Are Copper Peptides a Scam?
A Quick Introduction of Skincare's Hottest Ingredient
Everyone loves copper peptide serums for anti-aging, but they’re so much more than that.
And no, they’re not a scam - but I do think they’re somewhat overhyped. We have lots of powerful peptides in skincare, not just copper peptides!
First, the most underrated benefit is their ability to stimulate wound healing.
For example, I gave myself a blister with mouth tape above my lip (again) and it’s nearly healed in just a few days using GHK-Cu.
In my experience, it doesn’t work quite as fast as red light therapy, but copper peptides are more affordable and readily available than targeted light therapy devices.
Two of my favorites include Mirror Skin (out of stock right now), and Medik8 Liquid Peptides:
If you prefer a moisturizer to a serum, Stratia Interface and Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer are both good options with a variety of powerful anti-aging peptides.
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To be clear, copper peptides are not the end-all, be-all of peptides in skincare.
In fact, they work even better when formulated in an encapsulated delivery system along with other peptides that work synergistically to target multiple skin concerns at once.
Now, copper peptides are water-soluble so you’ll typically find them in hydrating formulas alongside inulin, glycerin, and other pro-microbiome ingredients.
Serums like these are a good one-stop shop for a variety of skin concerns.
Now, here’s the big question everyone wants the answer to: are copper peptides better than retinol?
Eh, hard to say. I don’t think we have enough direct comparison studies to make a definitive decision.
Here’s what we do know:
Copper peptides do not induce photosensitivity like adapalene, tretinoin, or other retinoids do
Copper peptides tend to be better tolerated than retinoids, especially for people with sensitive or reactive skin
Retinoids will treat skin texture, acne and hyperpigmentation, and dark circles better than copper peptides
Both retinoids and copper peptides will treat signs of aging, including elasticity and firmness
They work differently, so you don’t need to be choosing one or the other. They’re friends, not enemies
I layer copper peptides on top of tretinoin most evenings without an issue, typically waiting 2-10 minutes and flossing and brushing my teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste in between.
Evidence suggests that you can layer copper peptides on top of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), but you’ll need to wait 20-30 minutes to avoid deactivating it.
Heads up, you can get 15% off Allies of Skin Vitamin C Serum using my code SKINCARESTACY.
I simply choose not to layer copper peptides over vitamin C because, well, ain’t nobody got time for that.
TLDR: Copper peptides are effective. Use them alongside retinol (or in place of it if you need a substitute) before bed 5-7 nights per week. Follow up with a moisturizer if needed.
Cheers,