As a skin clinic owner, I'm asked about copper peptide injections all the time. GHK-Cu is everywhere online at the moment, and lots of people are curious. We don't offer the injections at my clinic. When people ask what I'd suggest instead, I point them to a serum, and I wanted ours to be one I'd happily put my name to.
So here's exactly what's in our Copper Peptide Face Serum, what each ingredient does, and why they're all together in one bottle.
First, what are peptides?
Peptides are small chains of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Your skin is full of proteins, which is why peptides have become such a big part of skincare. Different peptides do different jobs, so rather than relying on just one, we combined four that work in different ways.
Then we surrounded them with ingredients that hydrate and protect, because peptides do their best work on skin that's comfortable and well looked after.
The four peptides
Copper peptide (GHK-Cu)
The star of the serum, and the reason it's blue. GHK-Cu is a small peptide joined with copper. It's one of the most researched peptides in skincare, and it helps skin look firmer and supports a healthy skin barrier. In a serum, you apply it to the surface of your skin as part of your normal routine: no needles, no appointments.
Snap-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3)
Snap-8 is known as the expression-line peptide. It helps soften the look of the lines that come from everyday expressions, like frown lines and crow's feet, for skin that looks smoother and more relaxed.
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Helps skin look smoother and more even.
Oligopeptide-1
Helps skin look smoother and fresher.
The hydrators: for plump, comfortable skin
- Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, so it looks plumper and more dewy.
- Glycerin, aloe vera and beta glucan add moisture and help calm dry, tight-feeling skin.
- Panthenol (vitamin B5) softens and soothes.
- Collagen forms a light, smoothing layer on the skin's surface that helps hold moisture in.
The protectors: for a strong skin barrier
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps even out skin tone, refine the look of pores and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Ceramide NP is a lipid your skin makes naturally, and it helps lock moisture in.
- Squalane is a light, non-greasy oil that leaves skin soft.
- Ectoin helps protect skin from everyday stress like wind, cold and pollution.
- NAD is an antioxidant that helps protect skin from daily wear and tear.
The helpers
Propanediol, butylene glycol and pentylene glycol help the serum feel light and spread easily, and xanthan gum gives it its silky texture.
You might know that most of our creams are made without water, and so without preservatives. This serum is different. It's water-based, which is what makes it so light and quick to sink in, so it contains a small amount of a gentle preservative system (phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and caprylyl glycol) to keep it fresh and safe right to the last drop. I'd rather be honest about that than pretend otherwise.
Why put them all together?
Each group has a job. The peptides are the active part. The hydrators keep skin plump and comfortable. The protectors look after the skin barrier. Together, it's a serum that does several things at once, so you don't need a shelf full of separate bottles.
How I use it
A few drops every morning on clean, dry skin, gently pressed in. Then my Mature Skin Cream on top, and in the daytime I finish with our Nourishing Sunscreen SPF 50.
One tip: if you use vitamin C or acid exfoliants, use them at a different time of day to the serum.
If you'd like the pairing I use myself, the Mature Cream & Copper Peptide Duo has both together. Or for mornings, the Morning Glow Duo pairs the serum with our SPF 50.
Try it for yourself
Our Copper Peptide Face Serum is 30ml and £27.99, and like everything at Amour, it comes with our 60-day happiness guarantee.
With love,
Maxine
Patch testing before use is advised, particularly for sensitive skin. For external use only.
