Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream Review

Holy. Fudge. Where do I begin this review? My absolute fall and start worshipping at the altar of Korean Skincare Jesus products. This is what made me a total convert. I can’t remember where I first read about this cream, but I remember google taking me to a review from the (a fantastic read, by the way, check it out!). I had already placed an order by the time I got to the end of the page. Looking at the ingredients, some real eye-catchers sealed the deal for me.

Where can you buy the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream?

The Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream comes in a 1.69 fl. oz. / 50 ml tube and retails for $19-$20.

You can also shop for the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream on trusted Asian official retailers, such as YesStyle, StyleVana, and StyleKorean.

Here’s our editor’s guide to shopping for Korean skincare.

The Benton Brand

BENTON. BENTON. BENTON.

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve read about Benton. Benton is an independent Korean cosmetics company that initially started by specializing in snail mucus cosmetics (as well as aloe) and products for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Snail mucus has long been used in cosmetics, dating back to ancient Greece, where Hippocrates reportedly mixed crushed snails with soured milk to heal skin inflammation.  So yeah, snail mucus sounds pretty gross, but the benefits are excellent. 

 What I find interesting is that while Benton has seemingly taken off abroad and is gushed about on many blogs outside of Korea, most people in Korea have never even heard of the brand. There’s no advertising here, and everyone I’ve asked about it has no idea exists.

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What Is a Steam Cream?

A steam cream is produced using a patented cosmetic technique. In the emulsion stage of the water and oil bases, refined steamed water is forced into the formula using very high temperatures.

From what I understand, a steam cream has a unique formula where a patented technique allows oil to mix with water, as the two don’t usually mix.

A steam cream helps active ingredients in skin care products to be more easily absorbed into the skin. It is also said that a steam cream locks moisture into the skin more efficiently and is perfect for that extra hydration. A steam cream maximizes the skin care properties if you want to describe it all in one sentence. Some say it’s a sales fabrication; others mean the steam cream method works.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream is a light moisturizer.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream Claims

Who Is This Light Moisturizer For?

For those with dry, sensitive, and combination skin problems.

Not sure what your skin type is? Please read our guide on Skin types & skin conditions.

I would recommend this for every skin type.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream Ingredients

Snail Mucin

Snail mucin is one of the most popular and intriguing ingredients in the Korean skincare scene. Also known as snail slime, secretion filtrate, or snail essence, is the slimy substance snails produce when they move. It may sound gross, but trust me, it’s fantastic for your skin.

Snail mucin is a natural source of many beneficial components for your skin, such as glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, antioxidants, and peptides. These components work together to provide a range of benefits for your skin, such as:

• Hydrating and moisturizing your skin
• Repairing and healing damaged skin
• Fading scars, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation
• Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
• Boosting collagen and elastin production
• Fighting inflammation and acne
• Protecting your skin from environmental stressors

The Guide to Snail Mucin Benefits for the Skin

Niacinamide

Niacinamide has been making a splash in the Western market over the last few years and has been splashing in Asian skincare for decades. This beauty powerhouse is the topical form of vitamin B3.

Several well-documented studies show that when used topically, niacinamide can:

• Strengthens the skin barrier by increasing ceramides and lipids, increasing stratum corneum thickness, and decreasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL);
• Improves the surface structure and smoothes out wrinkles;
• Boost hydration;
• Controls sebum production;
• Reduces acne;
• Calms redness and evens out red blotchiness;
• Improves skin texture;
• Lessens hyperpigmentation;
• Brightens sallowness of the skin;
• Treats rosacea, melasma and psoriasis.

Long story short, niacinamide does everything, and the good news is that it is well-tolerated by most skin types. To learn more, please read our Complete Guide on Niacinamide and How to Reduce Hyperpigmentation with Niacinamide.

Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that helps to strengthen and repair the skin’s barrier. It’s a natural moisturizing factor, a humectant that may help speed up wound healing.

Related: The Buzz on Propolis Benefits for the Skin

Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream does not contain parabens, alcohol, essential oils, fragrance, or allergens. This product is not vegan as it has animal products.

Packaging

The cream comes in eco-friendly, brand-specific, easily recognizable cardboard packaging.

The cream is in a small, 1.76 oz tube, the smallest of all the full-size products I previously reviewed. The cream is closed with a latch, and the applicator is a small hole you can squeeze. Before the first application, unscrew the lid and remove the protective foil that protects it. This is important with natural cosmetics, which usually have a shorter expiry date. Let’s not forget that Benton products are valid for six months from opening, so such factory protection gives us confidence that we get a fresh cream, not a spoiled one.

Three months in, it is difficult to tell how much I’ve used up. Considering that a pea amount is enough to cover my entire complexion, I assume it will last long, so don’t let its’ relatively small capacity fool you.

Scent

The cream is entirely unscented, refreshing from all the heavily scented products Korea tends to churn out.

Texture

It is white, with a quite thick creamy consistency.

It’s not heavy or greasy, but it remains hydrating and light! A dewiness and firming is a feeling that I have noticed, and I’m not alone in that. My fellow converts have remarked upon it as well. Now, nothing on earth applied topically will get rid of deep wrinkles and sagging skin, but just the overall condition of your skin shows actual and severe results with this duo.

Since I’ve started using the Benton line of products (Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence Review, Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner Review, Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel Review), my skin has a glow it hasn’t had in years. That sounds like a cornball line from an infomercial, but I’m being candid and not embellishing. This stuff works, and it works in complete harmony with each other.

I don’t even have to wear foundation or BB cream anymore if I don’t want to. That’s how much of a difference this has made for me. I can’t think of a single bad thing about the performance of this cream.

My Experience with the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

Now, let me say, before this, I had grown so disenchanted with skincare that I had become a cynic and was convinced that nothing could make a visible difference. I had a dull complexion, and my age was starting to show. I hated where my skin was heading and was already looking into starting fillers. Although I was excited to try this cream, I didn’t have the highest hopes. When night rolled around, I told myself to have an open mind but not get my hopes up too high.

Well, all of that pessimism was slapped right off my face. Immediately, I could tell this stuff was special. The cream went on like warm butter, and coupled with the Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence, I saw an instant superficial change in my skin. It just feels so good when I use it.

A tiny bit is all you need. I’m one of those people who likes to slather myself in creams, almost like I’m embalming myself. I put too much on the first time I used it and had difficulty absorbing the product. I was like, umm….what is going on here?! Is this a product everyone keeps raving about?

Can’t I even get it to absorb into my skin?! But yeah, I was using too much. Just a dime-sized amount is more than enough for your whole face. It’s incredibly hydrating and isn’t oily at all. I like to use the Benton steam cream in the mornings, as it dries matte and doesn’t leave a sheen on the skin. It’s the perfect under-makeup moisturizer.

What I like so much about the steam cream is that it can heal your skin from redness and irritation. Whenever I get my gross hormonal breakouts, I usually have 2 or 3 large, angry, awful red pimples. They are the worst kind because you can’t cover them up with makeup, and the redness takes it to another level. While I have found that the Benton Steam Cream doesn’t help eliminate the pimples as fast as the AC Care products, it helps with the redness and scarring. I always get horrible acne scars from my pimples, and I’ve learned that while using Benton, my scarring isn’t nearly as bad. YASSSSSS!

But I decided to put Benton to the actual test. The boyfriend test. Ladies. I don’t know if you know the struggle, but I’d been trying to get Johnny to use Benton products for ages. He was basically like uh hell no, I’m not putting snails on my face, nope, never, not doing it. Well, he has a port wine stain birthmark on his face, and before he left Korea, he had a laser treatment done. When he gets laser treatments, his face is extremely bruised, red, swollen, and takes an incredibly long time to heal. I’d told him about how snail mucus helps with redness, skin inflammation, and all that great stuff, and after he researched it on his own, he reluctantly agreed to try it.

He’s had these laser treatments done many times before, but this particular time, it was much worse because the doctor used a high-powered laser, much higher than he’s previously used. His face looked awful and painful, and I don’t know how he does it because I would need Jesus to take all of the wheels if it were me. It usually takes him a little over two weeks to heal completely, but while using the Benton steam cream, he was completely healed within ten days. Now, he can’t stop asking me to use it. You know a product is good when your boyfriend asks for it. I think I’ll have to buy him his own tube! It’s the perfect cream for those with acne, redness, and sensitivity and those recovering from laser or other facial treatments.

How to use:

Apply the cream over your face and neck after cleansing, toning serum, and other treatments—massage the skin until fully absorbed.

Pros

• hydrating
• not oily
• heals acne

Cons

• not enough for dry skin

Verdict

I’m always so wary of ridiculously hyped-up products, but the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream is just one of those products that deserves all the praise. I don’t understand how such a little tub of cream can deliver such excellent results. It’s legit a miracle cream.

It’s fantastic at healing irritated, sensitive skin. I’ve been looking for a no-frills, effective, and affordable moisturizer for the longest time, and the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

I still want to award this duo 6 out of 5 stars, like that guy’s amp in Spinal Tap that goes to 11. The Benton Snail Bee line gets my highest possible rating of 5 +1 just because I love it.

Will I Repurchase the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream?

If you test many products and are putting yourself at risk for skin irritations or allergic reactions, the Benton steam cream is a must-have.

Rating 6/5

Shop for Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

You can get Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream for $19-$20. Other popular Asian websites are StyleKorean, YesStyle, and StyleVana.

Lastly, I was not paid for this review or received it as a gift.

As always, you do you; be kind to your skin and yourself! Remember that every person’s skin and skin type is different, so what might work for me might not work for you, and vice versa. So, before adding a new product to your skincare routine, it pays to do a little research first.

Before adding the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream to your skincare regimen, ensure you are not allergic to it or its ingredients. You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have any medical conditions or medications that may interact with the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream. Always do a patch test before applying the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream on your skin to avoid adverse reactions.

I am not a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician, but I have sufficient experience and knowledge I gained by testing multiple products and self-exploration. Unsure? Best to consult your dermatologist.

Happy shopping, and don’t forget the sunscreen! Here’s to great skin in 2024!

Show Me Proof

• Tanno, O., Y. Ota, N. Kitamura, T. Katsube, and S. Inoue. “Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier.” British Journal of Dermatology 143, no. 3 (2000): 524-531.
• Mohammed, D., J. M. Crowther, P. J. Matts, J. Hadgraft, and M. E. Lane. “Influence of niacinamide containing formulations on the molecular and biophysical properties of the stratum corneum.” International journal of pharmaceutics 441, no. 1-2 (2013): 192-201.
• Snaidr, Victoria A., Diona L. Damian, and Gary M. Halliday. “Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety.” Experimental dermatology 28 (2019): 15-22.
• Gehring, W. “Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 3, no. 2 (2004): 88-93.
• Soma, Yoshinao, Masato Kashima, Akiko Imaizumi, Hideto Takahama, Tamihiro Kawakami, and Masako Mizoguchi. “Moisturizing effects of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin.” International journal of dermatology 44, no. 3 (2005): 197-202.
• Draelos, Zoe Diana, Akira Matsubara, and Kenneth Smiles. “The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production.” Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 8, no. 2 (2006): 96-101.
• Shahmoradi, Zabiolah, Farib Iraji, Amir Hossein Siadat, and Azamosadat Ghorbaini. “Comparison of topical 5% nicotinamid gel versus 2% clindamycin gel in the treatment of the mild-moderate acne vulgaris: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial.” Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 18, no. 2 (2013): 115.
• Ungerstedt, J. S., M. Blombäck, and T. Söderström. “Nicotinamide is a potent inhibitor of proinflammatory cytokines.” Clinical & Experimental Immunology 131, no. 1 (2003): 48-52.
• Bissett, D. L., K. Miyamoto, P. Sun, J. Li, and C. A. Berge. “Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin 1.” International journal of cosmetic science 26, no. 5 (2004): 231-238.
• Darlenski, Razvigor, Jana Kazandjieva, Nikolai Tsankov, and Joachim W. Fluhr. “Acute irritant threshold correlates with barrier function, skin hydration and contact hypersensitivity in atopic dermatitis and rosacea.” Experimental dermatology 22, no. 11 (2013): 752-753.
• Navarrete-Solís, Josefina, Juan Pablo Castanedo-Cázares, Bertha Torres-Álvarez, Cuauhtemoc Oros-Ovalle, Cornelia Fuentes-Ahumada, Francisco Javier González, Juan David Martínez-Ramírez, and Benjamin Moncada. “A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.” Dermatology research and practice 2011 (2011).
• Namazi, Mohammad Reza. “Nicotinamide: a potential addition to the anti‐psoriatic weaponry.” The FASEB journal 17, no. 11 (2003): 1377-1379.