Although regulatory bodies have been working hard to make sure cosmetic formulations are safe for consumers, dermatologists now say unlike heavy metals such as silver, topically applied copper can be metabolized by the body, thus lowering the risk of toxicity.
The compound is reported to aid in the development of collagen and elastin and has started to appear in post-surgery care products for healing or even working to reduce redness in the skin following laser treatments.
Copper is also known to smoothen out acne scars and skin blemishes and has in fact already appeared in hair products such as copper hair serum where it increases the size of hair follicles; giving the appearance of thicker and fuller hair.
"Compared with other anti-aging ingredients, the science, safety, efficacy, and clinical validation of copper peptides make it unique," says Osmotics founder Francine Porter who has just launched a Blue Copper 5 Prime moisturizer.
Copper also used to feed the body through beauty ...
With industry experts like Jeanine Reckkio forecasting cosmetic products of the future that will act as a gateway for ingredients to enter the body on a whole new level, Virginia-based copper-technology developer Cupron is doing just that with a satin pillowcase embedded with microscopic copper particles.
Designed by a professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem to allow the compound's particles to be absorbed into the skin, Iluminage claims to help treat wrinkles and fine lines while you sleep.
Cosmetics Design believes that using copper particles in this way is only just the beginning. In fact beauty futurologist Reckkio says that when it comes to innovation, some cosmetic brands are already in 2018/19.
“We are talking about a pair of Levi-branded jeans that target cellulite while you are wearing them, capsule make-up that can be activated to give the desired affect at the touch of a wand, bedding developed to reduce wrinkles and your t-bone steak customised with beauty-giving properties. And that's just for starters,” she told this publication.