Can I use The Ordinary Copper Peptides with retinol?

How should I use copper peptides in the morning?

The Ordinary directs you to apply a few drops after cleansing and before moisturizer. Its usual directions allow morning and evening use; choosing the morning here is a practical way to keep the serum separate from nighttime retinol.1

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Apply a few drops of the copper peptide serum to intact skin.
3. 3Apply moisturizer.
4. 4Finish with broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

How should I use retinol at night?

Follow your retinol's package directions or your prescriber's instructions. For a new cosmetic retinol, start with the lowest strength you can find and use it every other night, increasing gradually as tolerated. This is general retinol guidance, not a dosing instruction for every formula.25

1. 1Cleanse gently and pat your skin dry without scrubbing.
2. 2Apply retinol as directed. General guidance is a thin, pea sized amount for the face, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose.
3. 3Finish with moisturizer. Leave the copper peptide serum out of this routine.

If retinol is irritating, a thin layer of moisturizer before retinol can help reduce irritation. Avoid doubling up with a separate retinol serum and a moisturizer that also contains retinol.34

What else should stay out of the copper peptide routine?

The Ordinary also advises against combining this serum with direct acids, direct vitamin C or strong antioxidants. The conflict list includes salicylic acid and resveratrol with ferulic acid. If your morning routine already contains a direct vitamin C serum, choose one of those serums for that routine rather than layering both.6

What results should I expect?

The copper serum targets the appearance of fine lines, skin texture, elasticity and firmness with regular use; there is no specific results deadline. Retinol takes several weeks to produce visible changes, and improvements in fine lines can take several months. Around three months of regular retinol use is a reasonable point to look for improvement, rather than judging it after a few applications.356

Who should be careful, and when should I stop?

The copper serum is intended for all skin types, but The Ordinary recommends a patch test, including for sensitive skin. General home testing involves applying a product to a small spot on the arm twice daily for seven to 10 days, using the normal amount. Test products separately, rather than introducing several new products together.467

Retinol can cause dryness, redness, peeling, itching or burning. People with skin allergies, significant dryness or ongoing redness should discuss retinoids with a dermatologist before starting. Irritation can trigger dark marks in darker skin. Do not use retinoids during pregnancy; if breastfeeding, discuss retinol with your healthcare provider before use.25

If the copper serum irritates your skin, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a doctor. If either product causes a skin reaction, gently wash it off and stop using it. Seek dermatology care for a severe reaction or irritation that is difficult to identify.17