If you’re a Tik Tok addict or skincare junkie, you have probably heard about the slugging trend, starting in 2021. Your first question was probably: Am I supposed to put a slug on my face?? Are these products made with snail slime? I’m here to tell you, they are not (snail mucin is a whole different story). So what is slugging anyway? Originally, slugging came from Korean skincare and communities of color; a process in which an occlusive layer of moisturizer is applied to the skin at the end of a nighttime skincare routine to prevent water loss throughout the night. Many people, especially those with drier skin, have started to include slugging into their skincare routine. 

One skincare company who slipped into slugging is Futurewise. Their three-step “Slugging System” is intended for dry, dull skin that needs a boost of hydration. Since I’m currently on Accutane and my face is drying out like crazy, I couldn’t wait to try it out.

The pink and red bottle with an adorable slug slithering about draws customers in just like me! The containers are easily usable and super cute at the same time — making the customer excited to use them everyday. The three steps for applying the product are 1) SLUG BOOST, 2) SLUG CREAM, and 3) SLUG BALM, every step is a different form of hydration. For example, the first step is a mist, the second a light-weight moisturizer, and the third a heavier occlusive.

The SLUG BOOST, retailing for $22, is one of my favorites from this line. It is a fine mist containing a “trio of water-attracting” ingredients to soothe and prep the skin for later steps. I find myself using this mist throughout the day to refresh my skin, especially since I’m on Accutane, this helps maintain my skin barrier.

The second step in this routine, SLUG CREAM, retails for $24, which includes a lipid complex to build up the skin’s moisture barrier. This product is intended for skin that has been stripped of its natural lipids, the fats in the skin which binds cells together to support its cohesion. I use this light-weight moisturizer in both my morning and evening skincare routines. I find that it is perfect for the morning, and maintains its moisture power throughout the day. It also sits great under sunscreen or makeup, making it perfect for everyday use.

The last step of the Futurewise line, SLUG BALM, retailing for $24, is a blanket for the skin to help trap all ingredients into the skin to maintain plump, juicy skin. Futurewise explains it perfectly, a “cocoon-like environment” for the skin to repair itself throughout the night. I don’t use this every night, but adding it into my routine 2-3 times a week is the perfect way to maintain my skin’s health. I like how this product has ingredients specifically for slugging, unlike Aquaphor which is solely petroleum-based. The first time I used this product, I applied too much to my skin, making it so the balm wasn’t able to sink into my skin and remained greasy throughout the night. Now, I use the tiniest bit and it melts into my skin perfectly.

All in all, this lesser-known brand surprised me greatly. My mom even stole them all from me, so I guess these products are good for all skin types! I’m obsessed with the whole vibe of this brand, the way they acknowledge the history of slugging and its origination from communities that have been marginalized throughout history. I personally love feeling “slugged up” like a glazed donut before going to sleep, and this line of skincare does exactly that!