Our GHK-Cu Cream pairs the same copper peptide found in our GHK-Cu serum with a light, moisturising cream base. It comes as a DIY kit, packed in Australia: a 50 mL white airless pump of cream base plus a GHK-Cu sachet you mix in at home. Here's what's in it, how it differs from the serum and how to fit it into your routine.
What's in the DIY cream kit?
- Cream base: 49.5 g pre-preserved, fragrance-free, vegan cream base in a 50 mL white airless pump.
- GHK-Cu sachet: 1% (0.5 g), 2% (1.0 g) or 3% (1.5 g) copper tripeptide-1, in a white foil sachet.
How to mix
- Unscrew the pump top.
- Tip the sachet in.
- Refit the pump top.
- Shake for 30 seconds.
- Refrigerate, and use within 8 weeks.
Full ingredient list once mixed (INCI):
Aqua, Safflower Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sweet Almond Oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Copper Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide.
Contains sweet almond oil (tree nut).
- Copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), 1%, 2% or 3%: the blue copper peptide used in skincare for smoother-, firmer- and more radiant-looking skin. It gives the cream its pale blue-lilac tint.
- Safflower oil and sweet almond oil: emollient plant oils that leave skin feeling soft and conditioned.
- Cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate SE, cetyl phosphate and carbomer: emulsifiers and thickeners that bind the water and oils into a smooth cream.
- Glycerin: a humectant that draws in moisture for a hydrated feel.
- Phenoxyethanol: the preservative that keeps the cream base fresh. Sodium hydroxide is used in a tiny amount to balance the pH.
Cream vs serum: what's the difference?
Both use the same copper peptide, in 1%, 2% or 3% kits. The difference is the base.
- GHK-Cu Serum is water-based (aqua, glycerin and hyaluronate). It's light, absorbs fast and layers easily under other products.
- GHK-Cu Cream adds plant oils (safflower and sweet almond) and emulsifiers. It's richer, so it moisturises as well as delivering the peptide, and it can replace your usual moisturiser.
Choose the serum if you have oily skin or like to layer. Choose the cream if your skin is normal to dry, or you want one step instead of serum plus moisturiser.
When to use it
Pump a small amount and massage it into a clean face and neck, morning and/or night, avoiding the eyes. Many people prefer the evening, when there are fewer other actives in their routine. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
Routine tips
- Order: cleanse, apply any water-based serum, then the cream as your moisturising step. If you also use our GHK-Cu serum, you don't need both in the same routine.
- Keep apart: don't use the cream in the same routine as L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), exfoliating AHA/BHA acids or retinoids. Use them at a different time of day or on alternate nights.
- Pairs well with: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide at moderate levels, and peptide serums such as Argireline, Snap-8 or Matrixyl.
- Be consistent: cosmetic changes in how skin looks and feels build over weeks of regular use.
Storage
Store the unmixed kit cool and dry, away from light. The airless pump keeps air and fingers out of the cream. Once mixed, keep it in the fridge and use within 8 weeks. A pale blue-lilac colour is normal. If it turns brown or green, or smells off, stop using it.
Patch testing
Before first use, apply a small amount to your inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24–48 hours. Start with use every other night. If you notice persistent redness, itching or flaking, stop using it. Don't apply to broken or irritated skin, and avoid it if you know you're sensitive to copper or any listed ingredient. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have a skin condition, ask a health professional first. See our patch testing guide for more.
FAQ
Is it the same peptide as the serum?
Yes. Both use copper tripeptide-1, in 1%, 2% or 3% kits. The cream adds oils and emulsifiers for a richer, moisturising texture.
Why is my cream blue?
That's the copper. A pale blue-lilac tint is normal.
Where is it packed?
Packed in Australia.
Is this for injection?
No. GHK-Cu Cream is for topical cosmetic use only.
New to copper peptides? Read our main GHK-Cu guide.
Every peptide we use is independently lab-tested for identity and purity before it goes into our creams and serums. For laboratory research materials, see Ultimate Peps; lab testing is available from QLD Analytical (Queensland, Australia).
For topical cosmetic use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. — The Ultimate Performance Team