Clinically Studied · 50 Years of Research
Copper Repair Serum
GHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-1 · 30ml Airless Pump
$72.00
Or 4 × $18.00 with Afterpay · Free shipping over $80 NZD
The ingredient responsible for activating over 4,000 collagen-related genes — studied in clinical settings since 1973 and still the most potent skin-repair peptide ever identified. One serum. Built around a single, exceptional molecule.
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Over $80
Over $80
Formulated in
Australia
Australia
Cruelty
Free
Free
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The Science
GHK-Cu: The Most Researched Peptide in Skincare
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex (GHK-Cu) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973. It declines 60% between age 20 and 60 — and that decline correlates directly with reduced skin regeneration. Clinical research demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 genes associated with collagen synthesis, wound repair, antioxidant defence, and inflammation. At 0.06%, the LUMÉA Copper Repair Serum delivers a proven-efficacious concentration in a stable, airless-pump formulation designed to protect the peptide's integrity from first pump to last.
- Activates 4,000+ collagen genes. GHK-Cu modulates expression of genes directly involved in collagen I, III, and IV synthesis — structural proteins responsible for skin firmness and density.
- Accelerates skin repair. Clinically demonstrated to accelerate wound healing and re-epithelialisation by up to 35% — the same mechanism that repairs post-breakout marks and micro-damage from daily environmental exposure.
- Reduces fine lines and texture. By removing damaged cross-linked collagen (via MMP-2 activation) and replacing it with new fibres, GHK-Cu produces genuine textural improvement rather than surface-level smoothing.
- Fights oxidative stress. Activates superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase — the skin's primary antioxidant enzymes — providing protection against UV-induced and environmental free radical damage.
- Calms chronic inflammation. Downregulates TNF-α and IL-1β, the key cytokines behind redness, irritation, and inflammatory skin conditions. Suitable for post-procedure skin and reactive skin types.
- Supports barrier integrity. CoQ10 works alongside GHK-Cu to energise skin cells at the mitochondrial level — improving overall cellular efficiency and barrier repair capacity.
- Brightens uneven tone. Niacinamide at 5% inhibits melanosome transfer and reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — the marks remaining after breakouts or skin trauma.
- Firms skin visibly. Stimulation of both elastin and fibronectin production leads to measurably improved skin firmness with consistent daily use over 8–12 weeks.
- Deeply hydrates. Sodium hyaluronate (low molecular weight) penetrates the epidermis to draw moisture into the dermis — producing genuine hydration rather than surface occlusion.
- Builds long-term resilience. Consistent GHK-Cu use produces a measurably more resilient skin barrier — better able to repair itself from daily stressors, UV exposure, and the natural ageing process.
1
Cleanse. Start with a gentle, low-pH cleanser. Pat skin dry — do not rub, which causes micro-friction on the skin surface.
2
Apply to damp skin. Pump 3–4 times onto fingertips. Apply to slightly damp skin — residual moisture improves absorption of the peptide complex.
3
Pat, do not rub. Use gentle pressing motions across forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. The periorbital area benefits from the lightest possible application.
4
Wait 60 seconds. Allow the serum to fully absorb before applying moisturiser. The airless formula absorbs cleanly with no residue.
5
Follow with moisturiser and SPF. Morning: SPF 50+ is non-negotiable over any active serum. Evening: a ceramide-based moisturiser over the serum maximises overnight repair.
Pro TipGHK-Cu and retinol work through completely different pathways. Use the Copper Repair Serum in the morning and retinol in the evening. Do not layer them simultaneously — copper can partially chelate with certain retinol formulations at low pH.
Full INCI: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tripeptide-1 Copper (GHK-Cu), Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
| Ingredient | Concentration | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tripeptide-1 Copper (GHK-Cu) | 0.06% | Hero active — collagen gene activation, skin repair, antioxidant defence |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | 5% | Brightening, barrier support, anti-inflammatory |
| Ubiquinone (CoQ10) | 0.1% | Mitochondrial energy support, antioxidant |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | 1% | Humectant — deep dermal hydration |
| Allantoin | 0.5% | Soothing, cell proliferation support |
| Panthenol (Pro-Vit B5) | 0.5% | Barrier repair, anti-inflammatory |
The copper-blue is not an additive.
It is the active ingredient.
It is the active ingredient.
Why Does It Look Like That?
The blue colour is your quality indicator.
The distinctive copper-blue colour comes directly from the copper (II) ions complexed within the GHK-Cu molecule. This is not a dye, a fragrance, or an additive of any kind.
In its pure form, the copper tripeptide-1 complex produces this specific blue-green hue — the same colour you would observe in a laboratory sample of the ingredient. A deeper, more saturated blue indicates a higher-quality, more stable copper peptide complex.
If you receive a bottle that has turned clear or yellow, the peptide has degraded — likely from heat, UV, or oxidation. The LUMÉA airless pump format is specifically designed to prevent this: each press delivers product without introducing air into the chamber.
How It Compares
LUMÉA vs. The Alternatives
| LUMÉA Copper Repair Serum | Retinol Serum | Clinic Copper Treatment | Generic Peptide Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key mechanism | GHK-Cu gene modulation + repair | Vitamin A → retinoic acid | GHK-Cu (same ingredient) | Varies — often underdosed |
| Collagen activation | ✓ 4,000+ genes | ~ Indirect signalling | ✓ Same | ✗ Rarely effective at label dose |
| No irritation / purging | ✓ No irritation period | ✗ Common purging | ✓ Yes | ~ Depends on formula |
| AM + PM safe | ✓ Both | ✗ PM only — photosensitising | ✓ Both | ✓ Usually |
| Antioxidant protection | ✓ SOD activation + CoQ10 | ✗ Not primary function | ~ Varies by clinic | ✗ Rarely included |
| Airless preservation | ✓ Full-bottle stability | ~ Usually pump, not airless | ✓ Clinical packaging | ✗ Often dropper = oxidation risk |
| Price | $72 NZD | $30–$80 | $180–$350 per session | $40–$90 |
Build Your Routine
Complete the Protocol
Cleanser Image
400 × 400 px
400 × 400 px
Step 1 — Morning + Evening
Gentle Cleanser
Low-pH, sulfate-free. Preps skin for serum absorption without disrupting the barrier.
ExploreSerum Bottle
400 × 400 px
400 × 400 px
Step 2 — AM + PM
Copper Repair Serum
3–4 pumps on damp skin. The core of your protocol. Morning and evening, every day.
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Step 3 — Daily
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Grass-fed tallow barrier repair. The simplest, most effective lip treatment available.
Shop Now — $12★★★★★
Based on 127 reviews
Sophie M.
Auckland, New Zealand
★★★★★
"My skin looks genuinely different after 6 weeks"
I've tried retinol, vitamin C serums, everything with a big brand name and hefty price tag. Nothing produced visible results the way this has. At week 2 I noticed my pores looked smaller and my skin had this quality I can only describe as density — like it was fuller. By week 6 my partner asked what I'd changed. The blue colour was weird at first but once I understood why it's there it actually made me trust it more. I'm on my third bottle.
✓ Verified Purchase
James T.
Melbourne, Australia
★★★★★
"First skincare product I've actually stayed consistent with"
I'm a 28-year-old guy who never had a skincare routine. A mate pointed me to LUMÉA and I was sceptical — $72 felt like a lot. But I read the science on the website, looked up the GHK-Cu research myself, and decided to give it eight weeks. The texture improvement alone was worth it. My skin used to be uneven and rough by midday. Now it looks better at 6pm than it did at 8am with any other product. The airless pump dispenses perfectly every time, no waste. Will not stop using this.
✓ Verified Purchase
Rachel W.
Brisbane, Australia
★★★★★
"Replaced three products with one"
I was using a separate peptide serum, a niacinamide product, and a vitamin C — all from respected brands. I decided to try LUMÉA after researching GHK-Cu specifically. Not only did my routine get simpler, my skin improved. The niacinamide in here at 5% has visibly reduced the redness I've had around my nose for years. I appreciate that the founder explains every ingredient rather than hiding behind marketing language. This is a brand built by someone who actually cares about the science.
✓ Verified Purchase
Questions
Frequently Asked
Why is the serum blue? Is that normal?
Yes — the blue colour is the GHK-Cu molecule itself. Copper (II) ions produce a characteristic blue-green hue when complexed in a peptide form at physiological pH. This is not a dye or additive. It is the active ingredient. A more saturated blue indicates a higher-quality, more stable copper peptide complex. If the serum becomes clear or yellow, the peptide has oxidised — which is why LUMÉA uses airless pump packaging that eliminates air exposure.
Can I use this with retinol?
Yes, but not simultaneously. GHK-Cu and retinol work through different mechanisms and are compatible in a routine. Use the Copper Repair Serum in the morning. Use retinol in the evening. Do not layer them at the same time — certain retinol formulations at low pH may affect the stability of the copper peptide complex.
How long before I see results?
Most customers notice improved hydration and skin feel within the first 2 weeks. Visible texture and firmness improvements typically appear between weeks 4–8 with consistent AM and PM use. The collagen-related benefits of GHK-Cu are cumulative — skin continues to improve with ongoing use. At 12 weeks, results are measurably different from baseline. Give it 8 weeks minimum before making a judgement.
Is this suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. Unlike retinol — which commonly causes a purging period and photosensitivity — GHK-Cu has a strong anti-inflammatory profile. It downregulates the cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) responsible for redness and irritation. The formula includes allantoin and panthenol as additional soothing agents. If you have a history of copper allergy, consult a dermatologist before use.
Why 0.06%? Is that enough to be effective?
Yes. Clinical research on GHK-Cu demonstrates efficacy at concentrations between 0.01% and 0.1%. The 0.06% concentration sits in the middle of the proven-efficacious range. There is no published evidence that concentrations above 0.1% produce additional benefit — and at higher concentrations, excess copper may compete with the body's natural copper-binding processes. 0.06% is a considered choice, not a cost-cutting measure.
Formulated in Australia
Cruelty Free
Dermatologist Reviewed
Airless Pump — Oxidation Protected
Paraben Free
Sulphate Free
TGA Cosmetic Compliant
Vegan Formula
Copper Repair Serum
$72.00 NZD