Abstract: An active ingredient for a therapeutic or cosmetic composition is obtained from live gastropoda (e.g., snails) which are physically stimulated (e.g., by centrifuging) to cause secretion of a fluid which is then centrifuged and filtered. Preferably the gastropoda are fasted prior to the physical stimulation. The therapeutic or cosmetic compositions contain about 0.1-30% of the active ingredient which is a mixture of amino acids and atoxic substances, an effective amount of an excipient preferred for use with biologically active ingredients, and other conventional ingredients provided they do not affect the stability and/or the activity. The therapeutic composition, in the form of a topical cream, can be used to treat various types of burns, dermatitis, eczema, diaper rash, and difficult to heal wounds. It can also be used to prevent skin cancer and radiodermatitis. The cosmetic composition can be used as hand and face creams, an anti-wrinkle cream, a sunscreen cream, a moisturizing lotion, and a deodorant.