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What are Copper Peptides, and What Do They Do for Your Skin?
Reviewed By Suzanne Nguyen
Peptides are everywhere in skincare, but they don’t all do the same thing.
Your body uses thousands of different peptides, each sending specific instructions that control how your skin functions.
So, what are copper peptides?
Copper peptides are used in skincare to guide how your skin responds when it’s been damaged supporting the processes involved in recovery.
Below, we explain what copper peptides are, why they are used in skincare, and the benefits they can have on your skin.
What are copper peptides
Copper peptides – often referred to as GHK-Cu – are naturally present in your skin and blood1. They form when a small fragment of protein (a peptide) binds with copper (an essential mineral) creating a complex your body uses during its recovery process1.
Copper has been used for centuries to treat skin. Ancient Egyptian cultures used copper compounds in medical treatments as early as 3900 BC, while the Ancient Greeks used it to treat skin conditions and injuries1.
Today, we know that copper helps support the enzymes your skin uses to build and maintain its structure, while also helping defend against environmental stress.
What do copper peptides do for the skin?
Copper peptides support your skin’s structure by helping maintain collagen and elastin production1. These proteins are produced by fibroblasts – specialised cells in your dermis that build and organise your skin’s internal framework2.
As you move into your 30s, fibroblast activity begins to slow, particularly with repeated UV exposure. This slows collagen and elastin production, which is when you begin to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in texture2.
Copper peptides act as biological signals that encourage fibroblasts to continue this process1. This is why they are used in post-procedural care, sensitivity-focused routines, and anti-ageing skincare.
5 benefits of copper peptides
Copper peptides tell your skin how to function beneath the surface, shaping how it behaves day to day. Below are five benefits of copper peptides when used regularly in your routine.
1. Reinforces the skin moisture barrier
Copper peptides support your skin moisture barrier by helping keep your skin cells tightly sealed together.
When your skin moisture barrier becomes compromised, small gaps form between these cells, allowing water to escape in a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
As your skin loses hydration, it can’t reseal these gaps properly. This leaves your skin exposed to external stress, making it more prone to sensitivity and blemishes.
Our Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Hydrating Serum is designed for this type of disruption. It uses Neurosensine, a peptide selected to support your skin moisture barrier and reduce visible redness linked to sensitivity. On application, it helps comfort sensitive skin, and with continued use, supports the recovery process, with the skin moisture barrier shown to be strengthened after 28 days.
2. Supports the skin's natural renewal process
Your skin’s natural renewal process replaces old cells with new ones by moving fresh cells up to the surface while shedding those already there.
As this slows with age and environmental exposure, older cells remain on the surface for longer, which can leave your skin looking uneven or dull. Copper peptides guide how new skin cells are formed and move upward, while supporting the collagen beneath – helping maintain bright and even skin tone.
3. Improves skin firmness and elasticity
Collagen gives your skin density, while elastin allows it to stretch and return to its original shape. Copper peptides support the production of these proteins, helping your skin maintain a fuller, firmer appearance.
You may notice your skin looks less slack and feels more resilient when you press into it – particularly in areas like your cheeks, jawline, and around the mouth, where marionette lines often start to show.
4. Help diminish the appearance of fine lines
Fine lines develop as collagen production slows and your skin loses some of its internal support.
By supporting collagen production and maintaining hydration, copper peptides help reduce how defined these lines appear.
To build on this effect, pairing peptides with retinol can help target different layers of the skin. Retinol works at the surface level by accelerating cell turnover, while peptides support the structure beneath.
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum is formulated to work within this balance. It combines retinol with niacinamide and glycerin, which helps maintain hydration while encouraging surface skin cell renewal. This allows you to support visible skin changes without creating unnecessary stress that could disrupt your skin.
Keep in mind retinol and peptides are both potent actives, so don’t use them in the same routine. Use copper peptides in the morning and retinol at night.
5. Provide antioxidant protection
The final benefit of copper peptides is their antioxidant activity, which helps neutralise free radicals before they interfere with your skin’s normal function.
When you manage free radical activity, your skin is less likely to show visible signs of stress such as uneven tone or redness. To protect your skin further, daily SPF is essential – as UV exposure is one of the primary sources of free radicals.
Our Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ is formulated with advanced UV filters that help protect against long UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to structural changes. Its lightweight texture allows it to sit evenly across your skin, so it protects without interfering with the rest of your routine.
Do you have sensitive skin? Copper peptides can help influence how your skin responds when it experiences discomfort. To understand why, explore the internal and external causes of sensitive skin.
SHOP PRODUCTS IN THIS ARTICLE
.jpg?sw=270&sfrm=jpg&q=70)
Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Hydrating Serum 30ml
Peptide Serum For Sensitive Skin Prone To Allergy, Formulated To Reduce Skin Redness & Irritation
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml
Retinol & Niacinamide Serum For Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone. Suitable For Sensitive Skin.
ANTHELIOS UVMUNE 400 ULTRA INVISIBLE FLUID SPF 50+
Lightweight Face Sunscreen Containing MEXORYL 400. Protecting against the most harmful UVA & UVB rays to help prevent premature ageing.
.jpg?sw=1080&sh=840&sm=cut&q=70)
- HOME >
- SKINCARE ADVICE >
- SKINCARE INGREDIENTS >
- WHAT ARE COPPER PEPTIDES, AND WHAT DO THEY DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
What are Copper Peptides, and What Do They Do for Your Skin?
Reviewed By Suzanne Nguyen
Peptides are everywhere in skincare, but they don’t all do the same thing.
Your body uses thousands of different peptides, each sending specific instructions that control how your skin functions.
So, what are copper peptides?
Copper peptides are used in skincare to guide how your skin responds when it’s been damaged supporting the processes involved in recovery.
Below, we explain what copper peptides are, why they are used in skincare, and the benefits they can have on your skin.
What are copper peptides
Copper peptides – often referred to as GHK-Cu – are naturally present in your skin and blood1. They form when a small fragment of protein (a peptide) binds with copper (an essential mineral) creating a complex your body uses during its recovery process1.
Copper has been used for centuries to treat skin. Ancient Egyptian cultures used copper compounds in medical treatments as early as 3900 BC, while the Ancient Greeks used it to treat skin conditions and injuries1.
Today, we know that copper helps support the enzymes your skin uses to build and maintain its structure, while also helping defend against environmental stress.
What do copper peptides do for the skin?
Copper peptides support your skin’s structure by helping maintain collagen and elastin production1. These proteins are produced by fibroblasts – specialised cells in your dermis that build and organise your skin’s internal framework2.
As you move into your 30s, fibroblast activity begins to slow, particularly with repeated UV exposure. This slows collagen and elastin production, which is when you begin to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in texture2.
Copper peptides act as biological signals that encourage fibroblasts to continue this process1. This is why they are used in post-procedural care, sensitivity-focused routines, and anti-ageing skincare.
5 benefits of copper peptides
Copper peptides tell your skin how to function beneath the surface, shaping how it behaves day to day. Below are five benefits of copper peptides when used regularly in your routine.
1. Reinforces the skin moisture barrier
Copper peptides support your skin moisture barrier by helping keep your skin cells tightly sealed together.
When your skin moisture barrier becomes compromised, small gaps form between these cells, allowing water to escape in a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
As your skin loses hydration, it can’t reseal these gaps properly. This leaves your skin exposed to external stress, making it more prone to sensitivity and blemishes.
Our Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Hydrating Serum is designed for this type of disruption. It uses Neurosensine, a peptide selected to support your skin moisture barrier and reduce visible redness linked to sensitivity. On application, it helps comfort sensitive skin, and with continued use, supports the recovery process, with the skin moisture barrier shown to be strengthened after 28 days.
2. Supports the skin's natural renewal process
Your skin’s natural renewal process replaces old cells with new ones by moving fresh cells up to the surface while shedding those already there.
As this slows with age and environmental exposure, older cells remain on the surface for longer, which can leave your skin looking uneven or dull. Copper peptides guide how new skin cells are formed and move upward, while supporting the collagen beneath – helping maintain bright and even skin tone.
3. Improves skin firmness and elasticity
Collagen gives your skin density, while elastin allows it to stretch and return to its original shape. Copper peptides support the production of these proteins, helping your skin maintain a fuller, firmer appearance.
You may notice your skin looks less slack and feels more resilient when you press into it – particularly in areas like your cheeks, jawline, and around the mouth, where marionette lines often start to show.
4. Help diminish the appearance of fine lines
Fine lines develop as collagen production slows and your skin loses some of its internal support.
By supporting collagen production and maintaining hydration, copper peptides help reduce how defined these lines appear.
To build on this effect, pairing peptides with retinol can help target different layers of the skin. Retinol works at the surface level by accelerating cell turnover, while peptides support the structure beneath.
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum is formulated to work within this balance. It combines retinol with niacinamide and glycerin, which helps maintain hydration while encouraging surface skin cell renewal. This allows you to support visible skin changes without creating unnecessary stress that could disrupt your skin.
Keep in mind retinol and peptides are both potent actives, so don’t use them in the same routine. Use copper peptides in the morning and retinol at night.
5. Provide antioxidant protection
The final benefit of copper peptides is their antioxidant activity, which helps neutralise free radicals before they interfere with your skin’s normal function.
When you manage free radical activity, your skin is less likely to show visible signs of stress such as uneven tone or redness. To protect your skin further, daily SPF is essential – as UV exposure is one of the primary sources of free radicals.
Our Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ is formulated with advanced UV filters that help protect against long UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to structural changes. Its lightweight texture allows it to sit evenly across your skin, so it protects without interfering with the rest of your routine.
Do you have sensitive skin? Copper peptides can help influence how your skin responds when it experiences discomfort. To understand why, explore the internal and external causes of sensitive skin.
SHOP PRODUCTS IN THIS ARTICLE
Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Hydrating Serum 30ml
Peptide Serum For Sensitive Skin Prone To Allergy, Formulated To Reduce Skin Redness & Irritation
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml
Retinol & Niacinamide Serum For Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone. Suitable For Sensitive Skin.
ANTHELIOS UVMUNE 400 ULTRA INVISIBLE FLUID SPF 50+
Lightweight Face Sunscreen Containing MEXORYL 400. Protecting against the most harmful UVA & UVB rays to help prevent premature ageing.
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