Our copper peptide serums are lightweight, water-based face serums built around GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) and hyaluronic acid. They're designed to help skin look smoother and more even, and feel soft and hydrated, with a fresh, non-greasy finish. Use one once a day, preferably at night.
Our copper peptide serums
- 2% GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Face Serum (30ml): 2% GHK-Cu with hyaluronic acid, glycerine and vitamin E. A simple copper peptide step for evening routines.
- 1% GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Peptide Face Serum (30ml): 1% GHK-Cu and 0.1% SNAP-8, with hyaluronic acid, glycerine and vitamin E. For people who'd also like help softening the look of expression lines around the forehead and eyes.
- Copper Peptide Serum & Cream Duo: the 2% serum (30ml) with the GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Renewal Cream (50 g) for R1,500, R133 less than buying them separately (R1,633).
How to choose
Pick by routine rather than by number. Want one straightforward copper peptide serum? Choose the 2% serum. Want SNAP-8 in your serum too? Choose the 1% GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 serum. Want a serum and a cream that are made to go together? Choose the Duo. Our peptide product comparison compares all our face serums and creams, and our GHK-Cu guide explains what copper peptides are.
How to use
- Patch test on a small area before using a new product on your face.
- Evening: apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin and massage into the face and neck until absorbed. Follow with a moisturiser if you like.
- Morning: finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you use vitamin C, keep it for the morning. Don't layer it with copper peptides.
Avoid the eyes and broken skin, and stop if irritation occurs. For a full routine, see how to use copper peptides.
Delivery across South Africa
Standard delivery in South Africa is free on orders of R1,500 or more (R135 below). Express and international delivery are also available. See our shipping policy for times and charges.
Frequently asked questions
Which copper peptide serum should I choose?
Choose by routine rather than by number. The 2% GHK-Cu serum is a straightforward copper peptide and hyaluronic acid serum. The 1% GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 serum adds SNAP-8, a cosmetic peptide used to help soften the look of expression lines. If you'd like a cream as well, the Serum & Cream Duo pairs the 2% serum with our Renewal Cream. Our peptide product comparison sets them side by side.
What's the difference between the 1% and 2% serums?
Both are lightweight, water-based serums with sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), glycerine and vitamin E (tocopherol). The 2% serum contains 2% GHK-Cu. The 1% serum contains 1% GHK-Cu and 0.1% SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3). A higher percentage doesn't automatically mean better results for your skin.
How do I use a copper peptide serum?
Apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin once daily, preferably at night. Massage into the face and neck until absorbed, then follow with a moisturiser if you like. Patch test before use, avoid the eyes and broken skin, and stop if irritation occurs.
Can I use a copper peptide serum with vitamin C?
Don't layer them together. Use your copper peptide products morning or night, just leave vitamin C out of the routine you use them in, and use retinol or exfoliating acids on alternate nights. In solution, copper speeds up the breakdown (oxidation) of ascorbic acid (Shen et al., 2021), so we keep them in separate routines.
Why are copper peptide serums blue?
The colour comes from the copper in GHK-Cu. Purified GHK-Cu forms dark blue-purple crystals (Johnson et al. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), 2018), and dissolved in a water-based serum it gives a clear blue tint. Read why copper peptide serum is blue.
How much is delivery in South Africa?
Standard delivery is R135, or free on orders of R1,500 or more, and takes approximately 2–5 business days after dispatch. The Serum & Cream Duo is R1,500, so it qualifies for free standard delivery. See our shipping policy for express and international options.
Sources
- Shen J, Griffiths PT, Campbell SJ, et al. (2021). Scientific Reports, 11:7417. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86477-8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86477-8
- Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, et al. (2018). International Journal of Toxicology, 37(3 Suppl):90S-102S. doi:10.1177/1091581818807863. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/tripep062014final.pdf
