Copper peptide often appears in the ingredient lists of anti-ageing serums. The laboratory findings are striking; what you can expect from a serum is a separate question.
In short: Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is the complex that copper forms with GHK, a peptide made up of three amino acids (glycine-histidine-lysine); on the label it appears as Copper Tripeptide-1. Cell studies point to potential for the look of wrinkles, but studies in people using GHK-Cu are few. Because it dissolves easily in water, how well it passes into the skin depends on the formula. At s'hevec it is a supporting ingredient in Love In Blue This Time, with no stated concentration.
| INCI name | Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) |
|---|---|
| What it does | Used in products for the look of fine lines; the evidence comes mainly from cell studies |
| Using it with others | Exfoliating acids and a separate pure vitamin C serum are not used on the same evening |
| At s'hevec | Love In Blue This Time (primarily for the evening; sensitive, dry and normal skin); supporting ingredient with no stated concentration |
What is copper peptide (GHK-Cu)?
Copper peptide is the complex that copper forms with GHK, a tripeptide found in the human body. GHK is made of the amino acids glycine, histidine and lysine linked in that order, and on labels its copper-bound form is listed as Copper Tripeptide-1. For the different groups of peptides, see our article what are peptides.
What does copper peptide do, and what does the evidence say?
Copper peptide is used in products for the look of fine lines; the evidence for this rests largely on cell studies:
- Laboratory findings: a 2018 review discusses a large number of biological effects of GHK in the light of gene data; its link, in cell studies, to the function of the cells that produce the skin's connective tissue (fibroblasts) is one of them. Some of the findings come from tissues other than skin.
- Human data: a 2025 review states that GHK has been linked to the look of wrinkles in cell studies, but that studies in people using GHK-Cu are surprisingly few. Another review of cosmetic peptides also notes that evidence of efficacy in people often remains weak for peptides.
An effect seen in a cell study cannot be read as the result a serum will have on the skin; copper peptide is not an ingredient that corrects the look of deep wrinkles.
How does copper peptide reach the skin?
How much copper peptide passes into the skin is limited and depends on the formula. GHK is a peptide that dissolves easily in water and tends to break down; this makes it harder for it to pass through the skin's oily outer layer and harder to formulate. According to the 2025 review, forming a complex with copper improves penetration, and GHK-Cu penetrates relatively well. For peptides in general, low lipid solubility and high molecular weight can also limit absorption; this is why the carrier formula is decisive.
How does copper peptide differ from the peptides in a peptide cream?
Copper peptide is only one of many cosmetic peptides; Argireline™ and Matrixyl™ 3000, often seen in peptide creams, are different peptides and focus on different aspects of appearance:
| Peptide | On the label | Look it focuses on | At s'hevec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Fine lines | Love In Blue This Time, no stated concentration |
| Argireline™ | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Expression lines | Firm Baby Firm (4% Argireline™) |
| Matrixyl™ 3000 | Commercial peptide complex | Wrinkles and firmness | Firm Baby Firm (3% Matrixyl™ 3000) |
Firm Baby Firm Firming Peptide Cream and a copper peptide serum do not replace each other; on the same evening you can apply the serum first, then the cream. How to use the cream is covered in our article how to use a peptide cream. The serum, the cream and the eye serum can be found together in our collection of products for the look of fine lines.
Can copper peptide be used with vitamin C and acids?
It can sit in the same formula as a stable vitamin C derivative; when the two are in separate products, the rule is as follows:
- Vitamin C: Love In Blue This Time carries copper peptide in the same bottle as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid). Use a separate pure vitamin C serum in the morning, not on the same evening. This rule comes from the product instructions; our sources contain no data on an interaction.
- Exfoliating acids: keep toners and peels containing AHAs or BHAs for a different evening.
Which s'hevec product contains copper peptide?
At s'hevec, copper peptide is found only in Love In Blue This Time Ceramide and Copper Peptide Serum, as a supporting ingredient with no stated concentration; the key actives are 2% ceramide complex and 2% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. In the ingredient list, Copper Tripeptide-1 comes right after magnesium aspartate, zinc gluconate and copper gluconate; in the formula, copper is present both as a peptide complex and as a gluconate salt. No concentration can be inferred from this order. The serum does not exfoliate. For the evening routine, see our guide how to use a ceramide serum.
Does copper peptide have side effects, and who should be careful?
Our sources contain no safety assessment specific to copper peptide; we make no claim about how well it is tolerated. Trying the serum on a small area for a few days before spreading it over the face is what the AAD recommends; the steps are in our article on how to test a product. If redness or itching starts in the test area, wash the serum off and stop using it.
- Sensitive skin: in the first weeks, start with just a few evenings a week.
- Irritated skin: do not apply to cracked or broken skin, or to skin that has recently undergone a procedure.
- Copper sensitivity: if you have a known sensitivity, ask your doctor about it before starting the serum.
Alongside copper peptide, Love In Blue This Time also contains a vitamin C derivative. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, consult your doctor before use.
Frequently asked questions
Are copper peptide and copper gluconate the same thing?
No. Copper gluconate is a salt that copper forms with gluconic acid; copper peptide is the complex that copper forms with the GHK peptide. In the ingredient list of Love In Blue This Time they appear on separate lines.
What is Pal-GHK, and how does it differ from copper peptide?
Pal-GHK is a derivative of GHK bound to palmitic acid. According to the 2025 review, both forming a complex with copper and adding a fat-loving group improve penetration.
Can copper peptide be applied after microneedling?
The review mentions microneedling before application as a method for improving penetration that still needs to be studied; this is not a recommendation for use at home. Love In Blue This Time is not applied to skin that has had a procedure.
Can a copper peptide serum be applied around the eyes?
The instructions for Love In Blue This Time say to keep the serum away from the eye area; spread it over the face and neck and avoid contact with the eyes.
Sources
- Mortazavi SM et al. Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective. Bioimpacts. 2025.
- Pickart L et al. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018.
- Pai VV et al. Topical peptides as cosmeceuticals. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2017.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to test skin care products.
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. s'hevec products are cosmetic products and are not intended for medical treatment. It was prepared by the s'hevec Team on the basis of the s'hevec product data library and the sources listed above.
