Where to Buy: From Deciem’s Website: HERE
Price: £28.90 (Pricey compared to other The Ordinary products)
Volume: 30ml
Description: A Serum that tries to combat signs of ageing using Direct Copper Peptides (Tripeptide-1, Matrixyl 3000 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7), and many, many more peptides such as ARGIRELOX peptide complex (with acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18).
Also contains a Probiotic Complex (Lactococcus lactis lysate) and 11 amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid forms.
How this differs from their Buffet Serum: Includes 1% pure copper peptides (hence why the blue tint to the formula), which is supposed to ‘improve skin health’.
These peptides are supposed to help with collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory responses…
Good For: Technically anti-ageing (Not for Sensitive Skin in my opinion or acneic skin – may sting) – also good for hydration and if you want to ‘upgrade’ your buffet serum from the ordinary.
NOTE: Deciem recommend not to use peptides along with products containing vitamin C. Also don’t use with strong antioxidants and direct acids.
Directions: Apply in the AM and PM after cleansing.
How I use it: I apply this straight after a toner, before moisturiser.
Texture: Gloopy. I suspect simple forms HA makes this serum gloopy. so it takes longer to dry and fully absorb.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (Solvent, skin protecting and conditioning) / Lactococcus Ferment Lysate (skin conditioning). Copper Tripeptide-1 (the 1% Copper) – Skin conditioning. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Skin conditioning and humectant).
Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
(As you can see, plenty of humectant / skin conditioning ingredients and a buffet of peptides).
NOTE: Skincarisma have a full ingredient breakdown of the product HERE
Fragrance: There is no fragrance added / essential oils etc. But the natural smell of this is a bit…funky. It’s a metallic smell.
How long have I been using it?: I’ve been on and off with this product for 6 months. It’s not something that I consistently have used or wanted to use every night.
What I like:
- This contains a ‘buffet’ of peptides – I like the idea of peptides for anti-ageing purposes (even if they’re not proven to be as effective as lets say retinol and vitamin C). Also like the addition of probiotics.
- I like that the ordinary released a cheaper version of their copper peptide serum (previously on Niod)
- I like that this doesn’t contain fragrance / alcohol etc.
- Didn’t break me out
- It is hydrating
- Easy to spread
What I don’t like:
- Randomly stings at times? Not a ‘calming’ feeling when applying. The stinging would probably be worse for those with active acne.
- Quite pricey still (I know that Niod has an even more expensive Copper 2% so this is supposed to be a way cheaper alternative – but I still feel this is sort of pricey for what it is? But this is relative).
- BALLS UP (I can’t rub my skin – so doesn’t go well under makeup / sunblock for me).
- Usually I don’t mind skincare that doesn’t smell great but this smell of metal is off-putting.
The Effect?: Hard to say because I haven’t been using this regularly every single day. I don’t use this to banish lines but more to prevent them from getting worse. I do think of course something like retinol would be more effective. I can tell that this does hydrate my skin (due to the HA) so it does help ‘smooth’ out temporarily the skin. But the pilling just isn’t my thing!
Also apparently copper promotes facial hair growth so for women with PCOS this may be an issue!!
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3/5 – Hydrating, Good idea / concept i.e. adding peptides for anti-ageing but I can’t handle the balling up and pilling and slight uncomfortable-ness I feel applying this to my skin.
Would I repurchase?: No. Don’t like the way it balls up on my skin and the feel of it on my skin. If you want a ‘buffet’ of peptides then you can opt for the ordinary’s buffet serum OR Hyalmide’s anti-ageing/buffet serum. I’m wondering perhaps if the NIOD Copper Serum would feel more pleasant and sting less than this? I’m sure it would ball up less too and it contains 2% copper instead of 1%.
My Skincare Regime 