Cosmetic Skincare Guide
How to Use a Copper Peptide Serum
A GHK-Cu serum is one deliberate step, not a whole regimen. This is where it sits in a routine, what to layer around it, and how to introduce it without upsetting your skin.
Four steps
01
Start on clean, dry skin
Cleanse and pat dry. A copper peptide serum is a leave-on step, so it goes on before anything occlusive — not over a moisturiser.
02
Three to four drops
Dispense into a palm or straight onto the face, then press gently across cheeks, forehead and jaw. More product is not a stronger routine.
03
Let it settle, then moisturise
Give it thirty seconds to absorb before your usual moisturiser or sunscreen so the layers do not pill against each other.
04
Once daily, then twice
Start with one application a day for the first week. If your skin is comfortable, move to morning and evening.
Layering without guesswork
Most irritation people blame on a peptide serum comes from the rest of the routine changing at the same time.
Pairs comfortably with
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin-based hydrators, niacinamide, plain moisturisers and sunscreen.
Separate by time of day
Strong direct acids and high-strength vitamin C are best kept to the opposite end of the day rather than layered wet-on-wet.
Introduce one new thing at a time
If you are also starting a retinoid or an exfoliant, stagger them by a week so you can tell what your skin is reacting to.
Cosmetic product for external use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Patch test before first use and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Common questions
- What does a GHK-Cu copper peptide serum do?
- GHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide used in cosmetic formulas aimed at the look of firmness, texture and tone. It is a cosmetic ingredient for external use; a serum built around it is a leave-on step, not a treatment for any medical condition.
- Morning or night — when should I apply it?
- Either works. What matters more is consistency and where it sits in the order: after cleansing, before moisturiser and sunscreen. Many people start in the evening simply because the routine is less rushed.
- How long before I see a difference?
- Cosmetic changes in the appearance of skin are gradual and vary between people. Judge a serum over weeks of consistent use rather than days, and keep the rest of the routine stable so you can tell what changed.
- Do I need to patch test a copper peptide serum?
- Yes. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or along the jaw for two days before using it on the whole face, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Can I use it with a SNAP-8 serum?
- Our GHK-Cu and SNAP-8 serum combines both peptides in one formula, which is the simpler route than layering two separate serums. Read about both on the peptide skincare serums page.