How do Copper Peptides Work?

3 min read

Peptides are a group of cosmetic ingredients that can elevate your skincare routine to a new level, but one of them has gained the most popularity recently.

If you're wondering how copper peptide works and whether choosing this ingredient will meet your expectations — read this post to the end!

What are peptides?
How do copper peptides work?
Who are copper peptides for?
Expert tips

What are peptides?

Before we dive into the effects of copper peptide, it's worth understanding what peptides are. Breaking them down isn’t as complicated as it might seem.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically ranging from two to even fifty amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

In cosmetics, peptides typically consist of up to ten amino acids. Chains made of more than 100 amino acids are considered as proteins.

Depending on the size of the molecule and the arrangement of amino acids in the chain, peptides can have specific properties or functions. Thus, it is impossible to generalize the action of all peptides, as their effects vary across different groups:

Signaling peptides: These peptides send signals to cells, for example, to start collagen synthesis — they stimulate fibroblasts, the connective tissue cells found in the dermis, to produce collagen and elastin (copper peptides belong to this group).
Transport peptides: These help deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin, enhancing their effectiveness (copper peptides also belong to this group).
Neuropeptides: These are neurotransmitter inhibitors — a very interesting group of peptides capable of blocking neurotransmitter activity, which helps reduce facial tension and limit the formation of expression wrinkles. These peptides are inspired by botulinum toxin — for example, the famous argireline.

Therefore, copper peptide is a combination of a tripeptide with copper — that is, three amino acids linked by peptide bonds + copper.

Glycine (G), histidine (H), and lysine (K), combined with copper (Cu) – GHK-Cu.

You might already know the acronym GHK-Cu because copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is naturally found in the human body, and there are even dietary supplements with this ingredient on the market. Copper is involved in healing various micro-injuries to the skin and various repair processes, such as combating free radicals (which many people associate only with vitamin C) and reducing inflammation.

How do copper peptides work?

From the first part of the post, you can probably guess what copper peptides do.

Remodel the skin: They rebuild and increase its thickness...
Stimulate skin repair, improve wound healing...
Reduce scar tissue, such as post-acne scars.
Act as an antioxidant, making them perfect for morning use under sunscreen.
Give a characteristic blue color.

Wrinkle reduction, a lifting effect, and changes in the facial oval and shape are possible! This is thanks to innovative, proprietary formulas with pure copper peptides in high concentrations, whose effectiveness has been confirmed by independent research laboratories.

Veoli Botanica’s The Filling and Firming Anti-Aging Serum with 0.5% pure copper peptide and 11% peptide complexes BLUE AGELESS ESSENCE strengthens beauty and is a true beautifying filter for skin in need of regeneration, with firming, stimulating, and anti-wrinkle properties. Ideal both under makeup — it absorbs perfectly without leaving a sticky layer on the skin — and as part of your evening routine.

The serum is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

On the other hand, the Veoli Botanica’s Lifting and Remodeling Anti-Aging Mask with 0.5% pure copper peptide, 2% anti-gravity peptide, and 1% biomimetic peptide SAPPHIRE AGE-DEFINER provides comprehensive anti-aging action and caters to all skin needs showing signs of aging.

Its creamy formula without a heavy effect deeply moisturizes, leaving a satin finish and an immediate tightening effect. The easily spreadable consistency makes application quick and pleasant. It absorbs perfectly, leaving no sticky residue.

SAPPHIRE AGE-DEFINER is designed for daily use and can be applied in two ways — as a lifting day cream, instead of your usual cream, or as a lifting mask at night, for an anti-aging treatment that strengthens results.

This mask-cream is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

These products do not contain dyes or malachite, which are typically added to achieve a desired color. The characteristic blue hue is obtained by using pure copper peptide.

Who are copper peptides for?

Copper peptides are perfect for all skin types — they support various processes. Naturally, they are most commonly associated with mature skin or skin experiencing the early signs of aging, but they are not limited to this group.

In the context of anti-aging, they can also be used as a preventive measure for younger skin, although the anti-wrinkle effects will be less noticeable. It is, of course, better to prevent than to treat.

Copper peptides are also a great antioxidant, so they will support the action of sunscreen year-round, enhancing its anti-aging effects.

Copper peptides are also a good alternative for those who do not want or cannot use retinoids. For those who already incorporate retinol or retinal into their routine, copper peptides will help alleviate the negative effects of the retinization process (such as sensitivity, redness, or dryness) by improving skin barrier functions.

Even those with extremely sensitive and dry skin need not worry. Copper peptides will integrate seamlessly into gentle skincare, requiring no acclimatization or gradual introduction. Sensitive skin, including acne-prone skin battling chronic inflammation, will benefit from this ingredient, strengthening delicate skin and supporting various treatments.

Expert tips

Copper peptides can be used as the main cosmetic ingredient in your skincare, providing stimulating and preventive effects, but they can also be an excellent addition to elevate your routine.

Keep in mind that copper peptides are quite sensitive and react poorly to pH fluctuations.

To maintain optimal performance, it's best to use them alone, followed by a gentle cream that does not contain acids requiring a low pH or retinoids.

If you have any questions please contact our beauty expert & cosmetologist – Martyna Radke.

How do Copper Peptides Work?

What are peptides?

How do copper peptides work?

Who are copper peptides for?

Expert tips

Anna Krawczyk

Related Articles