Once you have more than one peptide on the shelf, the next question is how to use them together. The good news is that GHK-Cu, Argireline, SNAP-8 and Matrixyl are easy-going ingredients that layer well. A few simple rules about order, timing and what to keep apart will help you build a morning and night routine that's simple to stick to.
The basic rule: thinnest to thickest
Apply skincare from the thinnest, most watery texture to the richest. Water-based serums go on first so they can spread on clean skin, then creams, then oils, with sunscreen last in the morning. All of our peptide serums are water-based with glycerin and hyaluronate, so they sit in the "serum" step, before any moisturiser or our GHK-Cu Cream.
- Cleanse
- Optional toner or hydrating mist
- Peptide serum(s), thinnest first
- Moisturiser or GHK-Cu Cream
- Facial oil (optional)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (morning)
Which peptide, morning or night?
- Argireline and SNAP-8: a natural fit for the morning, when you want the look of expression lines around the eyes and forehead softened through the day. They can be used at night too.
- Matrixyl: works morning or night and pairs with almost anything, so it's easy to fit wherever your routine has room.
- GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1): usually best at night. It keeps copper peptides away from morning vitamin C and gives a quiet, simple evening step for skin that looks smoother and more radiant.
A complete AM/PM peptide routine
Morning
- Rinse with water or a gentle cleanser.
- Optional vitamin C serum (if you use one, let it absorb for a minute or two).
- Argireline or SNAP-8 serum, pressed in around the eyes, forehead and smile lines.
- Optional Matrixyl serum.
- Moisturiser.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, every day.
Night
- Gentle cleanse (double cleanse if you wore sunscreen or makeup).
- GHK-Cu serum on slightly damp skin, or skip straight to GHK-Cu Cream.
- Optional Matrixyl serum.
- Moisturiser, or GHK-Cu Cream as your moisturising step.
Using a scalp serum too? It's applied to the scalp, not the face, so it doesn't change the order above. See copper peptides for hair and scalp.
Can you mix peptides together?
Yes. Argireline, SNAP-8 and Matrixyl are commonly used together, and many people layer one or two serums in the same routine. A few tips:
- Argireline vs SNAP-8: both target the look of expression lines, so most people choose one rather than stacking both. Pick one and give it a fair trial.
- Wait briefly between layers: 30–60 seconds lets each serum settle so the next one doesn't pill or slide around.
- Keep it to two or three actives per routine: more layers rarely means better results, and it makes it harder to tell what your skin likes.
- Introduce one at a time: add a new peptide every week or two rather than starting everything at once.
What to keep apart from GHK-Cu
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): use it in the morning, with GHK-Cu at night. More detail in copper peptides with vitamin C and niacinamide.
- Strong exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA): use on different nights from GHK-Cu.
- Retinoids: many people alternate nights. See GHK-Cu vs retinol.
Argireline, SNAP-8 and Matrixyl are fine alongside GHK-Cu in the same routine; if you want to keep things very simple, use them in the morning and GHK-Cu at night.
A sample weekly plan
- Every morning: Argireline or SNAP-8, moisturiser, SPF 50+.
- Most nights: GHK-Cu serum or GHK-Cu Cream.
- Two nights a week (if you use them): your exfoliating acid or retinoid instead of GHK-Cu, followed by a plain moisturiser.
Not sure where to start? Our best peptides for fine lines guide compares each one, and if your skin is on the dry side, see peptides for dry skin.
Patch testing
Patch test each new product before adding it to your routine. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24–48 hours. If you notice persistent redness, itching or flaking, stop using it. Don't apply to broken or irritated skin. GHK-Cu Cream contains sweet almond oil (tree nut). If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have a skin condition, ask a health professional first. Our patch testing guide has more detail.
FAQ
What order do I apply peptide serums in?
Thinnest to thickest: water-based peptide serums after cleansing, then moisturiser or GHK-Cu Cream, then oil, with sunscreen last in the morning.
Can I use Argireline and GHK-Cu together?
Yes. Many people use Argireline in the morning and GHK-Cu at night, but they can also be layered in the same routine.
Should I use Argireline and SNAP-8 at the same time?
Usually there's no need. Both are used for the look of expression lines, so most people choose one.
How long until I see a difference?
Give a consistent routine at least 8–12 weeks before judging how your skin looks and feels.
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