Copper GHK Peptide Anti-Aging Restorative Serum, 30ml

Copper GHK Peptide Anti-Aging Restorative Serum

“Total Restoration Formula”

GHK is a copper peptide that was discovered in 1973 by the late Dr. Loren Pickart PhD. GHK occurs naturally in human blood. GHK levels appear to be higher in younger people than older people. Out of that finding, it was determined that to improve skin appearance following laser resurfacing and chemical peels, adding more copper peptides to the surface of the skin could generate amazing results.

GHK Studies

The human copper-binding peptide GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is a small, naturally occurring tri-peptide present in human plasma that also can be released from tissues in case of an injury. Since its discovery in 1973, GHK-Cu established itself as a powerful protective and regenerative ingredient, which is currently widely used in skin and hair products

Up-to-date, it is established that GHK-Cu is able to:

• 1. Tighten loose skin and reverse thinning of aged skin
  2. Repair protective skin barrier proteins
  3. Improve skin firmness, elasticity, and clarity
  4. Reduce fine lines, depth of wrinkles, and improve structure of aged skin
  5. Smooth rough skin
  6. Reduce photodamage, mottled hyperpigmentation, skin spots and lesions
  7. Improve overall skin appearance
  8. Stimulate wound healing
  9. Protect skin cells from UV radiation
  10. Reduce inflammation and free radical damage
  11. Increase hair growth and thickness, enlarge hair follicle size

Facial studies

Copper peptide GHK-Cu is widely used in anti-aging cosmetics (INCI name: Copper tripeptide-1).  Several controlled facial studies confirmed anti-aging, firming and anti-wrinkle activity of copper peptide GHK-Cu.

Facial cream containing GHK-Cu and melatonin increased collagen in photoa-ged skin of 20 female volunteers, performing better than vitamin C and retinoic acid. The study was not controlled for cream vehicle application alone without active ingredients.

A 12-week facial study on 67 women indicated that GHK-Cu cream applied twice daily improved aged skin appearance, increased thickness, reduced wrinkles and strongly stimulated dermal keratinocyte proliferation as determined by histological analysis of biopsies. The same study found copper peptide GHK-Cu to be non-toxic and non-irritating.

Hair growth

Copper peptide GHK-Cu and its analogues were found to stimulate hair growth. In some circumstances, the efficiency of synthetic analog of GHK-Cu was similar to that of 5% minoxidil. A commercial product GraftCyte was clinically proven to improve hair transplantation outcome. Shown to promote collagen production, using copper peptides topically on the scalp will help strengthen already existing hair, while stimulating growth in areas that are lacking thickness.

Anti-inflammatory activity

GHK peptide has anti-inflammatory properties but the mechanism remains unclear. GHK and its copper complexes decreased TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties, copper-peptides could replace corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. They also can reduce UV-induced Erythema.

Formulation Synergy

The botanicals ingredients cucumber hydrosol, aloe vera, and aspen bark provide a soothing, hydrating, and naturally preserved base, creating an ideal environment for the actives to perform. The active ingredients Cu-GHK peptide, hyaluronic acids, niacinamide, panthenol, alpha hydroxy acids, and sea sponge spicules target multiple skin concerns: hydration (ULMW and LM HA, panthenol), anti-aging (Cu-GHK, AHAs), exfoliation (AHAs, sea sponge spicules), and barrier repair/tone correction (niacinamide, panthenol). This combination balances exfoliation with soothing and hydrating ingredients to minimize irritation, while the natural preservatives (aspen bark, Leucidal) ensure product safety without synthetic additives. This is a comprehensive formulation addressing hydration, texture, aging, and skin health.

Actives

These are ingredients with targeted, evidence-based effects on skin physiology, designed to address specific concerns like aging, hydration, or texture.

Cu-GHK Peptide – 3%:

Chemical Description: A tripeptide complex (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) bound to copper ions.

Benefits: This peptide is a powerhouse for skin repair and anti-aging. It stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, improving skin firmness and elasticity, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes wound healing by enhancing fibroblast activity and supports tissue remodeling. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect against oxidative damage and soothe irritation, making it effective for aging or damaged skin.

Mechanism of Action: Copper ions enhance enzymatic processes involved in collagen production, while the peptide signals skin cells to repair and regenerate. It also inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade collagen.

Role in Product: A key anti-aging ingredient, it targets skin firmness and repair, complementing the exfoliating effects of AHAs and hydration from hyaluronic acid.

Ultra Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Powder – 3%:

Chemical Description: Ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, with smaller molecules (typically <10 kDa) for deeper skin penetration.

Benefits: Provides intense hydration by penetrating deeper layers of the stratum corneum, improving skin plumpness and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It enhances skin elasticity and supports barrier function, making skin feel smoother and more resilient. Its low molecular weight makes it particularly effective for delivering moisture to deeper skin layers compared to standard hyaluronic acid.

Mechanism of Action: Hyaluronic acid binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, retaining moisture in the skin. ULMW HA reaches deeper epidermal layers, hydrating from within and supporting cellular functions.

Role in Product: Works synergistically with Low Molecular weight HA to provide multi-depth hydration, enhancing the overall moisturizing effect and supporting skin plumpness.

Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Powder – 1%:

Chemical Description: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (typically 50–100 kDa), larger than ULMW but still able to penetrate beyond the skin’s surface.

Benefits: Hydrates the skin’s upper layers, improving texture and elasticity. It reduces trans-epidermal water loss, strengthens the skin barrier, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. It complements ULMW HA by providing hydration at different skin depths.

Mechanism of Action: Similar to ULMW HA, it binds water to hydrate skin but primarily acts in the upper epidermis, creating a smooth, hydrated surface.

Role in Product: Enhances the hydration profile, ensuring both surface and deeper layers are moisturized, creating a balanced, plump skin feel.

Niacinamide – 2%:

Chemical Description: A form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide).

 Benefits: A multitasking ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier by increasing ceramide production, reducing moisture loss. It evens skin tone by inhibiting melanin transfer, fading hyperpigmentation. It minimizes pore appearance, regulates sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Its antioxidant effects protect against environmental damage.

Mechanism of Action: Boosts NAD+ levels in skin cells, supporting cellular energy and repair. Inhibits melanosome transfer to reduce pigmentation and soothes inflammation via cytokine modulation.

Role in Product: Addresses multiple concerns—barrier repair, tone correction, and oil control—while reducing potential irritation from AHAs.

Panthenol – 1%:

Chemical Description: Provitamin B5, converts to pantothenic acid in the skin.

Benefits: Deeply hydrates by attracting and retaining moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and promotes wound healing. It soothes irritation, reduces redness, and improves skin softness, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin. It also supports recovery from exfoliation-induced irritation.

Mechanism of Action: Penetrates the skin and converts to pantothenic acid, which enhances lipid synthesis for barrier repair and accelerates cell turnover for healing.

Role in Product: Enhances hydration and soothes skin, counteracting potential irritation from exfoliating ingredients like AHAs.

Natural Fruit Aloha Hydroxy Acids – 3% active AHAs:

Chemical Description: A blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) (lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, or tartaric acids) derived from fruits.

Benefits: Exfoliates the stratum corneum by breaking down desmosomes, promoting cell turnover for brighter, smoother skin. It reduces hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven texture while improving product penetration. At 3% active AHAs, it provides gentle yet effective exfoliation suitable for regular use.

Mechanism: AHAs lower the pH of the skin surface, dissolving bonds between dead skin cells to slough them off. This reveals fresher skin and stimulates collagen production over time.

Role in Product: The primary exfoliating component, improving skin texture and radiance while enhancing the efficacy of other actives by improving their penetration.

Hydrolyzed Sea Sponge Spicule Powder – 1%:

Description: Microscopic spicules from hydrolyzed sea sponges, often used as a physical exfoliant.

Benefits: Provides gentle micro-exfoliation, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. The spicules create microchannels in the skin, enhancing the penetration of actives like peptides and hyaluronic acid. It promotes a radiant complexion and may improve circulation in the skin.

Mechanism: The tiny, needle-like spicules mechanically exfoliate and stimulate fibroblasts, triggering collagen synthesis and skin renewal.

Role in Product: Boosts active ingredient delivery via “micro needling”, and complements chemical exfoliation from AHAs with physical exfoliation,  promoting skin renewal.

Leucidal SF Max – 0.5%:

Description: A natural preservative derived from Leuconostoc (radish root) ferment filtrate.

Benefits: Primarily a preservative, it inhibits microbial growth to extend shelf life in water-based formulations. It also provides mild moisturizing benefits due to its peptide content, contributing to skin hydration and comfort.

Mechanism: Contains antimicrobial peptides that disrupt bacterial and fungal cell membranes, ensuring product safety. Its moisturizing effect comes from its ability to retain water.

Role in Product: Ensures product stability as a natural preservative, with secondary hydrating benefits, aligning with the clean beauty ethos of the formulation.

Aspen Bark Powder – 0.5%:

Source: Derived from the bark of Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen).

Benefits: Used as a natural preservative due to its high salicylate content, which provides antimicrobial properties to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in the formulation. It also has mild exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects, similar to salicylic acid, helping to unclog pores and soothe acne-prone or irritated skin. Its antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress.

Mechanism: Salicylates gently exfoliate by dissolving dead skin cells, while phenolic compounds offer antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, enhancing product stability and skin health.

Role in Product: Acts as a natural preservative, reducing reliance on synthetic options, while providing secondary skin-soothing and exfoliating benefits.

Botanicals

Cucumber Hydrosol:

Source: Derived from steam distillation of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus).

Benefits: This hydrosol is rich in water, vitamins (like vitamin C), and antioxidants such as cucurbitacins. It acts as a soothing, anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and irritation, particularly for sensitive or inflamed skin. Its cooling effect can help with puffiness, especially around the eyes. The high water content hydrates the skin, making it an excellent base for your formulation, providing a light, non-greasy feel.

Mechanism of Action: Its antioxidants neutralize free radicals, protecting skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure or pollution. It also contains silica, which may support skin firmness.

Role in Product: As the primary base, it ensures hydration, enhances the sensory experience with its fresh scent, and soothes the skin, complementing the actives.

Organic Aloe Vera Powder 200X -1%:

Source: Concentrated powder from Aloe barbadensis leaf, reconstituted at 200X strength, meaning 1 gram of powder is equivalent to 200 grams of fresh aloe gel.

Benefits: Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing, hydrating, and healing properties. It contains polysaccharides, which lock in moisture and support skin barrier repair. It’s rich in vitamins (A, C, E) and enzymes that reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, making it ideal for calming irritated or sunburned skin. Its antioxidant content helps combat environmental damage.

Mechanism of Action: Its polysaccharides form a protective layer on the skin, enhancing hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss. Its anti-inflammatory compounds, like bradykinase, soothe redness and swelling.

Role in Product: Adds hydration and calming effects, synergizing with actives like AHAs to reduce potential irritation from exfoliation.