Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum Review

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We’re just five months into the year, and Byoma has already dropped two new (and highly-anticipated) products. If you haven’t already read my review of their Ultralight Face Fluid, definitely go and check that out! But first let’s chat about their first release of 2025, the Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum.

If you already use and love snail mucin products, this one’s for you. If you haven’t tried snail mucin and have been waiting for a vegan alternative, this one’s also for you!

Byoma is the queen of barrier-boosting skincare, so it just makes sense to add a serum like this to their offering. And, as a completely vegan brand, developing a plant-based alternative to snail mucin really shows that they’re pushing boundaries to serve the whole beauty community.

They really do know how to do vegan skincare right!

So, without any further ado, let’s jump into this review of the Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum, and see whether the brand’s hit it out of the park once again.

What is the Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum?

Launched in February 2025, Byoma’s Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum is – as the brand calls it – a “bio-based alternative to snail mucin”. It’s meant to have the same benefits – think more hydration, less sensitivity, improved elasticity – but without the ethical questions around snail slime collection.

This serum is ideal for morning use, as it primes your skin for makeup application. But you don’t have to stick to applying it once a day. With its hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients, it also gives your skin a boost as you sleep.

Key ingredients

What is it that makes this serum so good for the skin?

• Tri-Ceramide Complex
  This features in a lot of Byoma’s products – the Rich Cream, the Hydrating Serum, the Face Mist, to name just a few. It’s made up of Ceramides, Cholesterol and Fatty Acids which repair the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels.
• Phyto-Mucin
  A plant-based snail mucin alternative which is derived from various root and fruit extracts, like Japanese yam, Kombu kelp and okra. It helps reduce water loss and plumps up the skin.
• Panthenol
  Also known as pro-vitamin B5. It moisturises and protects the skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid
  A humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It appears in various forms in this serum!

Texture & Scent

The Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum is completely clear and has that classic viscosity that you get with snail mucin… except of course this is a vegan alternative!

It’s super stretchy but it doesn’t feel sticky on the skin. That being said, this serum does have a sort of greasy feel to it until it settles down.

In terms of scent, this is fragrance-free so it doesn’t really smell like anything at all – perfect for sensitive skin types.

Packaging

It wouldn’t be a Byoma product if it didn’t come in their signature bright packaging! This serum is housed in a chunky, square-ish bottle which looks quite similar to their other serums, except this one comes with a pump. I suppose the viscous texture may not work with a dropper!

I like how simple and mess-free the packaging is, not to mention that it’s purposefully square to make shipping more carbon efficient. But on a consumer level, it feels a little bulky to me – I don’t tend to take Byoma products with me if I’m travelling for this exact reason.

Since this is a fairly new purchase, I haven’t got to the end of the bottle yet, but I found with the Jelly Cleanser that it was quite tricky to dispense the product when I was almost out. I get the feeling it might be the same with this serum (as they both have a pump) – I can update when I’m at that point!

My experience

If you’re familiar with the COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, you’ll know that serums like these don’t take immediate effect. It’s only with repeated daily use that you start to see improvements in your skin. And that’s exactly what I found with the Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum too.

I jumped in at the deep end and incorporated this into my skincare routine by applying it morning and night. After a couple of weeks of use, I really do think this is comparable to a lot of the other snail mucin products out there.

It’s sufficiently hydrating – my face does feel drier when I forget to use this – and it really does give that sought-after glass skin effect. It’s really good at plumping up the skin and evening out texture (even if temporarily) – I think this is why it makes such an effective primer!

This serum has that lightweight, water-like feel which spreads into the skin nicely and plays well with other skincare products. You don’t need to worry about it pilling or flaking off.

Overall, it’s just a really solid product that helps add a bit more hydration into your skincare routine. I’ve definitely been enjoying using it over the past few weeks!

Price Point & Where You Can Buy It

At £14.99, the Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum is not too much more expensive than the brand’s other serums. Those usually retail for about £12.99 so this new one is only a couple of £s more.

In the snail mucin / vegan alternative category though, this is actually one of the cheaper options. The OG COSRX essence is currently £24.99 in Boots, and the Mixsoon Bean Essence (which is arguably the most popular plant-based alternative) is £28.

Byoma is well known for their affordable prices and this serum (despite being on the higher end) is still a pretty good option for those on a budget.

If you’re tempted to pick this up, you can grab it from Boots, Cult Beauty, Space NK and Sephora. Alternatively, you can order it directly from the Byoma website.

Pros & Cons

Final Verdict: Is The Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum Worth It?

There’s been a lot of hype around this new Byoma serum and I have to say, deservedly so. For the price, I honestly do think this is worth picking up.

It’s not super fancy, and it doesn’t claim to deliver immediate results, but with continued use this really does make the skin feel softer, plumper and more healthy.

I like skincare products that protect the skin barrier without feeling like they’re adding another thick layer to your skincare routine, and this does just that.

It’s light but still manages to pack a punch in the hydration department. If your skin is very dry and sensitive, this is sure to be a winner.

And if you’re still searching for a vegan serum that’s on par with your favourite snail mucin essence, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Had you heard about the Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum before reading this review? Would you be tempted to buy it? Let me know!