Copper peptides, explained in 3 minutes

Copper peptides keep coming up in skincare and hair care. Here is what they are, why our serums are blue, and how to choose between our products, in plain words.

What is a peptide?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, the small building blocks found throughout nature. Cosmetic chemists pair some peptides with copper, and those are the "copper peptides" you see on labels.

The three names on our labels

GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is three amino acids (glycine, histidine and lysine) bound to copper. GHK-Cu is one of the most widely researched cosmetic peptides. It is the main copper peptide in our face serums and creams.

AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu is a close relative of GHK-Cu, also bound to copper, and is the peptide we chose for hair and scalp care. Our hair range pairs it with GHK-Cu: GHK-Cu + AHK-Cu copper peptide hair care.

SNAP-8

SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a peptide made of eight amino acids, without copper. We combine it with GHK-Cu in our multi-peptide serum and Renewal Cream.

Why is the serum blue?

That colour comes from copper. When copper is bound to a peptide and dissolved in water, it naturally turns the liquid blue. The higher the copper peptide content, the deeper the blue.

Which product suits you?

2% GHK-Cu Face Serum, R850

2% GHK-Cu, measured as peptide powder by weight. Softer-looking fine lines and wrinkles, with 2% GHK-Cu and a blend of peptides. A light, water-based serum for people who want our highest GHK-Cu serum and like choosing their own moisturiser.

2% GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid 30mlR850

1% GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Multi-Peptide Serum, R850

1% GHK-Cu, measured as peptide powder by weight. A multi-peptide serum for people who want GHK-Cu and SNAP-8 together in one step.

1% GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Peptide Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid 30mlR850

GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Renewal Cream, R861

A cushioned cream that pairs GHK-Cu with SNAP-8. Skin feels smoother and firmer after use.

GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Copper Peptide Renewal Face Cream 50gR861

1% GHK-Cu Fragrance-Free Face Cream, R788

1% GHK-Cu, measured as peptide powder by weight. One simple moisturising step with no added fragrance.

1% GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Face Cream, Fragrance-Free 100gR788

Hair and scalp

GHK-Cu + AHK-Cu Shampoo, R1,150: the cleansing step of the hair routine.
GHK-Cu + AHK-Cu Intensive Smoothing Conditioner, R1,150: for frizz, softness and manageability, leaving hair smooth and glossy. Helps hair detangle more easily when brushing.
1% AHK-Cu Hair & Scalp Serum, R1,250: 1% AHK-Cu, measured as peptide powder by weight. A leave-on dropper serum for the scalp.
1% AHK-Cu Hair & Scalp Spray, R1,350: 1% AHK-Cu, measured as peptide powder by weight. Same idea in a mist, for quick application through the hair.

GHK-Cu + AHK-Cu Fortifying & Smoothing Shampoo 400gR1,150

GHK-Cu + AHK-Cu Intensive Smoothing Conditioner 400gR1,150

1% AHK-Cu Copper Peptide Hair & Scalp Serum 50mlR1,250

1% AHK-Cu Copper Peptide Hair & Scalp Spray 60mlR1,350

How to apply: serum, then cream

Cleanse and pat your face dry.
Serum: smooth a few drops of the 2% GHK-Cu Serum or the 1% GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Serum over your face and neck. Let it settle for a minute.
Cream: follow with the Renewal Cream or the Fragrance-Free Face Cream to finish.

For hair: shampoo, then conditioner, then apply the Hair & Scalp Serum or Spray to the scalp.

Sets

Skincare Set, R1,500

2% GHK-Cu Face Serum + GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Renewal Cream. R1,711 if bought separately, save R211. Or pay in 4 interest-free payments of R375 with Payflex.