If you’re looking to firm your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, you’ve likely tried peptides, especially copper peptides. Copper peptides, primarily found in facial serums, are quickly becoming a secret weapon for skincare enthusiasts seeking gentle yet effective treatments for smoothing fine lines.
”Peptide products can be used alone or in combination with other antiaging ingredients,” says Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “They are especially helpful for those with sensitive skin who don’t tolerate irritation from exfoliating acids or retinol.”
”Peptides are a class of amino acids that exert biological effects on skin cells. In some cases, they can stimulate specific cellular processes, such as collagen production. They are called signal peptides,” Zeichner explained. “In other cases, peptides help deliver and activate other active ingredients. They are called carrier peptides, and copper peptides are the most commonly used carrier peptides in skincare products.”
The dermatologist explained, “Copper has numerous biological effects, including wound healing and stimulating collagen production. However, elemental copper itself cannot penetrate the skin and exert its biological effects within cells.” Therefore, peptides are needed to deliver copper to the right places. “Carrier peptides can be thought of as a fast pass that helps you skip the line,” he said. “These products are called copper peptides because the peptides can form complexes with copper molecules. But in reality, it is the copper that exerts the primary effects on the skin, and the role of the peptides is to deliver it to the right places.”
Both copper peptides and retinol are excellent ingredients for combating the signs of aging. “Copper peptides, especially GHK-Cu, have been extensively studied and shown to have skin benefits,” explains Zeichner. However, direct comparisons between copper peptides and retinol are difficult. “Unfortunately, there are currently no comparative studies that directly compare the effectiveness of ingredients like copper peptides and retinol.”
Harper’s Bazaar has compiled a list of the most effective skincare formulas containing copper peptides, from serums to eye masks.
Snail slime-based products have been trending, but not everyone is happy to apply it to their face. A vegan alternative from InnBeauty Project uses copper peptides and encapsulated growth factors instead of snail slime. The combination of these ingredients improves skin firmness and elasticity, instantly hydrating and adding radiance.
In addition to skin-firming copper peptides, this cream also contains a rapid-hydration complex enriched with sugarcane-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid, which hydrate the skin. Like a refreshing glass of water, it moisturizes dry skin.
These highly effective masks harness the benefits of copper peptides to smooth fine lines in the delicate skin around the eyes. In just 10 minutes, they’ll help reduce puffiness, brighten skin tone, firm skin, and smooth out wrinkles.
This body serum contains copper peptides to strengthen and restore skin elasticity; mandelic acid and niacinamide to brighten skin tone; and a range of skin-loving vitamins, rich in various ingredients to nourish and care for the skin below the neck.
If fine lines and wrinkles are your biggest concern, try this serum from Medik8. It contains a 30% blend of 10 peptides, including a targeted copper peptide that stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin.
This serum is designed to restore the skin’s overall condition, elasticity, and firmness. It effectively addresses concerns such as redness, irritation, acne, and dryness—all signs of a damaged skin barrier.
This highly popular product has a unique texture: it starts as a gel and then melts into an oil, yet doesn’t feel heavy on your face. Apply it at night as a serum, and you’ll notice firmer skin, noticeably smoother fine lines, and reduced dryness.
Don’t be fooled by the color of this serum (it’s the color of brown algae): it’s rich in brightening and firming ingredients. It’s highly effective against pigmentation and also significantly improves skin condition, such as fine lines and dryness.
Post time: Nov-05-2025