I have a confession.
When The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% launched, I didn’t casually add it to my cart. I practically tackled it.
Back then, affordable GHK-Cu products were about as rare as finding a wrinkle-free neck after 50. If you wanted copper peptides, you usually had to pay luxury skincare prices. Then The Ordinary arrived and suddenly one of skincare’s most fascinating ingredients was sitting on my bathroom counter without completely draining my bank account. Needless to say, I was sold.I used it faithfully for years. (And tried out its sister product, NIOD CAIS 1%, which has its devoted fan base, but I’ve always found it leaves a somewhat oily feeling on my skin.) I did say Fan girl.
Then along came Remedy Copper Peptide Complex Advanced Firming Serum, and somehow I found myself repeating history. I stalked the Remedy website like it was concert ticket day. Every time I opened my browser, I’d casually check to see if it was available.
By “casually,” I mean almost hourly. No regrets. Ask anyone that knows me they will tell you this is me.
The Man Behind the Blue Serum (the science)
Before we get into the comparison, let’s talk about why copper peptides became such a big deal in the first place.
The story begins with biochemist Dr. Loren Pickart, who discovered GHK in human plasma in 1973. His research found that this naturally occurring peptide, especially when bound to copper as GHK-Cu, appeared to play a role in tissue repair and regeneration. What started as research into aging cells eventually led to decades of investigation into wound healing, collagen production, inflammation, and skin rejuvenation. GHK-Cu has now been studied for over 50 years, making it one of the more extensively researched peptide ingredients in skincare. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov], [peptidejournal.org]
Research over the years has found that GHK-Cu can support collagen and elastin production, improve skin firmness and elasticity, help promote wound healing, and influence pathways involved in skin repair. Multiple studies have also noted its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov], [peptides.so]
What’s especially interesting is that natural levels of GHK decline as we age. Researchers have observed significantly higher levels in younger adults than in older adults, which is one reason the ingredient continues to generate so much excitement in the anti-aging world.
A Quick Research Disclaimer
Before anyone runs off to bathe in a bucket of copper peptides, let’s keep our expectations realistic.
Most of the research on GHK-Cu has focused on wound healing, tissue repair, laboratory studies, and cosmetic applications. While the ingredient has a long and fascinating research history, skincare products are not medications, and no serum is going to magically turn back the clock twenty years. Additionally, more copper is not necessarily better. Like many ingredients, balance matters, and overloading your routine with multiple potent copper peptide products isn’t always the smartest approach. One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that if an ingredient is good, more must be better.
In skincare, consistency usually beats intensity. Boring advice? Maybe. True advice Absolutely.
And like with everything you are more than welcome to do your own research and I would encourage to do so. There are also links included here to just some of my research. I have done much, much more than this research on the subject.
The Ingredient Comparison
While both serums feature copper peptides, they take very different paths to get there.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1%
The Ordinary formula is, unsurprisingly, the more peptide-heavy option.
Alongside copper peptides, it contains a whole collection of peptide technologies aimed at supporting skin firmness, elasticity, and visible signs of aging. It feels very much like a science-first formula. The goal appears to be packing as many proven peptide technologies as possible into one bottle while keeping the price surprisingly accessible.
And honestly, that is a big reason I’ve remained loyal to it for so many years.
Remedy Copper Peptide Complex Advanced Firming Serum
Remedy takes a slightly different approach.
While copper peptides are still the star, the supporting cast is what really caught my attention. One ingredient I was particularly happy to see is Ectoin, an ingredient known for helping skin retain moisture and defend against environmental stressors.
That addition may be one reason my skin seems happier with the Remedy formula. Or perhaps my skin simply missed copper peptides after I took a break from them for a while. Maybe it’s both. Whatever the reason, my skin has been thoroughly enjoying this serum.
(Yes, that is my shadow in the bottle’s reflection. This packaging is reflective. Don’t be judging my photography skills. LOL!)
Texture Talk
I’ve also used NIOD CAIS 1%, which deserves its own dedicated review later because, friends, there are feelings. The biggest thing I noticed with CAIS is the slightly oily sensation it leaves behind. Neither The Ordinary nor Remedy feels that way on my skin. Both are lightweight serum formulas that spread easily and layer beautifully.
The biggest difference is that Remedy leaves behind a bit more grip. In fact, I rarely reach for a primer when I’m using it. The finish has just enough tackiness to hold onto foundation without feeling sticky or uncomfortable. It’s almost like a skincare-meets-primer situation.
The Ordinary disappears into my skin. Remedy hugs it. For my skin, that extra hydration and grip have been a pleasant surprise.
Can We Discuss the Packaging?
Because I have thoughts. The Ordinary’s packaging is functional. Remedy’s packaging is gorgeous. The bottle is wider, which admittedly takes up a little more vanity space. But then I look at that deep periwinkle blue.And suddenly all is forgiven.
My photos don’t even come close to capturing how pretty this bottle is. Since blue is my favorite color, I’m aware there may be some bias happening here. Actually, there is definitely bias happening here.
Remedy’s newer launches all have a striking look that feels elevated and thoughtful. And let’s be honest, skincare lovers appreciate beautiful packaging almost as much as beautiful skin. Sometimes we want clinical. Sometimes we want pretty. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to get both.
The Final Verdict
I still think The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% is one of the best skincare values available today. Around $32.00 for 1 oz. But Remedy is $30.00 for 1 oz so both are in a great price range for this ingredient. Although I have no idea how much of the hero ingredient is in the Remedy Product.
If you’re curious about copper peptides and don’t want to spend a small fortune, it’s an excellent place to start. But after spending time with Remedy Copper Peptide Complex Advanced Firming Serum, I find myself reaching for it more often.
The formula feels more hydrating on my skin. I enjoy the extra grip it provides under makeup. I appreciate the addition of Ectoin. And yes, I absolutely enjoy looking at that beautiful periwinkle bottle every morning. Is it dramatically better than The Ordinary? No.
Do I think I am going to keep buying the Remedy over The Ordinary? Yes.
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