An easy way to support healthier-looking skin at home is to create an at-home skincare routine that targets your skin concerns.
If you're looking to add an ingredient to your routine with a lot of potential for covering all sorts of skin concerns, from skin texture, scene scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tones, it should be a copper peptide complex.
A copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is made up of short chains of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) with a strong affinity to copper ions. This combination of amino acids and copper has distinctive properties supporting skin organ health and hair growth.
In this article, we've rounded up the best copper peptide serum and creams with impressive ingredient lists that are gentle enough to use daily as part of a regular skincare routine.
How Do Copper Peptides Benefit Skin Health?
Copper peptides are highly valued as a skincare ingredient because of their unique ability to support biological processes in the skin.
Here are several reasons why copper peptides are unique and beneficial for skin care use:
Promote Collagen and Elastin Production
There are a few ways copper peptides help with elastin and collagen production — proteins fundamental for the skin's health, structure and appearance.
The first is through the activation of fibroblasts, cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Copper peptides enhance the proliferation and activity of fibroblasts, leading to an increased production of these proteins. This process is crucial for skin repair and rejuvenation.
Next, copper peptides can help with the regulation of growth factors, which encourage the skin to repair itself with collagen, improving its overall structure for a more youthful appearance.
And lastly, copper peptides have been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, helping to maintain the skin's integrity.
Antioxidant Properties
Copper peptides possess antioxidant capabilities, helping neutralize free radicals that can build up and damage skin cells, accelerating the aging process that manifests in fine lines and wrinkles.
This antioxidant action may help protect the skin from environmental stressors, reducing signs of aging and promoting a healthier glow from within.
Support Wound Healing
With its ability to kickstart the collagen and elastin processes, copper peptides have been shown to support the skin's natural healing processes, making them beneficial in repairing cuts, abrasions, and other skin injuries.
It's also been found to promote blood flow, which brings nutrients to the affected area, helping with a speedier recovery.
Anti-Inflammatory Potential
Copper peptides have been shown to reduce inflammation on the skin, which is always involved in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. By helping to calm inflammation, copper peptides may help to reduce these flare ups and reveal a more even skin tone.
Enhance Skin Barrier Function
Taking care of the skin barrier is crucial because a healthy barrier is essential for maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can increase sensitivity, dryness, and irritation and make the skin more susceptible to infections and inflammatory conditions like eczema and acne.
Strengthening the skin barrier function using ingredients like copper peptides ensures that the skin remains hydrated, resilient, and better equipped to resist environmental stress, ultimately preventing dryness and promoting a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
The Best Copper Peptide Creams and Serums in 2024
- Neurogan Health 4% Copper Peptide Serum
- Neurogan Health 4% Copper Peptide Cream
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide "The Buffet" 1% Copper Peptide
- Cosrx 6 Peptide Booster
- Biossance Squalene + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Neurogan Health 4% Copper Peptide Serum
We understand the importance of a lightweight serum that absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. That's why we've developed our Copper Peptide Serum with a super lightweight formula that sinks into your skin effortlessly, providing deep nourishment without the greasy feel. It's perfect for all skin types, including those who may be prone to oiliness or breakouts.
The 4% concentration of copper peptides is gentle enough to use daily and nightly even for sensitive skin while effectively supporting skin health.
But we didn't stop at copper peptides. We also infused our serum with kojic acid, a naturally derived ingredient for targeting uneven skin tone and age spots. Kojic acid gently exfoliates the skin, revealing a brighter, more even complexion beneath.
Moreover, we've enriched our serum with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that's celebrated for its wide range of skin benefits. Niacinamide is a true multitasker, known to strengthen the skin's barrier, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.
- Price: $21
- GHK-Cu Concentration: 4%
- Bottle Size: 1 oz (30 ml)
- When to use: Day and Night
Neurogan Health 4% Copper Peptide Face Cream
For those who want to simplify their routines with just a cleanser and a light weight daily cream, we made this Copper Peptide face cream with a 4% copper peptide concentration, niacinaminde, and kojic acid.
It's perfect for use as a makeup base, providing a smooth, hydrated canvas for your cosmetics. Alternatively, use it as a nourishing night cream in your evening routine, allowing the active ingredients to work their magic as you sleep.
- Price: $20
- GHK-Cu Concentration: 4%
- Bottle Size: 1 oz (30 ml)
- When to use: Day and Night
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + 1% Copper Peptide Serum
The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum has captured the attention of skincare enthusiasts and experts online, going viral several years ago, largely due to its affordability and well-rounded approach to age support and antioxidant protection.
Formulated with a 1% concentration of copper peptides, known for encouraging the skin's natural healing processes and boosting the production of collagen and elastin, this serum targets signs of aging by supporting a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion. Including multiple peptides enhances the serum's age-supporting properties, working in synergy to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Price: $32
- GHK-Cu Concentration: 1%
- Bottle Size: 1 oz (30 ml)
- When to use: Day and Night
Cosrx 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
South Korean skincare products have become very popular because of their innovative approaches to skin wellness. Cosrx is a long-standing, trusted brand that brings us this 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum.
The Cosrx 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum is a shining example of the brand's approach to skincare, combining traditional wisdom with cutting-edge science to create products that truly cater to the needs of modern skin.
This serum targets aging concerns and provides solutions for sensitivity, uneven skin tone, and texture issues, making it a versatile addition to any skincare regimen.
- Price: $25
- GHK-Cu Concentration: Not Disclosed
- Bottle Size: 5.07 oz (150 ml)
- When to use: Day and Night
Biossance Squalene + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
Biossance's Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum is more of a luxurious addition to a skincare routine, coming in at $68. Still, it does come in a larger bottle size and has an impressive formula that targets fine lines and wrinkles.
Biossance's proprietary rapid plumping complex is at the heart of this serum, a powerful blend of ingredients known for their hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties. The serum is designed to visibly plump the skin, improving texture and appearance immediately, thanks to its complex combination of clinically proven hydrator ingredients and the collagen-boosting power of copper peptides.
- Price: $68
- GHK-Cu Concentration: Not Disclosed
- Bottle Size: 1.69 oz (50 ml)
- When to use: Day and Night
How to Integrate Copper Peptides into a Routine
Adding copper peptides into your routine can significantly step up your skincare game, thanks to their collagen-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. However, for the best results and to avoid any potential reactions, you want to know how to apply these products and which ingredients might not pair well with them.
Here’s a simple guide to seamlessly integrating copper peptides into your skincare regimen:
Application of Serums and Creams
- Serums: Copper peptide serums should be applied to clean, dry skin. Since serums are lightweight and designed to penetrate deeply, they should be one of the first layers applied after cleansing and toning. Gently massage a few drops into your skin in a patting motion with your fingers, allowing the serum to fully absorb before proceeding with the next steps in your routine.
- Creams: Copper peptide creams, being thicker, should follow serums in your skincare routine. These are typically applied as one of the final steps, particularly if you're layering multiple products. Creams can help lock in the moisture and the active ingredients from the serums applied beforehand.
Ingredients to Avoid Mixing with Copper Peptides
- Vitamin C: While Vitamin C is a great antioxidant for the skin, it can degrade the effectiveness of copper peptides when used simultaneously due to its high acidity and strong antioxidative properties. To avoid this, stagger their application (e.g., Vitamin C in the morning and copper peptides in the evening) or wait at least 15 minutes between applications to ensure full absorption and minimal interaction.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, are commonly used for exfoliation. However, these acids can potentially lower the skin's pH significantly, affecting copper peptides' stability and effectiveness. If you use AHAs or BHAs, consider using them from copper peptides or alternate days or at different times of day.
- Benzoyl Peroxide is a potent ingredient for treating acne by killing bacteria and clearing pores. However, it can be very drying and irritating for some skin types and may cause degradation of copper peptides if used together. To avoid potential reactions, it's best to use benzoyl peroxide and copper peptides at different times of the day or in separate routines.
- Retinoids, including retinol, tretinoin, and adapalene, are vitamin A derivatives best known for their anti-aging and acne-fighting abilities. While there is less evidence to suggest a direct negative interaction between retinoids and copper peptides, retinoids can be irritating and increases skin sensitivity to other compounds. To reduce potential irritation, use copper peptides and retinoids at different times (e.g., one in the morning and the other in the evening) and make sure your skin is well-acclimated to retinoids before introducing copper peptides.
Additional Tips for Using Copper Peptides
- Sunscreen: Always remember to apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine, especially when using active ingredients like copper peptides, which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Hydration: Copper peptides can be potent, so ensuring your skin is well-hydrated and maintaining its barrier function is essential. Don't forget to include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 (niacinamide) in your routine to support your skin barrier health.
- Patch Testing: Before fully integrating copper peptides or any new product into your routine, do a patch test to ensure you don’t have a bad reaction to the ingredients. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of your skin, such as the inside of your wrist or behind the ear, and wait 24-48 hours. Adding the product to your skincare regimen should be safe if no irritation, redness, or discomfort occurs.
The Takeaway: Best Copper Peptide Serums and Creams
Adding a copper peptide product is a good idea for most people to support a wide range of skin concerns, from dark spots, acne, and fine lines. When adding them into your regimen, be mindful of interactions with other actives (like vitamin C and retinols) for the best results and to reduce chances of irritation.
We encourage you to explore our Neurogan Health copper peptide range, which includes our mentioned serum and our cream and innovative products like copper peptide tablets and a gentle 2% copper peptide eye serum, perfect for the sensitive eye area.
Our carefully curated products are designed to meet your skin goals for slow aging and evening out skin tone while being gentle for everyday use.
