Why Copper Peptides Are The Skincare Ingredient To Know About
Skincare aficionados are always on the lookout for the latest beauty innovation to upgrade their routine and counter the effects of time. Collagen, vitamin C, bakuchiol, retinol… the beauty industry continues to expand its arsenal for addressing early signs of ageing in particular. One of the latest? Copper peptides, which are rapidly emerging as a leading age-defying active.
Vogue’s pick of the best copper peptide serums at a glance:
Allies Of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Below, a look at their origins, how they work, why they’ve become a coveted addition to modern skincare routines and some of the best copper peptide serums to try.
What are copper peptides?
Peptides, which the body naturally produces, are chains of amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of proteins. Their job is essential: like structural “bricks,” they help form proteins such as collagen and elastin, both crucial for maintaining the skin’s texture, density and elasticity. Among the estimated billions of peptides that exist, copper peptide GHK-Cu has inspired particular excitement within cosmetic science.
“Copper peptides are a type of carrier peptide made up of copper bound to amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins,” explains dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick. “Copper peptides are found naturally in the body, but their levels decline with age.”
How do copper peptides work?
Because copper peptides occur naturally in the body, they offer a wide array of benefits when applied topically. First identified in 1973 by Dr Loren Pickart, copper peptide GHK-Cu stands out for its remarkable anti-ageing capacity. It is known to stimulate collagen synthesis, helping maintain the skin’s firmness and resilience while slowing visible ageing. A 1998 study from the Reims Faculty of Medicine found that collagen production increased by 70 per cent after one month of applying this peptide, compared with a 40 per cent increase from tretinoin. Subsequent studies have further illustrated its benefits.
Best for lines and wrinkles: The Ordinary Multi-Peptides + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: An excellent copper peptide serum to try, especially if it’s your first time. This complex formula includes five peptide technologies along with amino acids and multiple molecular highlight acids. All of this combines to create a formula that can help improve skin’s elasticity, smoothness and brightness as well as increase hydration.
- Ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid
Best antioxidant alternative: Medik8 Copper PCA Peptides
Medik8
Copper PCA Peptides
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A powerful formula that reduces signs of ageing, including oxidative stress, lack of firmness and dullness. Containing a potent blend of antioxidants to tackle visible signs of stress on the skin, the copper peptides are on hand to help support collagen production and refine the skin’s texture and tone. The result is a more uniform skin appearance that is noticeably firmer and brighter.
- Ingredients: Copper PCA, dimethylmethoxy chromanol, superoxide dismutase, peptide complex
Best for improving hydration: Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Serum
Biossance
Squalane & Copper Peptide Serum
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: An excellent option for dehydrated skin that’s also lacking in firmness and elasticity. This combines three intensively hydrating ingredients, including polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid, as well as copper peptides to support firmer, brighter-looking skin.
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, squalane, copper peptide
Best for skin renewal: Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
Allies Of Skin
Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If your skin feels like it needs a proper overhaul, consider this advanced repair serum. Highly concentrated with actives including copper lysinate, peptides and ectoin, this daily serum is designed specifically to strengthen skin, repair signs of damage, reduce redness and soothe irritation. Its claim that it can transform skin in a month is impressive.
- Ingredients: Ectoin, copper lysinate complex, acetyl hexapeptide-8 complex, copper tripeptide complex
Best for improved firmness: Wildsmith Active Repair Copper Peptide Serum
Wildsmith
Active Repair Copper Peptide Serum
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A clinically proven serum packed full of bioactive copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, and a plant-based retinol alternative, this beautifully silky serum helps to stimulate skin renewal, repair visible damage and restore firmness to improve skin’s contours. The copper peptides also help keep the skin’s microbiome healthy and support wound healing.
- Ingredients: Copper peptides, cacay, hyaluronic acid
FAQs
What are the benefits of copper peptides in skincare?
“In skincare, copper peptides help signal the skin to support collagen and elastin production, which can improve firmness, texture, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Garshick. “They also have antioxidant properties, help support wound healing, and promote the production of glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, which enhances hydration.”
How to use copper peptides
Incorporating products with copper peptides into your skincare routine is simple: begin with applications every other day to allow the skin to adjust, then increase frequency as your skin’s tolerance and visible results guide you.
As far as which formulations are best, Garshick recommends looking for products that pair copper peptides with barrier-supporting and hydrating ingredients, “as this helps maximise both tolerability and results.”