Peptides Promise Anti-Aging—A Derm Reveals if They’re Worth the Hype

Allies of Skin

Every few months, a new anti-aging skincare ingredient enters the chat. The latest trending ingredient to make it onto our FYPs? Copper peptides.

Peptides are, obviously, having a major moment, from hair care to GLP-1s. But copper peptides, which often come in the form of a blue serum, offer added benefits. 

To understand what additional benefits they can offer and how they work, we spoke with board certified dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah, who revealed whether or not copper peptides are actually worth the hype.

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• Best On-Sale Copper Peptides Serum: Naturium Multi-Peptide Serum

What Are Copper Peptides? And How Do They Differ From Other Peptides?

According to Dr. Shah, copper peptides are short chains of amino acids bound to copper ions, which is what sets them apart from other peptides.

"While peptides in general act as signaling molecules that tell the skin to perform specific functions, copper peptides have the added benefit of delivering copper, an essential trace mineral involved in wound healing, collagen production, and antioxidant defense," he told E!. 

Copper peptides work by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin (two proteins responsible for strength and elasticity in the skin). "They also have antioxidant properties that help defend against environmental stressors and may help calm visible redness," Dr. Shah explained. "Over time, they can improve the appearance of fine lines, skin texture, and overall skin resilience." 

Who Can Benefit From Copper Peptides?

If fine lines or thinning skin are your primary concern, consider adding copper peptides to your routine. "Our bodies naturally produce copper peptides, and the levels decrease with age, making it an ideal ingredient for aging skin," Dr. Shah told E!.

They're also ideal for those with sensitive skin, since the skin tends to tolerate them better than other anti-aging actives, like retinol, for example. 

"If your skin barrier has been compromised from over-exfoliation or harsh treatments, copper peptides can help support the skin's natural repair process while promoting a healthier, more resilient complexion," he said. 

Shop Copper Peptide Serums:

When choosing the right copper peptide serum for your skin type, Dr. Shah recommended focusing on formulations. "I generally recommend looking for products from brands that prioritize clinical formulation and stability over marketing claims," he said.

Ready to add copper peptides to your anti-aging skincare routine? These picks from COSRX, The Ordinary, Naturium, and more are on sale ahead of Prime Day.

COSRX The Blue Copper Peptide Bakuchiol Serum

Infused with copper peptides and bakuchiol, the CORSX copper serum is gentle enough to use daily and promises to help improve fine lines, support elasticity, and replenish moisture from within. 

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%

The Ordinary's copper peptides serum targets signs of aging by helping improve the appearance of fine lines and leaving your skin plump, smooth, and firm. 

Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum

Dr. Shah recommends this copper serum by Allies of Skin, which is formulated with 2% copper lysinate complex, 1% copper tripeptide complex, 2% ectoin, and 2% acetyl hexapeptide-8 complex to accelerate skin recovery. 

Naturium Multi-Peptide Serum

This serum is formulated with encapsulated copper peptides, Argireline Amplified, ferulic acid, and collagen peptide to improve texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and firm the skin. 

Stylia V Line Lifting Collagen Mask

Formulated with a collagen peptide complex, these face wraps help stimulate collagen production, lift and tighten skin around the jawline and chin, reduce puffiness, and contour the face.

Biossance Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) Rapid Plumping & Hydrating Serum

This Biossance serum promises to plump, lift, firm, and support collagen and elastin production in the skin, thanks to its formula of copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, sugarcane squalane, and paracress extract. 

Dr.Reju-All Advanced PDRN Copper Peptide Serum

Developed by this Korean pharmacy brand, the Dr. Reju Serum is infused with copper peptides, PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen to help improve the skin's firmness, elasticity, and hydration. 

INNBEAUTY PROJECT Elastic Skin Firming & Plumping Vegan Growth Factor Serum

Powered by 6% copper and bio-hacked peptides, this serum promises to visibly firm, tighten, and improve skin's elasticity. While the rest of the formula of wild yam, encapsulated vegan growth factors, vegan collagen amino acids, and ceramides plumps, hydrates, and boosts the skin's moisture barrier. 

Abib Copper Peptide Serum

This Korean serum is formulated with a high-potency 98% pure copper peptide to support firmer, smoother, and youthful-looking skin with maximum absorption and minimum irritation. 

Is microbiome skincare all over your feed? We asked a derm to break it down.

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