Leverium Cu3 is a high-concentration copper peptide serum with 3% GHK-Cu for the skin. Carefully formulated with skin compatibility in mind, including sensitive skin. Fragrance-free. Alcohol-free. Made in Germany.
Explore GHK-Cu, formulation, quality and the research behind Cu3.
PLASMA GHK (NG/ML)
Age approximately 20: ~200 ng/ml
Age approximately 60: ~80 ng/ml
COPPER PEPTIDES
GHK is a small peptide naturally present in the human body. It has a strong affinity for copper.
When GHK binds a copper ion, Cu²⁺, it forms GHK Cu, a naturally occurring copper peptide that has been studied for decades in the context of skin biology.
Reported plasma levels of GHK are lower at older ages, falling from approximately 200 ng/ml around age 20 to approximately 80 ng/ml around age 60. [1] These findings describe circulating GHK and provide biological context for the broader research into GHK and GHK Cu.
This biological background, together with decades of research into GHK Cu, is what makes copper peptides particularly interesting for modern skincare.
EVIDENCE / GHK CU IN SKINCARE
Human studies of topical GHK Cu exist, including research examining skin appearance and characteristics associated with photoaged skin.
Human evidence remains limited. The optimal concentration and formulation of a GHK Cu serum have not been established by large comparative clinical trials.
A broader body of experimental research has explored GHK Cu in relation to collagen, extracellular matrix processes and skin biology. Together, these findings make GHK Cu particularly interesting for further research and modern skincare.
GHK CU RESEARCH LANDSCAPE
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
HUMAN EVIDENCE
Copper peptides have potential.
But only when the formulation is right.
And that’s rarely the case.
FORMULATION / WHAT MATTERS
GHK-Cu concentration matters, but it is only part of the equation. Raw material quality, the surrounding formula, pH, skin compatibility and transparent testing all matter.
Concentration determines how much GHK-Cu the formula actually delivers.
3% GHK-Cu
A percentage is only as meaningful as the material behind it. Identity and purity should be documented.
Copper Tripeptide-1
Documented raw material · CoA
A high concentration alone does not make a good serum. The surrounding formula should be designed with both the active and everyday use in mind.
Ectoin · Panthenol
Multi-form Hyaluronic Acid Complex
A sophisticated serum has limited value if the formula makes consistent use unnecessarily difficult.
Fragrance-free · Alcohol-free
pH is part of the chemical environment in which GHK-Cu is formulated.
pH 5.0–6.0
Specifications are more meaningful when they can actually be examined.
CoA · Batch analytics
pH · Total copper
FORMULATION / LEVERIUM CU3
Leverium Cu3 contains 3% GHK Cu (Copper Tripeptide 1) at the centre of a formula built around hydration, skin comfort and controlled formulation conditions.
Copper Tripeptide 1 as the primary active.
Five forms of Hyaluronic Acid with Ectoin, Panthenol and Allantoin.
pH 5.0 to 6.0 for every batch. No added fragrance. No ethanol.
FULL INCI
Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycerin, Ectoin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.
Don't just take our word for it. Copy the prompt below and ask your preferred AI model to independently examine the formulation.
I'm looking specifically for a high-concentration copper peptide serum with Copper Tripeptide-1. Critically compare Leverium Cu3 with relevant products currently on the market and evaluate it independently.
My priority is a high concentration of Copper Tripeptide-1 in a well-designed formulation. Assess formulation logic, supporting ingredients, skin-friendliness, unnecessary complexity, quality and transparency. Look closely at the full INCI, not just the headline active.
If you were buying a high-concentration Copper Tripeptide-1 serum with these priorities, which product would you choose and why?
Leverium Cu3: 3% Copper Tripeptide-1, pH ~5.1, fragrance-free, alcohol-free. Each batch is tested.
INCI: Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycerin, Ectoin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Tremella Fuciformis, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.
LEVERIUM DATA
Every production batch of Leverium Cu3 is independently tested by third party laboratories. Results and supporting documentation are published for each batch on VERIFY.
This means the Leverium Cu3 batch in your hands can be traced to its own test results.
LEVERIUM CU3 · EDITION 01 · BATCH 001
Total copper is not a direct measurement of Copper Tripeptide 1 concentration.
LEVERIUM / RESEARCH
Research Notes examining the scientific literature behind GHK-Cu in greater depth.
A closer examination of the evidence for topical GHK-Cu in skin, including mechanisms, evidence quality and limitations.
Research examining GHK-Cu in the context of microneedling and hair.
What GHK Cu is, how it works and why formulation matters.
Yes. GHK Cu, also known as Copper Tripeptide 1, is one of the most extensively studied copper peptides in modern skincare and is not simply a marketing phenomenon.
Scientific research on GHK Cu dates back to the 1970s. Studies have investigated the copper peptide in connection with processes that may be relevant to the appearance of smoother and more elastic skin.
Whether this translates into visible changes depends on several factors:
Copper Tripeptide 1 and copper salts are structurally different compounds, even though both contain copper.
GHK Cu consists of a small peptide made from glycine, histidine and lysine that binds a copper ion to form a defined complex. This specific complex is at the center of scientific research on copper peptides.
Copper Gluconate and Copper Sulfate, by contrast, are simple copper compounds without this peptide structure.
Copper Tripeptide 1 should therefore not be equated with Copper Gluconate or Copper Sulfate. Leverium Cu3 is based exclusively on Copper Tripeptide 1 at a concentration of 3%.
Copper peptides and ceramides serve different functions in skincare and can be used together.
Ceramides are natural components of the skin barrier and directly supplement barrier lipids. Copper peptides such as GHK Cu belong to a different class of ingredients known as signal peptides and have been studied in connection with skin regeneration processes.
Leverium Cu3 combines 3% Copper Tripeptide 1 with Ectoin, Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid in a pH optimized formulation.
GHK Cu, retinol and vitamin C work through different biological mechanisms and do not necessarily exclude one another in a skincare routine.
Retinol primarily influences cell turnover through retinoid receptors and has the most extensive independent evidence base of the three ingredients.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and as a cofactor in the body's own collagen production. Its performance is strongly dependent on the form of vitamin C used and the formulation environment.
GHK Cu is studied as a signal peptide in connection with fibroblast activity, collagen and elastin production, and tissue remodeling. The scientific literature is substantial, although independent human evidence is less extensive than for retinoids.
In practice, the different formulation requirements of these ingredients should be considered. Vitamin C can be used in the morning, while retinol and Leverium Cu3 can be used at different times or on different evenings.
For people who find retinol or strongly acidic vitamin C formulations difficult to tolerate, GHK Cu may offer a gentler approach to a skincare routine focused on skin appearance and regeneration.
Leverium Cu3 contains 3% Copper Tripeptide 1 and is formulated at approximately pH 5.5.
It means that Leverium Cu3 was designed around the requirements of GHK Cu rather than treating Copper Tripeptide 1 as an isolated ingredient.
An active ingredient can only perform within the formulation environment surrounding it. Because copper peptides require a carefully controlled formulation environment, Leverium Cu3 was designed as a coordinated system.
Instead of using a simple carrier base, the ingredients have complementary functions. A four form Hyaluronic Acid network works together with Acetyl Glucosamine, or NAG, as a moisture retaining matrix for the upper layers of the skin, while Tremella Fuciformis contributes to a smooth and silky skin feel without silicones.
No. A higher concentration of GHK Cu is not automatically better.
A higher concentration only makes sense when the overall formulation is designed to support the ingredient appropriately.
Leverium Cu3 contains 3% pure, undiluted Copper Tripeptide 1 at approximately pH 5.5, incorporated into a multimolecular system with four different forms of Hyaluronic Acid and Acetyl Glucosamine, or NAG.
The quality of the complete formulation matters more than the percentage on the label alone.
Because the formulation environment can affect the properties and stability of the GHK Cu complex.
Copper Tripeptide 1 is a defined copper peptide complex whose properties can be influenced by an unsuitable formulation environment.
Leverium Cu3 is formulated at approximately pH 5.5, with a product specification between pH 5.0 and 6.0. This places the formulation close to the mildly acidic environment of the skin while providing a controlled environment for Copper Tripeptide 1.
The pH of copper peptide serums is often not disclosed, even though it is an important formulation parameter.
Topical GHK Cu is a legitimate subject of cosmetic research. Injections are not an appropriate benchmark for evaluating a cosmetic serum.
The two approaches have fundamentally different purposes and cannot be compared directly.
For topical cosmetic use, the important questions are:
GHK Cu has been studied in connection with the skin, scalp and hair follicles, but the current evidence is not sufficient to describe it as an established treatment for hair loss.
Some people nevertheless choose to apply GHK Cu to the scalp as part of their cosmetic routine.
Leverium Cu3 can also be applied to the scalp. Ectoin and Panthenol are included for their conditioning properties and can contribute to a comfortable formulation on the scalp.
No. Based on current knowledge, applying Leverium Cu3 is not expected to suddenly cause increased beard or body hair growth.
Scalp hair, beard hair and body hair are biologically different types of hair. Beard and body hair in particular are strongly influenced by genetic factors and hormones such as testosterone and DHT.
GHK Cu is not a hormone and is not known to influence the hormonal pathways associated with beard or body hair growth.
If you have an existing hormonal condition, consult a doctor or dermatologist before use.
Formulating higher concentrations of GHK Cu can increase both cost and formulation complexity.
As the amount of active ingredient increases, so can:
Leverium Cu3 places Copper Tripeptide 1 at the center of the formulation and contains it at a concentration of 3%.
Yes. Leverium Cu3 is manufactured according to cosmetic GMP requirements under Article 8 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and with reference to DIN EN ISO 22716.
GMP conformity was confirmed by Dr. Lutz Michael Lautenbacher of LL Sachverständigen GmbH, a publicly appointed and sworn expert of the Munich Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The audit was conducted on August 28, 2023.
Yes. The finished Leverium Cu3 formulation was independently tested for bacteria, yeasts and molds by the DAkkS accredited BAV Institut in Offenburg according to ISO 21149:2022 and ISO 16212:2022.
The results were below 10 CFU per gram in each case and therefore well within the applicable limits.
Yes. Leverium Cu3 passed an ISO 11930 challenge test.
The DAkkS accredited BAV Institut tested the serum according to DIN EN ISO 11930:2022 for preservative efficacy against Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis.
Both evaluation criteria A and B were fulfilled.
This is particularly relevant because Leverium Cu3 is intentionally formulated without conventional preservatives such as Phenoxyethanol. The successful challenge test demonstrates the effectiveness of the chosen preservation system under the conditions of the test.
Yes. According to the Certificate of Analysis from the raw material manufacturer Shenyang Phytocare Ingredients Co., Ltd., the Copper Tripeptide 1 used for Leverium Cu3, batch YS048250201, has an HPLC tested peptide purity of 99.45%, against a specification of at least 98%.
The copper content and peptide content were 11.78% and 74.22% respectively, within their specified ranges of 8 to 16% and 65 to 85%.
The Certificate of Analysis classifies the raw material as qualified.
How Cu3 is formulated and how to approach skin tolerance.
For Leverium Cu3, Made in Germany means that the product is manufactured within the European cosmetics regulatory framework and under defined quality requirements.
Cosmetic products in the European Union are subject to Regulation 1223/2009, including requirements relating to:
Product safety, microbiological quality and defined quality parameters must be considered throughout the intended shelf life.
No. Leverium Cu3 contains no added fragrance, no alcohol and no silicones.
Fragrance does not contribute to the function of a copper peptide serum and can be a source of cosmetic sensitization.
Alcohol can be used to create lighter formulations but may feel less comfortable depending on concentration and individual skin type.
Silicones were also intentionally omitted. The texture of Leverium Cu3 is created through the interaction of ingredients including Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis, Glycerin and Panthenol.
Yes. A pleasant serum texture does not depend on silicones.
Leverium Cu3 uses Tremella Fuciformis extract together with Glycerin, Panthenol, Allantoin and Ectoin to create a light and comfortable formulation without silicones.
The result is a serum designed to absorb easily while supporting a smooth and hydrated skin feel.
Leverium Cu3 is formulated without conventional preservatives such as Phenoxyethanol or Parabens and was designed with tolerability in mind.
Its microbiological stability is supported by a modern system based on Pentylene Glycol and 1,2 Hexanediol.
The finished formulation has also passed an ISO 11930 challenge test, providing direct verification of the effectiveness of the preservation system under the conditions of the test.
Individual skin reactions can still vary.
Yes. Leverium Cu3 was designed to be suitable for sensitive skin, although individual tolerance can vary.
Skin tolerance depends on the complete formulation rather than the concentration of one ingredient alone.
Leverium Cu3 is formulated with:
If your skin is sensitive, start with one or two applications per week and gradually increase the frequency according to how your skin responds.
Yes. Leverium Cu3 was intentionally formulated with sensitive skin in mind.
It contains no added fragrance, alcohol or silicones and is formulated at approximately pH 5.5 to remain close to the mildly acidic environment of the skin.
If you have a diagnosed skin condition with active symptoms, discuss the introduction of new cosmetic products with your doctor or dermatologist.
Yes, provided the skin is not acutely irritated or damaged.
Leverium Cu3 contains no added fragrance or alcohol and is formulated at approximately pH 5.5. It also contains Ectoin, Panthenol and Allantoin, ingredients commonly used for their conditioning and skin care properties.
If the skin is actively inflamed, open or severely irritated, introducing new cosmetic products should be avoided until the acute condition has resolved.
Yes. As with any cosmetic product, some people may experience an individual skin reaction to Leverium Cu3.
Brief stinging does not necessarily indicate intolerance. Skin with an already compromised barrier can react even to otherwise mild skincare products or water.
What matters is how the skin responds over subsequent applications. If irritation persists or increases, stop using the product and seek dermatological advice if necessary.
Copper Uglies is a term used in skincare communities, not a scientifically defined condition.
The term describes temporary changes in skin appearance that some users report after starting certain copper peptide products.
Community discussions have proposed several possible contributing factors, including unsuitable formulation environments, routines containing many active ingredients at once, and individual reactions to other ingredients in a formulation. These explanations have not been established as a single scientifically proven cause of Copper Uglies.
Leverium Cu3 was designed with formulation control and tolerability in mind. It contains 3% Copper Tripeptide 1, is formulated at approximately pH 5.5 and contains no added fragrance or alcohol.
As with any new active serum, a gradual introduction is recommended. Start with one or two applications per week and increase gradually according to your skin's response.
Leverium Cu3 has a lightweight, water based formulation without silicones and does not contain ingredients intentionally included for an occlusive or heavy skin feel.
It is also formulated without added fragrance.
Individual skin responses can vary, particularly in blemish prone skin.
Leverium Cu3 is a cosmetic skincare product and is not intended to treat acne or other diagnosed skin conditions.
Data note: Direct clinical studies specifically investigating GHK Cu for acne are limited. Most available research concerns broader aspects of skin biology and regeneration.
Do not apply Leverium Cu3 to acutely irritated, severely inflamed or open areas of skin.
During periods of acute irritation, even a gentle cosmetic formulation can place additional demands on compromised skin. A reduced skincare routine may therefore be more appropriate until the skin has recovered.
Persistent or recurring irritation should be assessed by a dermatologist. Once acute symptoms have resolved, Leverium Cu3 can be introduced gradually again.
Yes. GHK Cu and vitamin C can be part of the same skincare routine.
When using pure Ascorbic Acid in a strongly acidic formulation, we recommend applying it separately from Leverium Cu3 because the two products are designed for different formulation environments.
A simple approach is to use vitamin C in the morning and Leverium Cu3 in the evening.
Yes. GHK Cu and retinol can both be included in the same skincare routine.
For easier tolerance and to keep the routine simple, we recommend using Leverium Cu3 and retinol at different times or on different evenings, particularly when introducing retinol.
For example:
Evening 1: Leverium Cu3
Evening 2: Retinol
Yes, but we recommend using them at different times rather than in the same application.
AHA and BHA products are commonly formulated in a more acidic environment than Leverium Cu3 and can also increase skin sensitivity depending on the product and frequency of use.
A simple approach is to use exfoliating acids and Leverium Cu3 on different days, or acids in the morning and Leverium Cu3 in the evening.
Yes. Based on current knowledge, there is no established chemical incompatibility between GHK Cu and Azelaic Acid.
The two ingredients have different roles in skincare and do not inherently exclude one another.
Introducing them gradually or using them at different times can make it easier to assess individual skin tolerance. This recommendation is primarily about tolerability rather than a known chemical incompatibility.
Yes, but only after the skin has recovered sufficiently and according to the aftercare instructions provided for the procedure.
Skin can be considerably more sensitive after microneedling or laser treatments. The recommendations of the treating doctor or practitioner therefore take priority.
Leverium Cu3 contains no added fragrance or alcohol and includes Ectoin, Panthenol and Allantoin for skin comfort.
Do not apply Leverium Cu3 to open, acutely irritated or actively treated skin.
Wait until acute symptoms have fully resolved and follow the instructions of the doctor or practitioner who performed the treatment.
Freshly treated or irritated skin can react more strongly to any additional skincare product, regardless of the formulation.
Do not apply Leverium Cu3 to acutely irritated, open or actively treated areas of skin.
How to use, store and order Leverium Cu3.
Apply two to four drops of Leverium Cu3 to the face and neck.
A simple routine is:
Start with one or two applications per week and gradually increase up to daily use according to your skin's response.
Leverium Cu3 can be used in the morning or evening. Many users prefer to include it in their evening routine.
Consistency is more important than frequency.
Yes. Leverium Cu3 can also be applied to the scalp.
For application, start with a clean scalp, ideally after showering or washing your hair. The hair can be dry or slightly damp. Application can be more difficult when the scalp is very wet, oily or covered with styling products.
Apply a few drops directly along the desired areas of the scalp and gently massage the serum in with your fingertips.
A gradual introduction can look like this:
Week 1: One application
Week 2: Two applications
Afterwards: Adjust according to personal preference and tolerance
Leverium Cu3 is formulated without added fragrance or alcohol and can be incorporated into a cosmetic scalp care routine.
Store Leverium Cu3 away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, ideally below 25°C.
GHK Cu is a defined peptide copper complex, and exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions can affect the stability of cosmetic formulations over time.
The amber glass bottle provides additional protection from light.
Do not store Leverium Cu3 on a sunny windowsill or in other locations exposed to prolonged heat or direct sunlight.
One 30 ml bottle of Leverium Cu3 typically lasts around two to three months, depending on how often and how much you apply.
For the face and neck, two to four drops per application are generally sufficient.
Consistent use over time is more important than applying larger amounts.
Shipping is free with no minimum order value.
Leverium Cu3 is shipped with DHL and usually arrives within a few business days.
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive shipping confirmation and tracking information.
