What is GHK-Cu and why does it matter for skin?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring peptide found in human plasma. Research has examined its role in collagen synthesis, gene expression and wound healing. Plasma levels decline significantly with age, from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to around 80 ng/mL by age 60, which has made it a focus of anti-ageing skincare research.

Should I start with 0.5% or 1% GHK-Cu?

If you are new to copper peptides, start with 0.5%. This allows your skin to adjust to the remodelling process without the risk of breakdown outpacing regeneration. Many people find 0.5% effective long-term and never need to increase. If you have used copper peptides before and tolerated them well, you can start with 1% but still begin with 2-3 applications per week rather than daily.

What is the difference between GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu occurs naturally in the human body and has been extensively studied for skin applications including collagen synthesis and wound healing. AHK-Cu is a synthetic peptide specifically designed for hair follicle stimulation through Wnt signalling pathways. GHK-Cu is typically used in facial serums while AHK-Cu is used in scalp treatments.

Why might copper peptides make skin look temporarily loose or saggy?

GHK-Cu stimulates both the production of new collagen and elastin and the enzymes that break down old proteins. This is normal remodelling. But if you use too much too fast, breakdown can temporarily outpace rebuilding, causing a loose appearance. This resolves once regeneration catches up. Prevent it by starting low and building gradually.

Can I use copper peptides with vitamin C?

It depends on the form of vitamin C. Low-pH vitamin C serums (L-ascorbic acid) can destabilise copper peptides and should not be used at the same time. Oil-soluble vitamin C (like THD ascorbate) at neutral pH is generally compatible. If in doubt, use vitamin C in the morning and copper peptides in the evening.

Why do copper peptide products need to be refrigerated?

Copper peptides are sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. Refrigeration slows degradation and helps maintain potency. The blue colour of the serum indicates freshness. If it shifts toward brown or green, the peptide has oxidised and the product should be replaced. All of our copper peptide products are kept refrigerated until they are shipped.

How long before I see results from copper peptides?

Most research studies on copper peptides ran for 8-12 weeks. Skincare actives generally require consistent use over time. We recommend using the product consistently for at least two to three months before evaluating results.

Are copper peptides good for anti-ageing?

GHK-Cu has been extensively researched for its potential anti-ageing benefits. Studies have examined its effects on collagen synthesis, elastin production and gene expression related to tissue remodelling. Plasma levels decline significantly with age, which has made supplementation through topical application a focus of anti-ageing skincare research.

What is the best concentration of copper peptides?

Research shows benefits at concentrations as low as 0.01 nM. Products in the 0.5-1% range offer meaningful activity without overwhelming the skin's remodelling system. Higher concentrations (2-3% or more) increase the risk of MMP overactivation, where collagen breakdown outpaces rebuilding.

Should I use copper peptides in the morning or at night?

Evening application is generally recommended. This avoids potential interactions with daytime actives like vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and allows the peptide to work during the skin's natural overnight repair cycle. If using vitamin C in the morning and copper peptides in the evening, this creates a complementary routine targeting different pathways.

Copper Peptides for Skin | 0.5% and 1% GHK-Cu in miron glass bottle. Clean formulation, made in Noosa Hinterland. Formulated by a naturopath and nutritionist.

Copper Peptide | Skin | GHK-Cu Facial Serum - 30ml

Beautiful blue colour of copper peptides. This blue indicates product freshness

GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Pure Powder 100% raw material

Nubeean Noosa

Copper Peptide | Skin | GHK-Cu Facial Serum - 30ml

Name: Copper Peptide | Skin | GHK-Cu Facial Serum - 30ml
Brand: Nubeean Noosa
Price: 52.0 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$52

Copper Peptide Serum 0.5% and 1%

Part of our Clean Skins Range

A copper peptide serum with nothing to hide behind - just a quality active in a clean, stable base. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide your body already knows in a minimal, stability-focused formulation. No fragrance, no fillers, no compromises on potency.

Over 50 years of research. Over 4,000 genes influenced. A naturally occurring peptide that declines with age - now in a clean Australian made serum designed to keep it stable.

Two strengths. One philosophy: let the science do the work.

Choose Your Strength

0.5% GHK-Cu Your starting point. Gentle enough for daily use from day one. Recommended if you're new to copper peptides, have sensitive or reactive skin, or want a maintenance-level active.

1% GHK-Cu Standard strength for experienced copper peptide users or those who've built up from 0.5%. Start 2–3 times per week and build to daily use.

Not sure which to choose? Start with 0.5%. You can always move up - and your skin will thank you for the patience.

Who Is This For?

This serum is for anyone who's done their research and decided copper peptides deserve a place in their routine. It's particularly well-suited if you're looking for an evidence-based active for mature or ageing skin, want a fragrance-free formulation without unnecessary additives, are interested in supporting your skin's own repair processes over time, or have had reactions to heavily fragranced or complex serums and want something cleaner.

If you're looking for overnight results, this isn't it. Copper peptides work with your skin's own biology - and biology takes time. Most research studies ran for 8–12 weeks. We recommend consistent use for at least two to three months before evaluating results.

How to Use

Evening routine: Cleanse → Copper Peptide Serum → Oil or moisturiser

Apply one to two pumps to clean skin. Face and neck. Follow with an occlusive layer - our Pure Olive Squalane works well, as does our Moisturising Balm for Extra Dry Skin .

New to copper peptides? Start with every other day for the first two weeks, then build to daily use. This allows your skin time to adjust.

What pairs well: Our oil-soluble Vitamin C Serums (THD ascorbate in squalane) are fully compatible with copper peptides - no pH conflict. Use them together in the evening for a powerful combination of regeneration and antioxidant support. Avoid layering with low-pH L-ascorbic acid or strong AHA/BHA exfoliants at the same time.

Morning routine: This is an evening product. For your morning, pair it with our Hydrate + Protect | Good Morning Skin Shiel d and a Vitamin C serum for daytime protection.

Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

About GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma. First isolated in 1973 by biochemist Dr Loren Pickart, it has been the subject of extensive research over the past 50 years. Studies have examined its role in collagen and elastin synthesis, gene expression, and skin remodelling. Plasma levels of GHK have been observed to decline with age.

We find the research compelling – it's why we formulated with this ingredient.

Key Ingredients

GHK-Cu Copper Peptides 1% — Copper tripeptide-1

Sodium Hyaluronate | Hyaluronic acid (High MW) — Surface hydration, gel texture

Trehalose 2% — Cellular protectant

Allantoin — Skin soothing

Storage

Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Use within 6 months. The characteristic blue colour indicates freshness-any shift toward brown or green suggests degradation.

The honest note

This is an expensive, temperamental ingredient that we handle with extra care. Small batches, refrigerated storage, Miron glass packaging. Worth it.

Packaging

Miron violet glass bottle with serum pump

Full Ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus Ferment Filtrate, Trehalose, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sclerotium Gum, Allantoin

Australian made | Small batch | Clean formulation | Fragrance-free

Complete Your Copper Peptide Routine

Copper Peptide | Scalp — AHK-Cu Scalp Serum Using copper peptides on your face? Your scalp deserves the same attention. A different peptide (AHK-Cu), specifically designed for hair follicles.

Vitamin C Serum — THD-C in Pure Olive Squalane The perfect evening partner. Oil-soluble vitamin C that won't conflict with copper peptides. Doubles as a moisturiser.

Hydrate + Protect | Good Morning Skin Shield Your AM prep. Ectoine, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to start the day.