What are copper peptides? A plain English guide
A copper peptide is a short chain of amino acids bound to a copper ion. The best known is Copper Tripeptide-1, sometimes written GHK-Cu, which occurs naturally in the body and becomes less abundant with age. In skincare it is used to support the appearance of firmness, smoothness and elasticity.
What a peptide actually is
A peptide is simply a short chain of amino acids. Amino acids are the units proteins are built from, and collagen and elastin, the two proteins most associated with skin looking firm, are both made of them.
A copper peptide is one of those short chains carrying a copper ion. That combination is what makes it interesting to cosmetic chemists rather than the peptide alone.
Why copper
Copper is a trace mineral the body already uses. Bound into a peptide it becomes stable enough to formulate with and small enough to be useful in a topical product.
This is worth being clear about: a copper peptide serum is a cosmetic. It works on the appearance of skin. It is not a medicine and does not claim to be.
What copper peptides are used for
In skincare, to support the look of firmness and elasticity, and to help smooth the appearance of fine lines.
In haircare, to support the look of thicker, fuller hair and a healthy feeling scalp.
They are usually formulated as a lightweight serum, a moisturiser, or a shampoo and conditioner, because they need to sit against skin or scalp to be useful.
How to use them
Serums go on clean skin before moisturiser, morning or evening. Moisturiser goes on last. Shampoo and conditioner simply replace what you already use.
Consistency matters far more than quantity. Copper peptides are worked over weeks, not days, and the most common reason people conclude they do nothing is stopping at week two.
Common questions
Are copper peptides the same as GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is one specific copper peptide, the one most used in cosmetics. Its INCI name is Copper Tripeptide-1. So all GHK-Cu is a copper peptide, but not every copper peptide is GHK-Cu.
Can I use copper peptides with vitamin C?
Most people use them at separate times of day, vitamin C in the morning and copper peptides in the evening, simply because the two are formulated at different pH levels and separating them keeps both stable.
Are copper peptides suitable for sensitive skin?
They are generally well tolerated and our formulas are paraben and sulphate free and dermatologically tested. As with any new product, patch test first.
Related guides
- Peptides in skincare: what they are and which ones matter
- GHK-Cu explained: the copper peptide in skincare
- How to use copper peptides: order, timing and routine
Cosmetic products for external use only. Copper peptide products support the appearance of skin and hair. They are cosmetics, not medicines.