Frequently Asked
Questions

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide complex first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It is one of the most extensively studied peptides in dermatology.

GHK-Cu works by binding to cellular receptors and activating signalling cascades that upregulate genes responsible for collagen I, III and IV synthesis, elastin production, and proteoglycan biosynthesis — the structural proteins that determine skin firmness and elasticity.

Beyond collagen synthesis, GHK-Cu has documented anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant properties, and the ability to activate DNA repair genes. Multiple peer-reviewed double-blind clinical trials have documented significant reductions in fine lines and deep wrinkles with consistent use.

The Luméa Copper Repair Serum contains GHK-Cu at 0.06% concentration — the clinically validated effective range documented in peer-reviewed research.

Concentration matters enormously in skincare. Many products contain active ingredients at concentrations so low they cannot produce meaningful results — often added for marketing purposes rather than efficacy. Clinical studies showing results with GHK-Cu used concentrations in the 0.01%–0.10% range, with 0.06% representing an effective, well-tolerated point in that range.

Professional copper peptide clinic treatments use this same concentration range. We simply made it accessible without the clinic visit and the $800 price tag.

Full INCI list: Aqua, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Parfum, Ubiquinone, Benzyl Benzoate.

The formula is manufactured by Cellular Cosmetics in Molendinar, Gold Coast QLD, to ISO 22716 GMP standards. It is EU EC 1223/2009 compliant and AICIS registered.

Yes. GHK-Cu is actually anti-inflammatory by mechanism — it downregulates inflammatory cytokines and supports barrier repair, making it well-tolerated even by reactive and sensitive skin types.

The formula is fragrance-free in the traditional sense (Parfum in the INCI list refers to a single trace ingredient required by regulatory labelling standards and is present at a non-irritating concentration). It contains no retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or other ingredients typically associated with sensitivity.

As with any new active, we recommend patch testing on the inner forearm for 24 hours before full facial use.

The steel blue colour of the Luméa Copper Repair Serum is caused by copper ions naturally present in the GHK-Cu complex. Copper compounds in aqueous solution typically produce a characteristic blue colour due to the way copper ions absorb light in the red-orange spectrum.

The blue colour is not artificial colouring — it is a direct visual indicator that copper peptide is present at an effective concentration. Serums that claim to contain GHK-Cu but appear clear or colourless should raise questions about the actual concentration present.

Copper Repair Serum: Yes — cruelty-free and vegan. No animal testing at any stage of development or manufacture. All ingredients are synthetic or plant-derived.

Tallow Lip Balm: Cruelty-free, but not vegan. The key ingredient — grass-fed beef tallow — is an animal-derived ingredient. We are transparent about this. It is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.

Apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin morning and/or evening:

• Cleanse and pat skin completely dry before applying.
• Dispense 2–3 drops onto fingertips.
• Gently press into skin — do not rub or drag.
• Allow to absorb fully (approximately 60 seconds) before applying moisturiser.
• Apply SPF on top in the morning — this is non-negotiable when using any active serum.

Collagen synthesis is a biological process that takes time. In clinical trials, measurable improvements in skin firmness and wrinkle depth were typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use.

Most users report improvements in skin texture, hydration, and radiance within the first 4 weeks. Changes to firmness and visible fine lines typically become apparent around weeks 6–8 with consistent twice-daily use.

Unlike retinol, there is no purging period. Results build progressively and consistently without irritation or adjustment phases.

GHK-Cu is highly compatible with most skincare actives. A few considerations:

• Retinol: Can be used in the same routine, though not necessarily at the same time. Some research suggests GHK-Cu may partially mitigate retinol irritation. If using both, apply GHK-Cu first and allow to absorb.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Apply at separate times. Ascorbic acid is a strong chelating agent and may theoretically reduce GHK-Cu stability when applied simultaneously. Use Vitamin C in the morning, GHK-Cu in the evening, or vice versa.
• AHAs/BHAs: Compatible when used at separate times. Do not mix in the same application.
• Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides: Fully compatible and synergistic.

One 30mL bottle of the Copper Repair Serum lasts approximately 4–6 weeks with consistent twice-daily use (2–3 drops morning and evening). With once-daily use, you can expect 8–10 weeks from a single bottle.

Australia: 3–7 business days via standard post. Express options available at checkout.

New Zealand: 5–10 business days via standard international post.

All orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days of placement. You will receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.

Yes — free standard shipping on all orders to Australia and New Zealand, with no minimum order value. This applies to every single order, every time.

We process orders quickly, but please contact us at hello@lumeaskincare.co.nz as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel. Include your order number in the subject line.

If your order has not yet shipped, we will do our best to accommodate any changes. Once dispatched, we are unable to modify the order but can assist with our returns process once it arrives.

Currently we ship to Australia and New Zealand only. International shipping to additional markets is planned — sign up to our newsletter to be notified when we expand.

LUMÉA's Founding Member programme is for people who join our waitlist before our public launch and support us from the beginning.

Founding Members receive a 15% discount on their first order, early access to new products, and occasional exclusive offers. Once our public launch date is confirmed, Founding Members will be contacted first with a unique discount code.

Join the waitlist at the password page or by signing up to our mailing list to qualify.