Review: The Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum – Better than COSRX?

Where to purchase: Byoma: LINK / Boots: LINK / Target: LINK / Space NK: LINK

Price: £14.99

Volume: 40ml

Made in: South Korea

What is it?: A daily, fast-absorbing serum that aims to make the skin feel bouncy, radiant, and smooth.

What does it do?: Hydrates + Plumps the skin / Strengthens the skin’s barrier / Improves skin tone and smooths texture / Prep the skin for makeup (with a supposed dewy / glass skin finish).

Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types.

What I think: I would agree (Oily, Oily-Combination Skins and Dehydrated skins should enjoy this hydrating serum).

Byoma Serums + Moisturiser – Swatches + Review

Vegan?: Yes

Cruelty Free?: Yes

How long does it last after opening?: The packaging doesn’t say. Unopened – the expiry is in 2027.

EU-Allergen Free?: Yes.

Malesezzia Suitable?: No.

Packaging: Recyclable bottle with a cap and a pump. Sturdy and easy to travel with.

Note: Because this has a mucin-like texture, this is gloopy when coming out of the pump (doesn’t neatly squirt out – please see swatch video below).

Directions: Apply one pump onto cleansed skin (in the AM and/or PM) then pat gently until absorbed. [Follow with serums, then moisturiser and SPF] – (From the Website).

How I use it: I apply this either in the AM or PM. I apply more than 1 pump (1 pump would not cover both my face and neck, I require 3-4 pumps. So you can understand why people have said that they are running out quite quickly of this serum).

Key Ingredients:

Phytomucin – a plant based alternative to snail mucin (from Japanese plant roots). This is rich in polysaccharides (sugars which are very hydrating – draws water into the skin) and helps support the skin’s barrier.

Tri-Ceramide Complex – three essential lipids that support, repair and restore the skin’s barrier (in all Byoma products). [I.e. Ceramide + Cholesterol].

Panthenol (Provitamin B5) – Soothing and a humectant (reduces sensitivity). – Calms redness.

Phytosphingosine – Anti-blemish.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 – helps stimulate collagen production (skin repair and well-ageing). Part of Matrixyl 3000 [but not the whole].

3 types of Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic acid + Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydrating humectants).

Glycerin + Arginine (Hydrating + Moisturising).

So overall; this serum focuses on hydrating, strengthening the skin’s barrier and calming inflammation (skin maintenance).

Full Ingredients: Aqua (Carrier), Glycerin (Skin-Conditioner), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Methylpropanediol (Solvent), 1,2-Hexanediol (Emollient), Propanediol (Skin-Conditioner), Glyceryl Polymethacrylate (Skin-Conditioner), Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract (Skin-Conditioner), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Laminaria Japonica Extract (Skin-Conditioner), Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioner), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Skin-Conditioner), Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract (Skin-Conditioner), Arginine (Skin-Conditioner), Panthenol (Skin-Conditioner), Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract (Skin-Conditioner), Hydroxyacetophenone (Antioxidant), Polyglutamic Acid (Humectant), Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate (Emulsifier), Hyaluronic Acid (Skin-Conditioner), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (Skin-Conditioner), Sodium Hyaluronate (Skin-Conditioner), Ceramide NP (Skin-Conditioner), Betaine (Humectant), Cholesterol (Skin Conditioner), Carbomer (Thickener), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Skin Conditioner), Phytosphingosine (Skin Conditioner), Xanthan Gum (Thickener), Stearic Acid (Skin Conditioner), Oleic Acid (Skin Conditioner), Hydrogenated Lecithin (Emulsifier), Sodium Lactate (pH adjuster ), Sodium Polyacrylate (Thickener), Lactic Acid (pH Adjuster), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin-Conditioner), Ethylhexylglycerin (Skin-Conditioner), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Chelating Agent)

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture: As expected, this has a texture similar to snail mucin-based serums—gloopy yet lightweight. [See the swatch video below for a closer look.] Despite its consistency, it spreads effortlessly, feeling almost watery on the skin rather than sticky. It’s highly hydrating and doesn’t leave a tacky residue (for me). Additionally, it doesn’t pill (though it’s best to avoid layering oils over it),

Sticky?: Initially – yes (as you see in the swatch video below), but doesn’t feel very sticky or tacky once absorbed.

Greasy?: No.

Balls up?: No.

• As you can see, this has a glossy look to it which delineates its hydrating properties. It looks lightweight and doesn’t quickly run down the skin, but glides down slowly.

Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: This might do (due to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid).

Summer or Winter?: Both. Oily skins could use this all-year as it’s lightweight and watery. Dry skins can use this under a moisturiser whenever (but not alone).

Layerable?: The only issue is if you apply an oil or something very oily on top (could ball up). But other than that, it’s been fine for me.

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this has a lightweight texture and looks very watery and hydrating. As this is a mucin serum, you can see that mucin-like, gloopy texture too. This does not make the skin feel oily, just hydrated.

Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free (smells slightly like clay).

Good Under Makeup?: This is supposed to double up as a makeup primer – I think oily skins would prefer that over combination or dry skins (I would recommend the Glossier Primer for combination and dry-er skins) It’s fine under makeup but don’t use a lot (a light later is preferable).

How long have I been using this?: About 2 Months.

Will I use until Completion?: Yes.

How Long will that take?: Another 2-3 months

Note: People have complained that this has run out very quickly for them. It’s hard for me to tell how much product I have left due to the opaque packaging. This has a size of 40ml (some serums are 30ml, like The Ordinary). However, it is smaller than, for example, the COSRX mucin essence or the K-secret mucin essence, and- I require more than 1 pump (what the instructions say) to cover my face and neck (so my serving size is larger). I only use this in the PM every other day, so I could imagine it would run out much quicker if I was using this everyday in the AM and PM.

The Effect?: Initially: Feels like a glass of water for the skin and also feels quite cold when applying. Long-term: Simply – Hydrated and plumped skin.

What I like:

• Fragrance + EO Free
• Cruelty-Free
• Lightweight
• Hydrating
• Easy to spread
• Sturdy, travel-friendly packaging
• Quick to absorb
• Not greasy or oily
• Didn’t irritate / ruin my skin
• Travel-friendly packaging
• Not sticky for me (although I know some people have had this issue)
• Contains more than just mucin i.e. added key ingredients (or compensates for the fact that this isn’t snail mucin and so may not have the same skin-repairing properties..)

What I don’t like:

• Compared to other Mucin-focused essences, this is pricy
• If compared to Snail Mucin – PhytoMucin needs some more research for its efficacy (i.e. is it really just as good as Snail Mucin?)
• Potential to run out quicker than expected since I find that I need a lot to cover the face and neck (not just 1 pump like the brand says)

Note: I have seen people complain that this is sticky (I did not experience this personally), that it pills under makeup (this hasn’t for me, but I could imagine it would under oily products i.e. facial oils), Those with dry skins have said that this is insufficient on its own – I would agree, this is to be used underneath a moisturiser for dry skins).

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4 (nearly 3.9) / 5 – I really like this serum. Overall, it’s been gentle on my skin. I was concerned it might be sticky, but it hasn’t been. I’ve had no issues layering it (though I wouldn’t recommend applying oils on top). It feels hydrating, smooth (thanks to the mucin), and lightweight without being greasy, making it great for my oily-combination skin (and has added beneficial ingredients). Dehydrated skin would benefit most from this, as it focuses on hydration and strengthening the skin’s barrier.

Note: This also contains part of Matrixyl 3000; a well-ageing complex. Although, I would have liked the full complex in here, but I think this peptide is included for skin-repair rather than well-ageing).

Would I repurchase?: If I had to re-purchase something from Byoma, it would be this (and their Eye Gel, possibly their Cream cleanser too) as it is good for my skin type and provides hydration as well as barrier-reinforcement.

Dupes / Alternatives:

1. The COSRX Snail Mucin Essence

Contains snail mucin, which offers similar hydration, barrier repair, and plumping benefits to Byoma’s Phyto-mucin serum. It also promotes smoother, more radiant skin.

Full Swatches + Review: HERE

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Soko Glam: LINK

How does the Byoma Phyto-Mucin Serum compare with the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence?:

The Byoma Phyto-mucin serum costs roughly £13.99-14.99 (for 40ml) Whereas the COSRX Essence costs £15.27 (at Yesstyle) or ~£23 (other retailers) – for 100ml [But their ingredients do differ i.e. the Byoma serum contains more added ingredients].

Similar: Both contain Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Arginine and Allantoin (Hydrating, Soothing + Barrier support).

Differences:

• Byoma uses Phytomucin (A plant-based alternative to Snail Mucin – Vegan-friendly). Whereas, the COSRX uses 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate.
• Byoma’s serum contains more skin-beneficial ingredients e.g Ceramides, Peptides + Plant extracts (for barrer support and well-ageing). COSRX’s essence focuses mainly on Snail Mucin’s benefits (with fewer extra key ingredients).
• Byoma Serum = Vegan-friendly
• Byoma Serum = targets multiple skin concerns

Overall: Both serums aim to improve the skin’s hydration and texture. Byoma contains more active ingredients and provides some more additional benefits like well-ageing and enhanced barrier support. However, COSRX’s high concentration of snail mucin has had more studies on it (Snail Mucin is known for its regenerative properties), and per ml, the COSRX is more affordable.

Snail Mucin or Phyto-mucin?:

Snail mucin has a longer history of use in skincare (so it has more research to back up its hydrating and repairing properties) whereas (as of now) Phytomucin is a relatively new ingredient which has less research (it has limited independent research backing up its efficacy right now), and internal studies (i.e. studies done by the manufacturers).

Snail Mucin or Phyto-mucin?: Snail mucin has a longer history of use in skincare so it is supported (right now) by more extensive research, with studies demonstrating its skin hydration, wound-healing and even some anti-ageing effects.

However, the Phyto-mucin, plant-based alternative is relatively new to the market, so it does show promise, but there is limited independent research backing up its efficacy right now. Internal studies (by the brand) shows improvements in skin tone and redness reduction, but there needs to be more research.

Sources: LINK / LINK / LINK / LINK / LINK

Youtube Review: The COSRX Advanced Snail Line

2. The COSRX – Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence

Swatches + Review HERE

• Contains something similar like the Snail 96 Essence (although this contains 74.3% Mucin + 5% Niacinamide for brightening) + The Snail 92 All in One Cream – they pump out together at the same time (so you get a lighter version of the All in One Cream (Better for Combination and Oilier skins).

Conclusion: If you want added brightening and a lighter texture, the Radiance Dual Essence is a good option. For more intense hydration and skin repair, go for the Snail 96 Mucin Essence.

3. Another Vegan-Friendly alternative – The Vegreen – Nature Mucin Serum

Available at: Stylevana: LINK

• The Vegreen serum is also unscented.

• Both the Byoma serum and this serum focus on hydration and barrier support + peptides. However, this Vegreen serum also contains Niacinamide (brightening).

This Vegreen serum uses not Phyto-Mucin, but 63% Wild Yam Extract (plant-based mucin) that hydrates and strengthens the skin’s barrier (+ other soothing ingredients).

Wild Yam Extract and Phytomucin both offer hydration and barrier support, but differ in potency:

• Wild Yam Extract is gentle, offering soothing hydration and barrier repair.
• Phytomucin (from Japanese plants) provides deeper hydration and improved elasticity, with a more potent formula.

Effectiveness: Phytomucin is likely more effective for intensive hydration and skin elasticity, while Wild Yam is better for gentle hydration and soothing properties.

4. The K-secret Seoul 1998 Essence

This is a fragrance + EO free Essence containing 97% Snail Mucin (moisturising + skin-repairing) + Rice water + ferment filtrate (brightening). This also contains Panthenol + Hyaluronic acid (like the Byoma serum).

Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

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