Don’t use copper peptides with these 2 skincare ingredients

Discover the rejuvenating action of the GHK peptide and copper. And how to correctly use copper peptides in your skincare routine to plump and smooth your skin. I love them – chances are you’ll love them too!

Updated on 14 March 2026

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Attracted by the scientifically proven properties of copper peptides to regenerate the extracellular matrix and improve skin resilience, I decided to try them.

I invest time and energy in skincare ingredients that at least hint at effectiveness. And, when the fall hit (in November), I tried some new products. I also wanted to take a crack at something to better the appearance of a recent scar on my forehead.

So I tried The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%. Later, I’ll tell you about my 6-month experience using it and when to avoid copper peptides. Don’t miss that!

First, let’s see why copper and the GHK peptide – that is, copper peptides – increase your skin vigor (unless you were allergic to them – which may occur with any skincare ingredient). And how to integrate them into your skincare routine. 

THE GHK PEPTIDE (GLYCINE-HISTIDINE-LYSINE)

Peptides are chains of amino acids (like glycine, histidine, or lysine). And amino acids are the building blocks of proteins (such as collagen or elastin). 

There are many different peptides with diverse functions in our bodies. Some are structural peptides (like those that form collagen, for instance), while others have signaling properties. For example, Botox is a signaling peptide that keeps the muscles relaxed.  

GHK is a signaling peptide that increases the synthesis of the components of the extracellular matrix (like collagen or elastin, which maintain it bouncy). Thus, it boosts the healing of wounds or the regeneration of the skin.

The GHK peptide is in our blood and decreases as our chronological age (the number of years we’ve spent on Earth) increases. GHK is around 200 ng/ml at age 20 and tends to decline to an average of 80 ng/ml by age 60. 

However, the level of GHK also correlates with our biological age (the actual age of our body, which may not match our chronological age).

In other words, the more GHK in the blood of an adult, the younger his/her biological age.

Additionally, the GHK peptide has a high affinity for copper.

COPPER (CU)

Small amounts of copper (1 to 1.5 mg/day) are indispensable to keep our bodies healthy. For instance, copper is necessary for energy synthesis in our cells or the arrival of oxygen and nutrients to peripheral organs (like the skin). 

In the skin, copper is essential for the activity of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which generates mature collagen and elastin fibers and a compact yet flexible dermis. That is a wrinkle-free, functional dermis. 

We also require copper daily for the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase and hence to maintain skin and hair pigmentation. Indeed hair is the body structure with the highest copper content. 

If you want to discover more about the role of copper in the skin and the best nutritional sources of copper, visit my article 8 reasons why copper keeps your skin and body youthful.

8 reasons why copper keeps your skin and body youthful

HOW TO OPTIMALLY APPLY COPPER TO THE SKIN

Copper penetrates well in the skin when compounded with the GHK peptide.

Therefore, due to the known positive impact of copper and the GHK peptide on the skin, the GHK-Cu complexes are a great vehicle to deliver copper into the skin. 

Copper also penetrates the skin when embedded in high amounts in ointments (for instance, to treat skin hypopigmentation due to lack of melanin). 

However, in general, GHK-Cu copper peptides are a more pleasant option.

And the most important thing! Copper peptides reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin when tested in peer-reviewed clinical studies – which are well-done, precise measurements of the effects of copper peptides after their application to the skin of humans.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF COPPER AND COPPER PEPTIDES

As I told you in my previous article on copper, it enhances our antioxidant defenses through the action of superoxide dismutase (a ubiquitous copper- and zinc-containing antioxidant enzyme). 

And copper peptides act at the genetic level modifying the expression of antioxidant genes (their translation into proteins). Thus, they further counteract free radical damage in the skin.

MY 6-MONTH EXPERIENCE WITH COPPER PEPTIDES

I ordered a bottle of The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% serum in November. From my point of view, that is an excellent water-based serum that also has glycerin (a great skin humectant).

As you can see in the color-coded ingredient list below, it contains not only the copper peptide (copper tripeptide-1) but also other peptides with anti-aging and skin-firming properties (highlighted in green).

There are also a couple of hyaluronic acid forms (a great polymer and a lower molecular weight form) and various amino acids [glycine, alanine, serine, valine, isoleucine, proline, threonine, histidine, phenylalanine, arginine, and aspartic acid].

It also includes soothing molecules (like allantoin), other humectants (such as trehalose), and other molecules naturally found in the stratum corneum (the top layer of the skin) like urea, PCA, or lactic acid (sodium lactate).

HOW TO APPLY THE COPPER PEPTIDES SERUM

You can use it in the morning or at night before thicker products (like other serums or moisturizers). At the moment, I apply it to my face and neck just in the morning. I use about five or six drops right after washing or showering and before my moisturizer or sunscreen.

ANECDOTE OR FACT? ELIMINATE YOUR SKIN TAGS WITH COPPER

I started using the copper peptides serum only in the morning. Then I realized that some acrochordons I had on my neck (skin tags that appear due to friction against clothes and seem contagious warts, but they aren’t) became itchy.

I thought that could be due to the anti-microbial properties of copper. Therefore, I started to apply the serum at night too.

Acrochordons are not infectious (viruses don’t cause them). But some microorganisms which might grow with friction against clothes could influence the growth of the acrochordons. Why do I say that? Because two big acrochordons I had fell!! 

That might be an anecdote, not a scientific experiment, but there you go. After that, I returned to the morning-only routine with copper peptides. 

And since then, no more skin tags have fallen. The remaining skin tags were small, but now one is medium-sized. So, I’m attacking morning and night again. I’ll keep you informed!

I’ve also discovered copper mini-clips on Amazon: you attach one to a skin tag and get rid of it in a few days (such things!). I’m not the only one who has noticed the potential anti-acrochordons effects of copper!

IMPROVE YOUR SCARS WITH COPPER PEPTIDES

After six months of using the copper peptides serum, my skin is very well. It seems even more healthy and supple. I love this stuff! 

That’s subjective. But you know I do not make those statements lightly. I take this blog and your skin concerns seriously and believe copper peptides can make a difference. 

In addition, I noticed something unexpected: an improvement in the appearance of the scar on my forehead (which is two years old now). I also use retinal and a product with glycolic and salicylic acids on that scar on alternate nights. But I already followed that routine before trying copper peptides. 

Since the scar had been there for over a year, I thought I might need a minor procedure by a dermatologist to forget about it. And I might need and little microneedling or soft CO₂ laser. But the copper peptides did a goo job!

In summary, the daily use of the serum with copper peptides boosts the cutaneous extracellular matrix. And hence the skin appearance (and health!).

With some exceptions (I tell you now), this hydrating serum can improve the skincare routine of anyone.

INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD NOT MIX WITH COPPER

VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)

Copper (as a metallic ion) can favor the oxidation (and inactivation) of labile molecules such as ascorbic acid. Therefore, if you like vitamin C in your skincare routine, apply it in the morning and the copper peptides at night (or vice versa, not at the same time).

KOJIC ACID

Kojic acid traps metallic ions such as free copper (Cu2+), making them unavailable. That’s how it reduces skin hyperpigmentation, given that tyrosinase (the key melanin-producing enzyme) requires copper.

Thus, copper cancels the effects of kojic acid (and vice versa). Hence better apply copper peptides in the morning and kojic acid at night (not simultaneously).

WHEN TO AVOID COPPER PEPTIDES

You may want to avoid copper peptides if you have skin hyperpigmentation (dark spots, melasma). You know, copper favors skin pigmentation through tyrosinase activity.

For instance, my skin has an olive hue. I also have vascular rosacea on my cheeks and the skin underneath my eyes. Thus, I constantly develop hyperpigmentation there. I also have melasma on the highest area of my cheeks. Therefore, I don’t overuse the copper peptides serum over there (I apply it in those areas once a day max or 3 times per week, usually in the morning). 

HOW TO INTRODUCE COPPER PEPTIDES INTO A SKINCARE ROUTINE

If you are using copper peptides for the first time, it is usually best to introduce them gradually.

A simple approach is:

1. Start by using the product once a day, preferably in the evening.
2. Avoid combining it with too many active ingredients at the beginning.
3. Observe how your skin responds for a few weeks.
4. If well tolerated, you may increase frequency.

Copper peptides are often used in routines focused on skin recovery, barrier support and long-term skin health, rather than aggressive exfoliation!

CAN COPPER PEPTIDES RUIN YOUR SKIN?

Copper peptides are sometimes blamed for skin problems. If you search online, you will find people saying that “copper peptides ruined my skin”.

In most cases, the issue is not the peptide itself but how it is used in a skincare routine.

Copper peptides are signaling molecules involved in skin repair and regeneration. However, problems may occur when:

• the skin barrier is already compromised
• too many active ingredients are used together
• they are layered with incompatible ingredients
• the skin is over-exfoliated

When introduced gradually and used in a balanced routine, copper peptides are generally well tolerated and are often used specifically to support skin recovery.

If your skin reacts poorly after introducing a copper peptide product, it may be worth simplifying your routine and reintroducing it slowly.

WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT FROM COPPER PEPTIDES

Results from copper peptides usually appear gradually rather than immediately. These peptides act as signaling molecules involved in skin repair and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Some people report improvements such as:

• smoother skin texture
• improved skin resilience
• a reduction in the appearance of fine lines
• gradual improvement in the appearance of scars

However, these changes tend to occur slowly over weeks or months, since copper peptides work by supporting natural repair processes rather than forcing rapid exfoliation or turnover.

I hope this was useful! Please share your thoughts or questions in the comments box below.

If you liked this article and are interested in getting to know practical skincare, fitness and longevity science-proven tips in Spanish, you may want to sign up to my newsletter below.

Take care and see you soon!

María

FAQ — COPPER PEPTIDES

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about copper peptides and how to use them in a skincare routine.

Quick summary: What do copper peptides do for the skin?

Copper peptides are small protein fragments bound to copper ions that act as signaling molecules in the skin. In skincare, they are often used to support skin repair and regeneration.

They may help:

• support collagen and elastin production
• promote wound healing
• improve skin resilience
• support extracellular matrix repair

For this reason, copper peptides are often used in routines focused on skin regeneration and healthy aging.

Can copper peptides damage the skin?

Copper peptides are generally considered safe and well tolerated in skincare. However, some people worry that copper peptides may damage the skin or cause unwanted side effects.

In practice, most reported problems are related to how copper peptides are used in a skincare routine rather than the ingredient itself.

Some people report temporary reactions such as:

• irritation
• breakouts
• dull-looking skin

Online communities sometimes refer to these reactions as the “copper uglies”.

These issues may occur when:

• the skin barrier is already compromised
• too many active ingredients are used together
• the product is introduced too quickly
• the skin is over-exfoliated

Copper peptides work best when the skin barrier is relatively calm and balanced. When used appropriately, they tend to support skin repair and resilience rather than damage the skin.

If your skin reacts poorly after introducing a copper peptide product, simplifying your routine and reintroducing the product slowly may help.

Can copper peptides cause breakouts?

Copper peptides aren’t known to be comedogenic. Most formulas containing them are lightweight, water-based serums.

However, breakouts may occur if:

• the formula contains other ingredients that clog pores
• the skin barrier is irritated by too many active ingredients (or other reasons)
• the product is layered with strong exfoliants or retinoids

If you experience breakouts after introducing copper peptides, stop using the product for a while and reintroduce it slowly to see how your skin reacts.

Can copper peptides cause hyperpigmentation?

Copper plays a role in the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Because of that, some people worry that copper peptides could worsen hyperpigmentation.

In practice, this doesn’t appear to be a common issue. However, if your skin is prone to melasma or dark spots, it may be wise to:

• avoid overusing copper peptides on those areas
• apply them once a day or a few times per week
• monitor how your skin responds

Moderation is usually sufficient.

Can you use copper peptides with vitamin C?

It’s recommended not to apply copper peptides and pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) at the same time.

Copper ions may promote the oxidation of ascorbic acid, which can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C.

A simple solution is to separate them in your routine:

• Vitamin C in the morning
• Copper peptides at night

This way you can benefit from both ingredients.

How often should you use copper peptides?

Most people can use copper peptides once or twice daily, depending on their skin tolerance and the rest of their routine.

If you are introducing them for the first time, start with:

• once a day
• or every other day

Then gradually increase frequency if your skin tolerates them well.

Are copper peptides good for scars?

Copper peptides may support wound healing and extracellular matrix regeneration, which can improve the appearance of scars over time.

Some users report that regular use of copper peptide serums makes scars appear:

• smoother
• less noticeable
• better integrated with surrounding skin

However, results vary depending on the age and type of the scar.

Are copper peptides better than retinol?

Copper peptides and retinol work in different ways, so one is not necessarily “better” than the other.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. It is one of the most studied ingredients in skincare and can improve wrinkles, uneven texture and pigmentation.

Copper peptides, on the other hand, are signaling molecules that support skin repair processes. They may help improve skin resilience, wound healing and extracellular matrix regeneration.

Because they act through different mechanisms, many people use them for different goals:

• Retinol for anti-aging and skin renewal
• Copper peptides for skin repair and recovery (thus they may promote youthful skin too).

For people with sensitive or easily irritated skin, copper peptides may sometimes be easier to tolerate than retinoids.

Can you use copper peptides with retinoids?

Copper peptides and retinoids can generally be used in the same skincare routine, but they are usually not applied at the same time.

Retinoids increase skin cell turnover and can sometimes cause irritation, especially when first introduced. Copper peptides are often used to support skin recovery and barrier repair.

For this reason, many people prefer to separate them in their routine:

• Retinoids at night
• Copper peptides in the morning, or on nights when retinoids aren’t used

Alternating them can help reduce irritation while still benefiting from both ingredients.

As always, it is best to introduce new active ingredients gradually and monitor how your skin responds.

REFERENCES — COPPER PEPTIDES

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Pickart L, Margolina A, Int J Mol Sci., 2018 Jul 7; 19 (7): 1987.

GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Pickart L et al., Biomed Res Int., 2015:2015:648108.