It’s not only what you do, it’s how you do it. This is a motto I use in life, work and that also lives in my curation philosophy. What peaks my interest in skincare products is not only the raw materials and ingredients that are in the formula but how the product is actually formulated: “Where are the raw materials from, and have they been fermented? Are the best ingredients also the main ingredients?” These are the questions that are always on my mind.
And now, with Benton’s High Content Steam Cream I can tell for sure that the ingredients have been formulated and mixed together in the best way possible to ensure the efficacy of the product. The Benton High Content Steam Cream has been mixed using steam technology, and I’m convinced that, because of this, this product is not just any moisturizer, but a great one.
The main ingredient, snail mucin—proven to hydrate and heal acne scars—has substituted water [a common filler in skincare products] entirely in this formula, which is already a great signal of how potent this product is. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin bind moisture to the skin so that your skin stays supple and hydrated longer. Niacinamide and bee venom are skincare saviors thanks to their ability to treat inflammation and fight premature aging while lightening brown spots. See what I’m talking about? I love how every single ingredient proves worthy in some way.
Thankfully, the packaging has changed in recent years from a messy jar to a sturdy, squeeze tube format that keeps bacteria at bay and allows less exposure to air and light. Also, don’t be fooled by this “drugstore price,” this cream is pure quality. The modest price is just a perk of K-beauty.
+ Have you tried the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream? Let us know what you think about it in the comments below!
A combination of bee venom and 64% snail mucin works to give skin intense hydration, heal skin damage and promote collagen production, while added brightening ingredients to create a more even complexion.
Major Ingredients
Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Behenyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Simmondsia Chinensis [Jojoba] Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus [Sunflower] Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius [Safflower] Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Salix Alba [Willow] Bark Extract, Ulmus Campestris [Elm] Bark Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Carbomer, Urea, Arginine, Adenosine, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Bee Venom, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Cetearyl Olivate, 825ppm], Tripeptide-1, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Myristic Acid, Usnea Barbata [Lichen] Extract, Xanthan Gum, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Hexapeptide-11, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Oliveate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Citrus Paradisi [Grapefruit] Fruit Extract, Bee Venom [100ppb], Snail Secretion Filtrate [603, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Polysorbate 20, Hexapeptide-9, Aqua [Water], Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol
This list of ingredients represents all options or variants of this product. Actual ingredients in a given product option may vary from this list.
Ingredients subject to change at manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, please refer to product packaging.
So it’s been about 2 months since I hauled my Korean skincare products, so I’ve had time to use the products and see if they really live up to the hype. Sadly the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream was one that did not.
I first read about the Benton brand and their Snail Bee Steam Cream on Skin & Tonics, where Kerry raved about this product. Looking at at the ingredients, I was impressed myself, as there were plenty of excellent actives and not too many fillers .
Snail Secretion Filtrate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Stearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Phytosqualene, Human Ogliopeptide-1, Bee Venom, Arbutin, Adenosine, Sunflower Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Arginine, Carbomer, Urea, Tocopher Leaf Extract, Salix Alba [Willow Bark] Extract, Ulmus Campestris [Elm] Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pilsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata [Lichen] Extract
While the packaging itself isn’t very sexy, I give it points for the hygienic tube packaging. I don’t understand why so many cosmetic companies insist on packaging their day/night creams in jars!
Now when I think steam cream, I immediately picture the SteamCream brand moisturizer [the ones that come in beautiful little tins], which has this lightweight yet luxurious texture and instantly soaks into your skin. Unfortunately the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream was nothing like that. Instead it was thick and surprisingly difficult to spread. On top of that, I had to really massage this product into my face for my skin to finally absorb it.
Sadly, even when the product seems to have absorbed it still feels really heavy. On top of that, it leaves behind this sticky residue, which I can’t seem to make go away no matter how little of the product I use.
Disappointing consistency and post-application texture aside, the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream didn’t wow me with any spectacular results. Given its thick consistency I use this only at night, and while my skin is brighter the next morning, I found that I got the same results from my Algenist Genius White Brightening Anti-Aging cream, which had a much more pleasant texture. Unfortunately I have not noticed any other positive results, so I’ve pretty much stopped using it when the weather got warmer. If it felt this heavy in the winter, I can’t even imagine what it’ll feel like in the summer!
Key Points
- Excellent active ingredients with great potentials
- Hygienic tube packaging
- Brightens your skin
- Thick texture suitable for dry skin only
- Difficult to apply and absorb
- Leaves behind a sticky residue
Final Verdict
- Packaging
- Ingredients
- Performance
- Price
Given this Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream's impressive ingredients I was really hoping for more than just brightening effects. But I think the biggest deal breaker for me was the texture and post-application heaviness. Yes it was so bad that whatever benefits this product had - brightening, good packaging, reasonable price, etc. - just wasn't worth it. If you have dry or maybe even normal skin, you might have better luck with this, but I definitely don't recommend this for combination or oily skin gals.
Where to Buy
Cosmetic Love – $17 – Free worldwide shipping and earn points for every purchase. Orders come with a lot of samples, and they have new sales every week. W2 Beauty – $15 – Free worldwide shipping and frequent sales. Get $5 off your first order with promo code 119681001
Further Reading
- Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream ingredient list [from CosDNA]
Written by Jenny Wu
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile - 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
How do you use Benton snail bee steam cream?
After cleansing, prep the skin with toner, serum and lotion [optional for dry skin types], then apply an adequate amount of the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream. Gently pat to assist full absorption. Use day and night.
Is snail bee good for skin?
Bee Venom Improves Acne and Strengthens Skin Immunity. Snail Mucin and Natural Extracts keep skin soft, moisturized, and balanced all day. [BOOST ELASTICITY & VITALITY] Adenosine Stimulates Collagen and Elastin, leaving Skin Soft, Supple, and Resilient.
Is benton snail bee fungal acne safe?
This product is also fungal acne safe [does not make breakouts] gel texture and easy to absorb into the skin, but for dry skin is not very moisturizing.
How do you use a Benton snail bee?
After cleansing, prep the skin with toner and serum, then apply an adequate amount of the Benton Snail Bee High Content Lotion. Gently pat to assist full absorption. Use day and night.