This is the unusual skincare ingredient you need to know about to achieve glowing skin

Copper might not be the first ingredient you think of from a skincare point of view, but we're here to tell you why it needs to be on your beauty radar this season
Best copperinfused skincare products
Ashish Shah 

It might sound like a somewhat unassuming ingredient, but don't be fooled into underestimating the beauty punch copper-infused skincare can deliver. From reducing inflammation to promoting healthier skin, its reputation as a miracle worker has seen it popping up as the buzzy new skincare ingredient in product aisles all over. We ask experts exactly how to make a difference to your skin with copper skincare products.

"Copper is used in skincare for its myriad of benefits. Peptides are the new "it" ingredient in skincare, and copper peptides have antioxidant properties to protect from free radical damage, and stimulate collagen and elastin from fibroblasts, which in turn helps with fine lines and wrinkles, skin firmness and texture. They also have excellent anti-microbial activity and have been used in wound healing for many centuries. It's a great anti-inflammatory ingredient that makes it helpful in treating redness, pigmentation, and scarring," says Dr. Varshini Reddy, M.D. Dermatology and Founder of the Hyderabad and Chennai-based Glow Clinic. Copper can be your go-to ingredient if you're dealing with dull skin, open pores, acne or irregular texture. "I love iS clinical and have been prescribing their products with copper tripeptides. Products like the Copper Firming Mist, or the Super Serum, which has L-ascorbic acid and copper peptides, work well. I've seen improvement in texture, pores, smoother skin, reduced fine lines and healthier, more supple skin," says Dr. Reddy.

Dr. Kaustav Guha, R&D Head SkinKraft Labs, advises caution while using copper peptides and says that those who suffer from copper toxicity should refrain from using it. "Some people might be allergic to copper compounds, and it's important to do a patch test before using it. If a noticeable rash occurs after excessive usage, discontinue immediately. In fact, copper compounds should only really be used in their designated concentrations within skincare products. Because of the way they're absorbed into the body, it's just too dangerous to use too much of them," he says.

If it works for your skin type, use it twice daily for best results, especially to allow it to work its magic overnight. "Those with sensitive skin should use it in regulated concentration. Avoid using too many actives at once and layering them, and use sunscreen when layering any active products," cautions Dr. Reddy.

Ahead, we curate our edit of copper-infused skincare that will help supercharge your skin.

iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist

A refreshing treatment mist that provides powerful antioxidant protection while hydrating and smoothing your skin.

LOVE, INDUS Amrutini True Brew Transforming Serum

Made with liquefied Muga Silk, Makaibari tea, vegan ghee and copper, this daily-use nectar heals, restores and strengthens your skin.

SkinKraft Niacinamide With Peptide Anti-Ageing Face Mask

This anti-oxidant-infused mask strengthens the skin barrier, diminishes fine lines, and reduces dryness.

The Derma Co. 3% Collagen + Peptides Face Serum With Collagen & Copper Tripeptides

A multi-tasking formula that rejuvenates your skin to make it bright and radiant.

Aminu Copper Peptide Serum

An advanced serum comprising undiluted copper peptides, antioxidant gallic acid, hyaluronic acid, botanicals, and amino acids boosts radiance, refines pores, firms and energises skin.

Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream

Infused with Copper PCA and Calcium PCA, this anti-wrinkle face cream smoothens rough and dull skin.

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1

This pro-repair, pro-collagen serum delivers a novel, highly-focused approach to target textural irregularities, uneven tone, enlarged pores and a lack of healthy radiance.

Restoracell Stem Cell Awakening Serum with Blue Copper Peptides

This potent formula can be used by even the most sensitive skin and works to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and crow's feet and stimulates eyelash and brow growth.

Also Read:

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5 fail-proof face masks to try for glowing skin

From Alia Bhatt to Janhvi Kapoor, everyone is trying the fresh skin approach

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.