- Don't apply copper peptides and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in the same step. Use them at different times of day.
- Keep strong AHA/BHA exfoliants separate from copper peptides.
- Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, moisturisers and SPF all pair perfectly.
Copper peptides and vitamin C
Vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that's easily oxidised, and copper can speed that up. Put simply, layering them together can make your vitamin C less effective.
The fix is easy: use vitamin C in the morning (it pairs well with SPF) and your copper peptide serum at night. Or, if you use DOSE twice a day, leave a few hours between them.
The pairing cheat sheet
| Ingredient | With copper peptides? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) | Separate | Different time of day |
| AHAs / BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) | Separate | Different time or different days |
| Retinol / retinoids | Yes | Retinol after DOSE absorbs, or alternate nights |
| Niacinamide | Generally fine | If you notice irritation, separate them |
| Hyaluronic acid | Yes | Layer freely |
| Ceramides, moisturisers | Yes | Apply after DOSE |
| SPF | Yes | Every morning, last step |
A sample week
More detail in how to use copper peptide serum.
- Mornings: cleanse, vitamin C (if you use it), moisturiser, SPF.
- Most evenings: cleanse, DOSE, moisturiser.
- Two evenings a week: cleanse, exfoliating acid, moisturiser (skip DOSE that night).
FAQ
Can I use copper peptides and vitamin C together?
Not in the same step. Use vitamin C in the morning and your copper peptide serum at night, or leave a few hours between them.
Can I use niacinamide with copper peptides?
Generally yes. If your skin reacts, use them at different times of day.
Can I use copper peptides with hyaluronic acid?
Yes, they pair well. Apply them one after the other, then moisturise.
This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. DOSE is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.