'This $25 serum is infinitely better than the viral one everyone's obsessed with.'

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If you've dabbled in K-beauty before, chances are you've heard of (or probably used) the famous COSRX Snail Mucin serum.

It's pretty much the product that put Korean skincare on the map for the western world, and for good reason. It's hydrating, lightweight, soothing, glow-boosting and, c'mon, made from thick fluid gathered by stimulating live snails. Like, amazing, right?! Back in the day, it was the wildest skincare ingredient most of us had ever heard of.

WATCH: Carla Oates, founder of The Beauty Chef, explains the signs your skin issues might be an idicator of your gut health. Post continues below.

But as much as there was a time when I loved it (along with half the internet and the entire Mamamia team), I can confirm skincare has drastically evolved since then. Don't get me wrong — there's nothing bad about the product (I promise, it still deserves its five-star reviews). But these days, there are so many newer formulations with the same lightweight, transparent texture and affordable price tag… only they deliver even better results.

Enter: the Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum.

What is the Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum?

This lightweight hydrating serum uses rice extract (instead of snail slime) to give you that same juicy, bouncy-skin effect. It's loaded with ceramides, which are basically tiny bodyguards for your skin barrier, to lock in moisture and keep irritation out. Think of it as nourishment and hydration in one, minus the sticky residue that can sometimes come with snail mucin. In fact, in a clinical trial, this serum improved skin barrier strength by 63.9 per cent after four weeks of consistent use.

It also packs three per cent niacinamide, arbutin and zinc to help balance oil production (so you're glowy, not greasy), while evening out skin tone, and fading acne scars and post-blemish redness. On top of that, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, honey extract and glycerine step in to soothe and hydrate, creating that unique elastic, bouncy consistency COSRX fans love.

But my favourite bit is knowing it's fragrance-free, which is a huge win for sensitive-skin girlies like me. And unlike COSRX's snail mucin, it's vegan.

Here's what the product looks like:

It has the same lightweight consistency as the viral COSRX Snail Mucin Essence. Image: Supplied.

How do you use it?

Exactly like any hydrating serum. After cleansing and toning, smooth 2–3 pumps over your face and neck, then follow with eye cream, moisturiser and SPF in the morning (or a richer cream at night). The texture is silky, it sinks in fast and layers seamlessly with other serums, so you can still use your vitamin C, niacinamide or retinol without pilling. It also works seamlessly under makeup. 

I've been using it morning and night for about eight months now, and my skin feels softer, brighter and so much more hydrated.

Where can you buy Anua's 7 Rice Ceramide serum in Australia?

The good news is you don't need to fly to Seoul and haul 10 bottles back in your suitcase. Anua is stocked online at various retailers in Australia, including Adore Beauty, Amazon and YesStyle, with prices varying slightly between each. 

But if you've read any of my other beauty stories, you'd know I love shopping at Lila Beauty because they consistently have the best deals. Right now, a 50ml bottle of the 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum is $24.95 (down from $35), and they often run extra discounts on top.

Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum review.

I've been using this serum for eight months straight, which, for someone who is constantly testing new products, says a lot. If I stick with something, it means it's really good.

I first bought this when my skin was going through a seriously irritated phase and I needed to strip my routine back to basics. Within a week of using just this serum along with a pharmacy-brand cleanser and moisturiser, my skin looked calmer. A few weeks later, all that stubborn, post-blemish redness had practically disappeared.

Now, I can't stop using it morning and night. It just leaves my skin feeling softer, brighter, and so much more hydrated.

After seeing the results, I went on to buy the matching toner and the Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder (which I've written about here), and both are just as impressive.

If you're looking for other products similar to the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence, I do have a few other recommendations: 

K-Secret Seoul 1988 Essence: Snail Mucin 97% + Rice 100ml, $24.95 (usually $38). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

This combines both 97 per cent snail mucin and rice to enhance skin texture and achieve a more radiant complexion. 

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Arbutin 30ml, $17.95 (usually $25.50).

Image: Lila Beauty.

This is formulated with 68.6 per cent rice bran water and two per cent arbutin to suppress melanin formation and nourish the skin. 

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule 30ml, $44.50 (usually $90). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

Another rice-based formula packed with antioxidants to strengthen the skin barrier.

Feature image: Supplied.

Have you tried any of these product alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.