Copper Peptides Troubleshooting: Copper Uglies, Purging, and Slow Results

If copper peptides seem to make your skin look worse, stop using them and let your skin settle. See a dermatologist or doctor if the reaction lasts.

Next, check your routine for products that should stay apart from copper peptides. The Routine Builder can sort that out for you, pronto.

What are “copper uglies”?

“Copper uglies” is a term people use online. It describes skin that looks worse after someone starts using copper peptides.

Honestly, we found few reliable sources on what causes this.

Is it purging?

Short answer: we found no good evidence on whether copper peptides cause purging.

Treat any new breakouts, redness, or stinging as a possible reaction. Stop the product. See a dermatologist or doctor if it lasts.

Check your routine first

Run down this list:

• Vitamin C at the same time? Keep vitamin C and copper peptides apart. See what not to mix.
• Acids at the same time? Keep AHAs and BHAs apart from copper peptides. See AHA and BHA.
• Retinol on the same night? Try different nights. See retinol and retinal.
• Irritated after shaving? Skip skincare actives like copper peptides, acids and vitamin C until your skin calms down, and use a simple moisturizer. Keep using any prescription or acne treatment as directed. See copper peptides after shaving.
• Several new products at once? Add one new product at a time and patch test each one.

Why isn’t it working?

In the studies we found, people used copper peptide creams for about 12 weeks before results were measured. Your results may differ.

That review was written by Loren Pickart, who first isolated the copper peptide GHK, and he founded companies that sold copper peptide products. Keep that in mind when you weigh it.

When to see a doctor

See a dermatologist or doctor if:

• A reaction does not go away after you stop the product.
• You have a skin condition like acne, rosacea, or eczema.
• You use a prescription skin product.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.