturizer booster.”
And by that we mean this Missha moisturizer really hits the mark in the layering department. Not only is it a perfect balance of gel and cream, its light enough to go underneath other products easily but also super effective. In fact, I have found the difference most noticeable when I combine it with other moisturizers. This was the product that took my healthy skin from normal and balanced to next level glowing skin.
So now that you know you can layer this stuff, how do you know which product will be best to layer it with? We have you covered.
The combinations:
Dry Skin: Missha Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer + Hanskin Bio Origin The Cream
The Missha moisturizer alone may not be enough to get you through the day, especially during the winter. Try layering Hanskin Bio Origin The Cream on top. It’s a velvety cream full of citric acid which will help with both dry flaky patches and wrinkle prevention.
Sensitive Skin: Missha Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer + Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
For all skin types that are more sensitive, try using Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream on top. Voted Best of K-beauty this year, this moisturizer will be extra gentle and hydrating. It contains yeast-derived beta glucan, jojoba oil, and ceramides, which will all help if your skin is already irritated and willprotect from further irritation.
Combination Skin: Missha Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer + Missha Time Revolution White Cure Blanc Tone Up Lotion
The Missha Tone Up Lotion is a great solution for combination skin types, and is light enough to be layered with the Missha snail moisturizer. It sports niacinamide, jasmine flower extract, and chamomile flower extract, which brightens and rejuvenates your skin.
Oily Skin: Missha Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer + Missha Super Aqua Ultra Water-full Clear Cream
For oily skin, winter can be the worst. When temperatures drop and dry out your skin, it can send oil production into overdrive. It can be really hard to find a light yet effective moisturizer. Enter the Missha Clear Cream. Try combining these two Missha faves, one a hydration master, and the other a sealing oil-free formula, to keep your skin’s healthy shine without your pores getting compromised.
Normal Skin: Missha Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer + Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
Contrary to what you may think, normal skin doesn’t mean it’s open season on every skin care product out there. However, the Cosrx HA Cream really is the perfect balance for skin that needs something “just right”. Even for perfectly healthy, normal skin, winter can be a difficult time. The HA cream gives your skin that extra layer of hydration and protection that seals in all the goodness of the Missha moisturizer.
Bottom line:
No matter what your skin type or concern is, you need this moisturizer booster in your life. From ingredients to texture to it’s insane versatility, we promise you won’t regret it.
+ Have you tried the Missha Squa Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
