Using 1000ppm Copper Peptide and Direct Skin Application

Asked by: chatnaphat.n On: August 05, 2021 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

Regarding Copper Peptide that is already dissolved and sold by the shop at 1000ppm, equivalent to 1% in solvent, and the shop recommends using it at 1-3%:

Does this mean that even though it is already dissolved at 1%, it still has to be further dissolved to get a concentration of 1-3% again?

We cannot use 1000ppm to apply directly onto the skin as 100%, correct?

When compared with the powder form, it has to be dissolved in solvent to reach the recommended concentration of 0.01-1%, and if dissolved to 1%, it can be applied directly onto the skin as well. So it should not be different from the one the shop has already dissolved at a ratio of 1000ppm.

Therefore, the 1000ppm one should also be able to be applied directly onto the skin, correct?

Thank you.

Answer

Clarification on Copper Peptide Usage

Thank you for your question regarding the usage of Copper Peptide.

Let's clarify the concentrations and recommended usage rates for the two forms:

  • Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu, Copper Tripeptide-1) (1000ppm Solution):

    • This product is a solution where the Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) is already dissolved at a concentration of 1000ppm, which is equivalent to 0.1% (not 1%).
    • The recommended usage rate is 1-3%.
    • This means you should add 1-3% of this 1000ppm solution into your final cosmetic formulation (like a serum, cream, or gel). You do not need to dilute the 1000ppm solution itself further before adding it to your base formulation.
    • Using 1-3% of the 1000ppm solution in your formula will result in a final GHK-Cu concentration of approximately 10-30ppm in your finished product.
  • Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-1, 1:1) Powder:

    • This is the powder form with a purity of over 98% GHK-Cu.
    • The recommended usage rate is 0.01% - 1%.
    • This means you should add 0.01% to 1% of this powder into your final cosmetic formulation. The powder needs to be dissolved in a suitable solvent (like distilled water) before adding to the formulation.
    • Using 0.01-1% of the powder in your formula will result in a final GHK-Cu concentration of approximately 100-10,000ppm in your finished product.

Can the 1000ppm solution be applied directly?

No, it is not recommended to apply the 1000ppm solution directly to the skin. The recommended usage rate of 1-3% is for incorporating it into a complete cosmetic formulation (serum, cream, etc.). Applying the 1000ppm solution directly would be applying it at its full concentration (0.1% GHK-Cu in solvent), which is not the intended or recommended method of use.

Comparison:

The powder form allows you to achieve a much higher final concentration of GHK-Cu in your finished product (up to 10,000ppm or 1%) compared to using the 1000ppm solution at its recommended rate (resulting in 10-30ppm). The 1000ppm solution is a convenient pre-dissolved form for easier incorporation into formulations at lower final GHK-Cu concentrations.

Answer Update
Updated Review: May 2026

This section was added after reviewing the original answer against current product availability and formulation knowledge at the stated point in time.

As of 2026-05-17, the information in our original response regarding Copper Peptide usage is still accurate.

The Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) 1000ppm Solution should be used at a rate of 1-3% in your final formulation, resulting in a final concentration of approximately 10-30 ppm. It is not intended for direct application to the skin.

The Copper Peptide Powder form allows for higher final concentrations in your formula, with a recommended usage rate of 0.01% - 0.1%.

We now also offer a Copper Tripeptide 10x (10,000ppm) Solution, which provides a more concentrated option for formulators seeking higher potency. As always, ensure your final product's pH is between 4.5 and 7.4 for optimal stability.