Confession time: although I write about beauty for a living, I’d never known much about copper peptides in skincare until my esthetician recommended I try the ingredient after a laser treatment left my skin too pink for comfort (spoiler alert: they worked). If you’re in the same boat, allow me to share the TL;DR: copper peptides are small, naturally occurring protein fragments that consist of amino acids bound to copper ions, an essential mineral for healthy skin function.
According to Los Angeles-based aesthetic nurse practitioner and master injector Melanie Abeyta, copper peptides work by serving as messengers for the skin, letting it know that it's time to repair itself. “When the copper ion is delivered into the skin, it signals fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin—to ramp up their activity,” Abeyta explains. “They also have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals (which contribute to aging) and assist in removing damaged collagen so that new, healthy fibers can form. The result is stronger, smoother, more resilient skin over time.”
Essentially that means your skin will have a little extra boost to remain healthy, radiant, and free from inflammation. You can even expect to see plumped, juicy, more youthful-looking skin with regular use. The best part? Because of their versatility, copper peptides can be included in a variety of skincare products—though they’re most commonly found in facial serums.
Below are my favorite, science-backed copper peptide product picks—along with a deep-dive into why these skincare superstars will soothe your complexion and help it glow.
What Are the Benefits of Copper Peptides?
Think of copper peptides as the ultimate skincare multitaskers that simultaneously support skin repair and boost rejuvenation. “Copper peptides help stimulate collagen and elastin production, which improves firmness and elasticity over time, while also promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. “Additionally, they are rich in antioxidant properties, so they protect the skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress.”
Due to their soothing nature, copper peptides are a top option to hydrate and calm skin after aesthetic procedures such as microneedling, lasers, and chemical peels. “Because they enhance wound-healing and [skin] barrier repair, they’re excellent for calming post-procedure skin or helping repair damage from environmental stress, sun exposure, or over-exfoliation,” says Abeyta. “You’ll notice skin that looks plumper, healthier, and more even-toned.”
If your skin is on the sensitive side to begin with, don’t worry—according to Dr. Engelman, copper peptides are generally well-tolerated. “They’re a great option for patients who want to strengthen their skin barrier and achieve a smoother, more youthful complexion,” she says.
What Are the Risks of Copper Peptides?
While copper peptides are a low-risk ingredient to add into your routine, they do increase cell turnover (which can cause irritation), so it’s best to start out slow. “On rare occasions, over-use can cause mild irritation or temporary redness, particularly in highly concentrated formulas,” cautions Abeyta. “I always advise my patients to patch test new products and start slowly, especially if they have a compromised barrier or are using prescription retinoids.”
Generally, though, you have little to worry about when using this ingredient in moderation. “Overall, they’re one of the safest anti-aging ingredients we use in professional skincare,” says Abeyta.
How Do You Use Copper Peptides?
“[Copper peptides] are best used after cleansing and toning, and before heavier creams or oils,” shares Dr. Engelman.“If you’re using a serum with copper peptides, apply it to clean skin so it can penetrate effectively.”
It’s also important to consider the ingredients that you’re already using. “If you’re using ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids, alternate them rather than layering, since high concentrations of those actives can interfere with peptide activity,” Abeyta explains.
Luckily, copper peptides play nicely with most other skincare ingredients—especially those of the moisture-boosting variety. “For most patients, copper peptides pair beautifully with hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide,” adds Abeyta.
Shop the Best Copper Peptide Skincare Products
Lo and behold, this is the skin-saving product that once brought my irritated, post-laser skin back to a calm, even keel. The deep blue formula—a customary color for copper peptides—is fragrance-free and goes on silky-smooth, enveloping skin with powerful antioxidant support. It also includes matrixyl (a wrinkle reducer) and patented ARGIRELOX™ (which addresses fine lines and wrinkles). “This is a great entry-level option for anyone new to peptides,” says Abeyta. “It combines multiple peptide complexes with copper for firming, smoothing, and strengthening the skin barrier.”
This budget-friendly serum proves that the best skincare products are not always the ones with the highest price tag. Packed with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate (a close relative of hyaluronic acid), the hydration-rich serum works to brighten and firm skin while remaining gentle enough for all skin types. Just remember to apply to dry skin after cleansing and wait 30 seconds before applying the rest of your skincare products—otherwise it has the potential to pill.
Spoiler alert: The hydrating, soothing properties of copper peptides are also a great way to improve the look of your under-eye area. This formula complements its copper tri-peptides with a barrier lipid complex and ectoin, all of which protect the skin against environmental stressors. It also works to combat an array of typical under-eye issues—think dark circles, bags, puffiness, and pigmentation.“Copper peptides are a great way to address signs of aging around the eyes,” Dr. Engelman says. “I like this formula because it not only supports collagen production but also nourishes, soothes, and helps to repair the skin barrier.”
For when you’re looking for a thicker formula to soothe your skin (especially post-procedure), this therapeutic Neova moisturizer that contains DNA repair enzymes and a copper peptide complex readily comes to the rescue. Designed to address signs of photoaging around the clock, it renews skin as you sleep to reveal a hydrated, firm complexion upon waking. The medium-weight cream absorbs quickly and easily, and also manages to do this sans greasy feel—a major plus for those who crave only comfortable textures on their skin.
As we enter the colder months, it’s more important than ever to make sure your skin stays flake-free and hydrated. Enter this multitasking serum from Biossance, which utilizes a powerful combo of copper peptides, plumping ingredients, and paracress extract to aid collagen production and visibly lift skin, leaving it oh-so bouncy. “This is my go-to for dry or sensitive skin types,” Abeyta notes. “The combination of squalane and copper peptides provides lasting hydration while supporting firmness and elasticity without irritation.”
If you’re looking to pull out the big guns when it comes to patching up your skin barrier, look no further than this advanced repair serum from Allies of Skin. The multifaceted formula includes a combination of ectoin and peptides to prevent cellular damage and increase skin density, leading to a smooth, protected complexion. It also speeds up skin recovery, making it the perfect soothing serum to reach for if you’ve overdone it a tad (or more) on the retinoid use.
If smoothing fine lines is your primary skincare concern, this peptide serum from Medik8 is your best bet. Its wrinkle-reducing peptide blend prevents new lines from popping up on your face while addressing current ones. It also features hyaluronic acid, boosting its hydrating properties. “It’s gentle enough for all skin types yet highly effective,” says Dr. Engelman. “The formula packs over 10 peptides into a concentrated 30 percent blend, which is great especially if softening fine lines and wrinkles is at the top of your skincare goals.”
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