By skyforbes 
Last updated on October 17th, 2025 at 09:14 am
I’m finally jumping on the copper peptides bandwagon. I admit I was hesitant at first. Research was scant and the prices outrageous. I’m not gonna shell out 100+ for something I’m not even sure works.
But in the past year, resisting the temptation was harder and harder. For one, new studies are coming out proving that copper peptides DO something for your skin. Plus, prices are going down (and if that’s not the way to a girl’s skincare cabinet, I don’t know what is). So I’m giving them the Beautiful with Brains stamp of approval.
The only question now is: what are the best skincare products with copper peptides? What serums and creams are worth the little splurge? In this article, I’ll share the best copper peptides products for your face (and tell you all how they work and why you should start using them too). Let’s get started:
What Are Copper Peptides?
Peptides are proteins made up of amino acids (the building blocks of skin). Some of these peptides have an affinity for the metal copper. When they meet, they become one: a copper peptide. Duh! It’s a match made in skincare heaven. Why? Copper peptides help your skin in so many ways:
Pretty impressive, aren’t they? I’m sure you’re starting to see now why they deserve a space in your cabinet, next to your vitamin C and retinol serums.
Related: Are Copper Peptides Better Than Retinoids?
Don’t know which ingredients you can mix and match together safely and which should never be used together? Download your FREE “How To Layer Actives Like A Pro” cheat sheet to find out now:
Best Copper Peptides Serums + Creams For Face
Before I tell you what the best products with copper peptides are, let me get one thing straight: I don’t think these peptides are a must for everyone. Most of you won’t need them. For now. But if your skin is losing firmness, frequently acts up or you want to minimise retinoid irritation, adding copper peptides to your skincare routine can help. But where to find them? Here are the best products with copper peptides (that don’t break the bank – this stuff can cost a pretty penny!):
Best For Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($72.00)
The name says it all: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream has every peptide you can think of. They work by signalling skin cells how to behave. Some of these peptides tell skin to produce more collagen, others to amp up its hydration levels, others still to heal and soothe skin… You get the drill. Plus, the texture is so lightweight and an absolute pleasure to use. The addition of marula oil makes it more suitable for dry skin but every skin type can use it. I especially recommend it to oily and combination skin looking for something hydrating that doesn’t clog pores.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK
Benefits: Very hydrating, doesn’t clog pores.
Cons: May be too lightweight for dry skin.
Skin type: All skin types, especially oily and acne-prone.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Do Peptides In Skincare Really Work?
Best For Mature Skin: Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3:1 (£46.00)
Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3:1 was the product that converted me to copper peptides. It has one of the highest concentration of copper peptides I’ve seen in a skincare product – and not much else. It works by keeping skin in a constant state of repair, making sure that everything’s functioning properly. If you’re young and blessed with good skin, you’ll think it’s not doing anything for you. But if you’re a little older and need the extra help, you’ll notice your skin getting firmer, more tolerant of prescription retinoids (& other “harsh” ingredients), and healing much faster.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Niod, and SpaceNK
Benefits: Keeps skin in a constant state of repair.
Cons: You don’t really see the results until you stop using it, and then you’ll regret you have.
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: My Full Review Of Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1
Best On A Budget: The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% ($32.00)
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% is pricer than your average The Ordinary products. But it’s still your best bet if you want to see what the fuss is about without committing too much money. Plus, it has 5 more peptide complexes, including Matrixyl 3000 to boost collagen and SYN-AKE to freeze muscle movements (it was inspired by the paralysing effect of snake venom). No, it doesn’t work as well as Botox but hey, every little bit helps. Honestly, in my opinion it doesn’t work as well as the other copper peptides products on this list, but it’s still a good entry point. You can upgrade later.
Available: Cult Beauty, Sephora, The Ordinary and Ulta
Benefits: Makes skin softer and smoother.
Cons: It doesn’t work as well as the other copper peptides products on this list.
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: What Type Of Peptides Works Best To Repair Skin?
Best For The Eye Area: Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum ($85.00)
I know, I know. I always say you don’t need an eye cream. I 100% stand by that. But I know a lot of you like to use one anyway. That’s totally cool. Your face, your choice. So, if you’re looking for one with copper peptides, go with Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum. It’s expensive, but well worth the money. It’s a cocktail of peptides (NOT just copper peptides), antioxidant and niacinamide that moisturises skin, fights wrinkles and soothes irritations.
Available at: Cult Beauty and SpaceNK
Benefits: Hydrates skin and plumps up crow’s feet.
Cons: You don’t really need an eye cream.
Skin type: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Niacinamide, A Skincare Do-It-All
FAQs About Copper Peptides For Skin
How long before I see results?
Okay so this is gonna annoy you but like… minimum 2-3 months. Maybe longer. I KNOW. We live in an age where we can get anything delivered in two hours so waiting 12 weeks feels insane. But your skin cells have to literally regenerate and that takes forever. Some people say their skin feels nicer or looks dewier after a few weeks but the real wrinkle-fading stuff? That’s a patience game. Put a reminder in your phone for 3 months from now and check back then. And with some products, you’ll see results when you stop using them… For real. Copper peptides keep skin in a constant state of repair, so you’ll notice a difference when that repair ain’t happening!
Can I use it with my other products?
This is where everyone messes up including me when I first started. Copper peptides are DRAMA. They hate vitamin C – like they literally deactivate each other, it’s a whole chemistry thing. They also don’t vibe with acids like glycolic or salicylic acid. So if you’re doing a full Korean skincare routine with seventeen steps you gotta plan this out. I do acids in the morning, copper peptides at night. Or you can alternate days. Just don’t slap everything on at once or you’re basically flushing money down the drain.
Any side effects I should worry about?
Most people are totally fine but yeah some get irritated especially at first. Your skin might get red or tingly or even peel a little. That’s why you start slow – like twice a week at first, not every single night. Work your way up. Also if you have super sensitive skin or rosacea maybe patch test first? And obviously if you’re allergic to copper jewelry or whatever don’t put copper on your face, use your brain.
Can I use it if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Copper peptides are genuinely considered safe during pregnancy. Said that, we don’t really have any studies that confirm this (for obvious reasons, you can’t do these studies!!!). I recommend you ask your doctor for this. Not me, not Reddit, not some random person on TikTok. Your OBGYN. They went to medical school for this.
The Bottom Line
Copper peptides are legit backed by science and they actually work for anti-aging if you’re patient enough to wait a few months for results. Just don’t mix them with vitamin C or acids because they’ll cancel each other out and you’ll be wasting your money. They’re expensive but if you’re gonna spend money on skincare anyway this is one ingredient that’s worth it, just start slow so your skin doesn’t freak out and be consistent because that’s literally the only way any of this stuff works.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.