Adding Copper Peptide to Finished Serum
Question
If I buy raw ingredients like Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) and add them to a finished skincare product, specifically a serum, to increase its effectiveness, is that possible? I would avoid serums that contain prohibited components such as Disodium EDTA. Will the effectiveness be as good?
Answer
Adding Ingredients to Finished Skincare Products
Adding ingredients like Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) to a finished skincare product, even one without Disodium EDTA, is generally not recommended.
While it is correct that Copper Peptide should not be mixed with Disodium EDTA because it can reduce the peptide's effectiveness, adding ingredients to a finished formulation carries several other risks:
- Stability Issues: Finished products are carefully balanced. Adding ingredients can disrupt this balance, leading to separation, changes in texture, or reduced shelf life.
- Reduced Efficacy: The base formula may not be designed to properly incorporate and deliver the added ingredient effectively.
- Preservation Compromise: Adding ingredients can weaken the product's preservative system, potentially allowing microbial growth.
- pH Changes: The pH might shift outside the optimal range for the added ingredient (Copper Peptide is best between pH 4.5-7.4), reducing its effectiveness or causing irritation.
- Inaccurate Concentration: It's difficult to ensure the correct and safe concentration of the added ingredient.
For optimal results and safety, it is best to use skincare products that are already formulated with the desired ingredients or to consider formulating products from scratch if you have the necessary knowledge.
