In the world of skincare, it can seem like there are always mainstream, popular ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and even snail mucin have all made headlines for how well they can help your skin stay hydrated, improve your skin tone, and visibly minimize the signs of aging.
Copper has two key properties that endow it as an excellent active ingredient to be used in products, which come in contact with the skin, aiming to improve the skin’s well-being.
Copper as a skincare ingredient, aka a liquid or viscous component, comes in several forms:
- Copper chelate: The combination of copper and the human peptide GHK that has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
- Copper oxide: A combination of copper and oxygen, copper oxide nanoparticles are particularly effective in wound healing and skin regeneration.
- Copper gluconate: This is a copper salt of D-glucuronic acid, which is a component of hyaluronic acid. It inhibits the degradation of cellular proteins.
- Copper sulfate: Copper and sulfuric acid form copper sulfate. When combined with other natural ingredients, it helps improve the barrier function of the skin and heal skin lesions.
Other skin benefits of copper include increased collagen production for fewer wrinkles and plumper skin, boosted production of elastin, improved wound healing, and reduced hyperpigmentation.