INGREDIENT IN FOCUS: COPPER PEPTIDES

With the recent surge of skin care ingredients taking over our social feeds, it seems that our daily beauty routine has become a chemistry lesson of its own – and we’re here for it. From getting clued up on how ceramides protect your skin barrier to reciting the benefits of retinol (courtesy of the latest TikTok video), it can’t be denied there’s a lot of information to decode and absorb.  

That’s where we come in. Here at Cult Beauty, we’ve done the homework for you, and discovered everything you need to know about the latest skin care components on everyone’s lips – copper peptides. So, without further ado, it’s time to uncover what copper peptides actually are, their benefits and so much more…

WHAT ARE COPPER PEPTIDES 

Lab coats at they ready... Copper peptides are short chains of amino acids (aka protein building blocks) that carry copper ions – also known as Cu2+. Found naturally in the body, they’re classed as antioxidants that help rescue damaged skin by stimulating collagen production. What’s more, generally featuring in face serums, they also protect your barrier function while strengthening and firming your complexion.    

WHY SHOULD WE USE COPPER PEPTIDES 

As you age, the level of copper peptides in your body naturally decrease. Therefore, adding them into your daily beauty regime allows your complexion to maintain a constant state of repair. When applied topically, they work to promote collagen and elastin production while acting as an anti-inflammatory. The result? Softening the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and uneven skin tones.  

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COPPER PEPTIDES 

Like any true multitasker, there are bountiful benefits that come with incorporating copper peptides into your skin care routine. Keep scrolling and you’ll see what we mean… 

Reduce the appearance of fine lines: by increasing your collagen protein levels, copper peptides aid in the reduction of fine lines. Want to discover more about how the building block works? Take a look at our 101 Guide To Collagen to brush up on your knowledge. 

Boost firmer looking skin: as well as collagen, these antioxidants also improve the production of elastin proteins. Responsible for the stretchiness and strength of your dermis, they create a firmer looking visage. 

Even out skin tone: copper peptides have the ability to even out your skin tone. By working hard to remove damaged tissues from your skin while simultaneously replenishing them, they have the potential to reduce the look of sunspots, scarring and more. 

Reduce redness: acting as an anti-inflammatory, copper peptides also help to speed up healing, making them ideal for treating redness caused by inflammation (rosacea we’re looking at you).  

Banish breakouts: and if all the above wasn’t enough, copper peptides can also alleviate blemishesby normalising the bacterial concentration and resorting equilibrium back to your complexion – keeping dirt, debris and  daily pollution at bay.  

HOW TO USE COPPER PEPTIDES IN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE  

Now we’ve laid out what copper peptides actually are, it’s time to uncover how to put them to good use.  

Before incorporating them into your routine, it’s important to note that copper peptides should only be used when concentrated in skin care… and for the most part that’ll be as a key ingredient within face serums.  

Like all serums, its best to use your chosen solution twice day. This will ensure protection against external aggressors during the day, then help with your skin’s repairing process overnight. But, if you’re a fan of using using retinol, retinoids or vitamin C within your regime, we suggest skin cycling the use of copper peptides – for example one evening you can use your serum, and then the next your retinol… you get the gist.  

Oh, as you may not get all the hydration your skin needs from Copper Peptides, we recommend using them alongside humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine acid, to lock in some much-appreciated moisture. 

BEST COPPER PEPTIDE SERUMS  

Biossance Squalane and Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum 50ml

107

58.00€

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Biossance’s Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum blends copper peptides with hyaluronic acid to reveal a firmer looking visage. While the brand’s Rapid Plumping Complex of hydrating ingredients (we’re talking polyglutamic acid and squalane) promotes a smoother finish, its infusion of paracress extract instantly and visibly lifts your complexion.  

How to use: massage one full dropper onto cleansed face and neck. Can be used morning and night. 

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The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum 30ml

30

35.30€

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For those who want to get serious about levelling up their skin care, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum is primed to pack a potent punch. Bright blue in appearance, it targets textural irregularities, uneven skin tones and a lack of radiance. Plus, powered by peptide technologies, amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acids, it lends a helping hand whenever your complexion is struggling – supporting everything from elasticity to smoothness. Think of it like the friend you need to keep close at all times, but never want to mess with… 

How to use: apply a few drops to the face in the morning and evening. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. 

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Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30ml

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39

71.00€

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An innovative take on traditional peptide technology, Medik8’s Liquid Peptides serum is designed to minimise the appearance of fine lines while keeping your complexion rejuvenated and refined. How? With it’s not-so-secret secret ingredient – a copper-based peptide which the brand refers to as a drone-targeted peptide. Infused with 10 distinct antioxidants (that all have a specific action to take on the skin), the formula works on different pathways to plump, smooth and hydrate your complexion.  

How to use: after cleansing in the morning and evening, massage the formula across the face, neck and décolletage. Leave it to absorb naturally before applying moisturiser. 

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NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (Various Sizes)

59

51.90€

15ml

30ml

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Working with your skin to constantly adapt to its ever-changing needs, NIOD’s Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 is dreamt up with a high concentration of skin-supporting tripeptides (1% pure undiluted copper tripeptide-1 and 1% pure undiluted tripeptide-1) to improve textural damage and bid goodbye to breakouts. Just as versatile as it is intelligent, its result will differ from person to person depending on what concerns it’s looking to combat. Clever, we know! 

How to use: rub the serum onto your face during your AM and PM routine, as the first step after cleansing, before the application of creams and moisturisers.  

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Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum 30ml

52

45.97€

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A fruit-fuelled formula for all skin types, Glow Recipe's Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum delivers a daily dose of hydration… along with your five a day. Renowned as a hydration powerhouse, it not only douses complexions in intense moisture, but it’s also charged with polypeptides that work in harmony to even out skin tone while reducing redness, dullness and pigmentation.  

How to use: on clean skin, dispense one to two pumps and gently pat onto slightly damp face and neck until fully absorbed. Apply daily, morning and night, and follow with moisturiser. During the day, follow with sunscreen. 

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