[Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a dermatologist before incorporating new skincare products into your routine.]
According to research, collagen forms 30% of protein in the body. However, its concentration keeps reducing as you age.
That’s where copper peptides come into the picture. These compounds can make collagen and improve skin composition, which is why they are considered ‘Nature’s Botox.’
In this article, we will explore the best copper peptides and what they do for the skin. Also, you will learn what not to mix with copper peptides and how to pair them with other skincare ingredients (like retinol and vitamin C) for maximum benefits.
TL;DR – 10 Best Copper Peptides for Skin
Here’s the list of the 10 best copper peptides that you can use for youthful skin:
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
- Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1
- Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1 %
- Medik8 Liquid Peptides
- Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
- PROOT Advanced Copper Peptide Radiance Serum
- Complete Skin Solutions Copper Peptide Face Serum Collagen
- Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
- iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+
- DERMA E Ultra Lift DMAE Concentrated Serum
What Are Copper Peptides?
Research published in the Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics reported that 200 ng/mL of copper peptide is present in the blood plasma of 20-year-old individuals. However, this concentration gradually falls to 80 ng/mL by the age of 60. This copper deficiency is quite evident in the skin of aged adults.
After finding copper tripeptide-1 (aka GHK-Cu) in the skin of youngsters, researchers copied the composition of this natural peptide and formulated it in the lab to add depleted copper peptides back into the aged skin. Copper peptides are formulated by combining the copper ion with three amino acids (histidine, lysine, and glycine).
However, research published in Current Chemical Biology indicated that copper peptides should not be used in more than a certain concentration.
Therefore, these are added to various skincare products, including serums, anti-aging creams, sunscreens, day creams, and moisturizers.
Do Copper Peptides Work?
Yes, they do. Research published in Biomolecules and Therapeutics indicated that copper peptides act as food for the skin. They stimulate collagen to improve skin elasticity and thickness.
Another research published in Cosmetics Journal theorized the significance of copper peptide treatments as anti-aging therapy for the skin. Due to multiple skin benefits, these are considered the best anti-aging peptides for mature skin.
What Do Copper Peptides Do for Your Skin?
Here’s what copper peptides do to your skin:
- According to research, copper binds to the antioxidant enzymes to convert the harmful compound into harmless ions to fight free radical damage. By fighting the free radical damage, copper peptides act as antioxidants and reduce aging signs on the skin.
- Another study published in BioMed Research International indicated that applying copper peptide cream twice daily for 3 months reduced wrinkles and fine lines in women. The peptides also enhanced skin density and tightness.
Note: Peptide-based skin formulations contain a blend of ingredients. When shopping for anti-aging skincare cosmetics, look for ingredients like copper tripeptide-1 or GHK-Cu.
Benefits of Copper Peptides for Skin
Scientists have been investigating the effectiveness of copper peptides for four decades. Explore the copper peptides benefits below:
Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reported that copper peptides reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the following ways:
- Production of Collagen and Elastin: Copper peptides stimulate the production of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts produce the collagen and elastin in the skin. The increased collagen and elastin assist in:
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightness of skin
- Improvement of skin texture
- Cellular Regeneration: Researchers observed that copper peptides shed old skin and replace it with fresh and new skin cells, causing skin renewal.
Another study published in Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes reported that copper peptide (GHK-Cu) application to thigh skin for three months enhanced collagen production in 70% of peptide-treated women.
Additionally, vitamin C enhanced collagen production in up to 50% and retinoid application enhanced it in 40% of females.
Multiple research studies have endorsed the role of copper peptide (GHK-Cu) as a miracle agent for skin. That’s why it is considered among the best peptides for women.
Protect Skin from Sun Damage
Prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen leads to photoaging (also called sun damage). Photoaging makes skin look old by increasing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Copper peptides control the action of fibroblasts (cells that make connective tissues) to aid in sun protection.
A study presented in the Proceedings of the American Academy of Dermatology indicated that applying copper tripeptide-1 (aka GHK-Cu) to the facial skin of 71 women with photoaged skin:
- Improved the density, thickness, and clarity of their skin
- Reduced laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles
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Heal Breakouts and Acne Scars
Copper peptides can help in healing breakouts and acne scars in the following ways:
- Antimicrobial Potential: Copper peptides show antimicrobial properties that may assist in controlling microorganisms like bacteria (named Propionibacterium acne) on the skin, thereby decreasing breakouts.
- Anti-Inflammatory Potential: Due to their anti-inflammatory potential, copper peptides decrease swelling and redness linked with acne lesions. Also, the peptides can reduce:
- Acne
- Acne scars
- Age spots
- Blemishes
- Eczema
- Rosacea
Repair Skin Tissues and Wounds
Research published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity reported that copper peptides make blood vessels (angiogenesis) and enhance oxygen and nutrition supply.
The increased circulation in the skin:
- Repairs skin damage, like burns, cuts, and injuries
- Removes toxins and wastes from the skin to improve the complexion
Another study published in the Cosmetics Journal reported that copper peptides heal wounds and aid in wound closure. Plus, the peptides are added to the dressings to maintain a moist environment for wound healing.
Due to its tissue-repairing potential, copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is one of the best peptides for tendon repair.
Hydrate and Improve Skin Barrier
Copper peptides hydrate and thicken the skin. They also reduce the penetration of environmental stressors (like pollution, sunrays, and pathogens) in the skin barrier.
- Glycosaminoglycans Production: Peptides enhance the production of glycosaminoglycans (such as hyaluronic acid) to moisturize the skin barrier and pores.
- Proteoglycan Production: The peptides activate proteoglycan production to hydrate and plump the skin.
These peptides are most effective when applied topically. However, copper peptide injections can also be used to deliver the peptide into deeper skin layers through microneedling in clinical settings.
Fun fact: Researchers reported the potential of copper peptides for hair growth as they activate hair follicles and improve hair health.
10 Best Copper Peptide Products for Your Skin
GHK-Cu copper peptides are present in several products of multiple skincare brands. Following are the ten best copper peptides for your skin:
1. The Ordinary Copper Peptides
Ordinary’s Buffet + Copper Peptide 1 has now changed to Multi-peptide + Copper Peptides 1% serum. Here’s why it is one of the best copper peptide serums:
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Ordinary multi-peptide is an advanced serum that contains a blend of anti-aging peptides, including GHK-Cu, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
People love the serum as it:
- Utilizes multiple skin-support technologies
- Provides antioxidant support
- Reduces aging signs (fine and dynamic lines) and skin dryness
- Improves skin tone and texture, including elasticity, firmness, and smoothness
2. NIOD Copper Peptides
Here’s why the following copper peptides by NIOD are the top-rated copper peptide serums:
i. Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1
Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (aka CAIS3) is a versatile option for individual skin needs as it:
- Contains plant glycogen for hydration
- Has tripeptide-29 to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Has GHK-Cu that improves elasticity, radiance, and skin health
ii. Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1 %
Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1% (CAIL) enters the skin’s barrier and delivers the copper peptides to the skin tissues. This nighttime gel has:
- Glycogen and squalane to maintain the hydration
- Zizanoic vetiver to maintain the skin barrier and tonicity
- Aphanizomenon (a blue-green algae) to make skin smooth and youthful
3. Medik8 Copper Peptides
Liquid peptides by Medik8 stand out as a top-quality face serum.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Medik8 Liquid Peptides contains 10 peptides in a 30% blend and antioxidants. This serum uses drone-targeted technology to:
- Decrease fine lines and improve firmness
- Improve the uneven skin texture
- Hydrate and plump the skin
4. Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum by Biossance has a rapid plumping complex containing sugarcane squalane, polyglutamic acid, and hyaluronic acid for extreme moisturizing.
Here’s why this serum holds value:
- Copper peptides and para cress extract firm and lift the skin
- Ectoin protects from external aggressors
- Has more hydrating power than hyaluronic acid
5. PROOT Advanced Copper Peptide Radiance Serum
The Advanced Copper Peptide Serum by PROOT is a high-performance skincare product that hydrates and nourishes the skin.
Here’s how it improves the skin’s appearance:
- Its hyaluronic acid makes skin plump and wrinkle-free
- Its niacinamide content minimizes pores and soothes irritated skin
- It revitalizes and fills skin gaps
6. Complete Skin Solutions Copper Peptide Face Serum Collagen
This copper peptide serum by Complete Skin Solutions is an anti-aging and non-greasy formula to make skin youthful.
The serum:
- Detoxifies and rejuvenates the skin
- Shields against UV rays and free radicals
- Fills fine lines and enhances skin unevenness
7. Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum by Glow Recipe is a hydration powerhouse, especially for those with dry skin.
Its:
- Pomegranate extract contains antioxidants to prevent skin from free radical damage.
- Polypeptides even out skin tone and decrease pigmentation, dullness, and redness.
8. iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+
Super Serum Advance+ by iS CLINICAL is an anti-aging serum containing a blend of 15% of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), copper tripeptide-1, and antioxidants.
The peptide serum:
- Improves the appearance of scar tissues and fine stretch marks
- Decreases wrinkles and fine lines
- Brightens the skin
9. DERMA E Ultra Lift DMAE Concentrated Serum
Ultra lift DMAE concentrated serum by Derma E contains antioxidant and copper peptides. The serum has:
- Kakadu plum enriched with vitamin C for damage protection
- Dimethylaminoethanol for skin toning and tightening
- Resveratrol for brightening dull skin
How to Use Copper Peptide Products Effectively
It is best to start the copper peptide serums in your late 20s to early 30s so you can retain your skin texture before it’s too late.
Here’s how you can get the best copper peptide results:
- Cleansing: First of all, clean your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Tonning (Optional): Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH and aid better absorption of other products.
- Copper Peptide Serum: Apply a small amount of copper peptide serum onto the damp skin and pat dry.
- Massaging: Gently massage in an upward motion, focusing on the creases, dark spots, and wrinkles.
- Moisturizing: Layer it with face oil or moisturizer with hydrating ingredients (like sodium hyaluronate, glycerine, and ceramide).
- Sun Protection: Last but not least, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (during the day) to prevent sun exposure.
When to Use Copper Peptides?
Many people wonder when the best time to apply copper peptide serums is. The answer depends on your requirements.
- At the start, use it in a lower concentration.
- If your skin tolerates it well, use it once daily in the morning or night.
- If needed, apply it twice (in the morning and night) daily and follow the same routine every day.
Copper Peptides Side Effects
Copper peptides are safe as they naturally occur within the body. No research study showed any remarkable risks from using copper peptides. Also, they are non-comedogenic. That means they don’t clog pores or cause acne.
However, the skin could flare up if the product has other clogging ingredients. Also, those with broken skin should avoid peptide products or consult with a dermatologist before using anything on their skin.
In some individuals (mostly those with sensitive skin or metal allergy), copper peptides may trigger allergic reactions causing:
- Skin irritation
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Redness
- Burning sensation
Safety Measures to Follow Before Using Copper Peptides
While copper peptide is a low-risk ingredient, you must follow the given tips to ensure safety:
- Follow Product Insert: Follow the instructions provided in the product packaging.
- Patch Test: Always do a patch test before starting any copper peptide product. For that, apply the peptide inside your wrist or elbow. Then, wait almost 24 hours to see if it is tolerable.
- Start Small: Start using copper peptide in small concentrations. Increase the concentration gradually to adapt your skin to the product and avoid side effects.
- Visit Dermatologist: Stop using the product if it causes a severe reaction, and immediately visit your dermatologist.
Pairing Copper Peptides with Other Skincare Ingredients
Research indicated that a unique feature of copper peptides is their ability to work well with other skincare ingredients for anti-aging benefits for the skin.
So, the question is, what should not be used with copper peptides?
Well, you need to be cautious while using retinoids, vitamin A, and AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid like glycolic acid). Use these active ingredients at different times or on alternate days.
For example, tretinoin is a retinoid that may irritate the skin. To avoid discomfort, you must use copper peptides and tretinoin at different times—for example, peptides in the morning while tretinoin at night.
Can You Use Copper Peptides with Retinol?
Well, that’s a hot topic among the dermatologists’ community, and the experts seem to have contrasting opinions:
- Some say that you can apply both together as retinol (being an exfoliant) may cause skin dryness and irritation besides rejuvenating the skin; however, copper peptides will mitigate the irritation.
- Some others claim that they are both active ingredients, and using both in one go will overexfoliate and irritate the skin. Also, the effectiveness of copper peptides will be reduced if they are used together.
How to Use Retinol and Copper Peptides Together?
It is best to use them at different times. Use them on alternate nights or alternate days.
Keynote: When using retinol, start from a small concentration. If used during the daytime, you must apply sunscreen after it.
Can I Use Copper Peptides with Vitamin C?
Well, there are mixed arguments regarding the application of vitamin C with copper peptides as well:
- A few users speculate that copper peptides may oxidize or break the bonds of some forms of vitamin C and reduce their effectiveness.
- Others indicate that it depends on formulation stability instead of ingredient compatibility. If the formulation of the products is stable, layering vitamin C before the peptide layer would not affect their benefits. Plus, the peptides penetrate well without affecting other actives.
How to Use Vitamin C and Copper Peptide Together?
To be safe, we suggest applying both at different times.
- Option 1: You may use vitamin C serum in the morning and copper peptide serum at night so both serums absorb properly.
- Option 2: Another option is to apply a small quantity of vitamin C. Wait 10-15 minutes after vitamin C application and then apply peptide serum to avoid redness or irritation on the skin.
Can I Use Copper Peptides with Niacinamide?
Yes, you can use copper peptides and niacinamide (also called vitamin B3) together. Niacinamide prevents the production of excessive melanin and mitigates post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Using niacinamide and copper peptides together can tame down the acne breakouts and improve skin texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You may get the answers to your questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of copper peptides below:
Are Copper Peptides Safe to Use?
Yes, copper peptides are safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, they may irritate sensitive skin if used in high concentrations at the start. To prevent the irritation, start with low frequency and concentration to let your skin get accustomed to the new ingredients.
Initially, apply it on alternate days, ideally at night. If your skin tolerates it well, you may start using it daily. Also, do a patch test before starting regular use.
Can You Use Copper Peptides During Pregnancy?
There is a lack of research data regarding the topical application of copper peptides in pregnant females. However, anecdotal evidence indicates copper peptides are safe for pregnant and lactating women.
Are Copper Peptides Better in Serums or Creams?
Serums have higher concentrations of copper peptides than creams. Plus, their small molecular size efficiently absorbs and gives results quicker than other products. So, copper peptides are better in serums than creams.
That being said, lotions or creams are usually recommended for individuals with dry skin, while lighter serums may be used for people with oily skin. However, that’s not engraved in stone—you may use what suits your skin best.
Conclusion
Copper peptides provide the solution to all skin problems, be it aging, dullness, or wrinkles. However, you have to choose the right product for your skin and use it for at least three months to truly feel their potential.
Also, be cautious while using topical peptides with other active ingredients. Give your skin the right peptide, and watch it give you the glow you always wanted!