You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
That’s how I felt about Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum. The first time I tried it, it wasn’t love at first sight. It just didn’t seem to do anything!
But when I ran out, oh my, did I see a difference! I couldn’t put my finger on it but somehow, my skin just didn’t look as good anymore. It took longer to heal. It was just behaving differently (and not in a good way!).
What was going on?
Copper is a shy skincare hero. It doesn’t make wrinkles disappear or plump up your skin so much you wonder where your fine lines have gone to.
Instead, it targets the signs of aging INDIRECTLY: it keeps the skin in a constant state of repair, making sure the processes that produce collagen, reduce inflammation, and heal skin are working well.
In plain English, if your skin’s in good condition (like mine is), it just maintains the status quo.
If it’s in a bad shape, you’ll notice your breakouts heal faster, your pores look smaller, and flakiness become a thing of the past. If you have sensitive skin, it may also make it more resistant to redness and irritations!
If Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum could do all this before, can you imagine how much better it works now that they’ve upgraded the formula?
What’s In Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1 (CAIS 2)?
COPPER PEPTIDES TO KEEP SKIN IN A CONSTANT STATE OF REPAIR
Let’s set the record straight from the beginning: Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1 isn’t the second version of the old CAIS 1%. It’s a new formula with a different 2% strength of copper peptides.
The 2:1 name in the serum comes from the 2-to-1 ratio of copper peptides GHK to GHK-Cu. I’ll try to make this as simple as possible, but bear with me.
Like the old formula, the new ones comes with a serum and an activator you have to mix together. The Activator contains 2% pure GHK (Tripeptide-1) while the Serum has Copper Gluconate, a different form of copper.
When you mix them together, 1% of GHK attaches to the Copper Gluconate to form 1% GHK-Cu (or Copper-Tripeptide-1). The other 1% remains in free form.
So, what does that mean for your skin?
A few things. Studies on Copper-Tripeptide-1, for example, show that it:
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritations
- Has antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and prevent wrinkles
- Help wounds heal faster
- Stimulate collagen production, making skin firmer
Put simply, it makes sure your skin is repairing itself properly and making enough collagen to stay firm and young.
P.S. When you’re young, your skin makes enough copper peptides on its own so you DON’T need this. You know it’s time to add it into your skincare routine once you’re reached the big 3-0.
Related: Are Copper Peptides Better Than Retinoids For Anti-Aging?
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that fights wrinkles and gives your skin a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
If you’re worried that a higher concentration of copper peptides translates into a thicker, sticky texture, don’t. Its consistency is every bit as watery and lightweight as its predecessor. It absorbs just as fast. Phew!!
Fragrance
The serum itself is fragrance-free. But the ingredients don’t smell the best. Still, it fades away fast, so it doesn’t really bother me.
How To Use It
The first time you use it, pour the content of the Activator into the Serum, shake 30 seconds and you’re good to go. By the way, how cool is the blue colour?
I use CAIS 2 every morning and night right after cleansing. Then, I wait a few more seconds before going in with a serum or moisturiser.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I’ve already mentioned I’ve seen a bigger difference with the first version of this serum AFTER I’ve stopped using it.
Now, they’ve upped the dose, could I see a difference straight away with Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1?
Not from the start. Being a skincare geek means I’ve figured out a routine that keeps my skin happy. My young age that I don’t have to deal with deep wrinkles or dark spots just yet. My skin looks good.
For me, CAIS 2 does more of a maintenance job so its effects aren’t visible straight away. But I did notice a small improvement in my skin’s texture after a month of daily use.
If you’re skin is in a bad shape, you may see some results, like healing pimples or smoother texture, faster. You may also notice your skin tolerates acids or other powerful actives better.
Who Is This For?
If you’re past 30 and you’ve already got all your skincare basics in place, this would definitely make a nice addition to your skincare routine. Just be patient and give it time to work its magic.
Who Is This NOT For?
If you’re young and your skin is still in good condition, this won’t do much for you.
Packaging
A dark bottle with a dropper applicator. It’s practical and sleek.
Does Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1 Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| As a highly-focused effort to maintain healthy-looking skin, this pro-repair, pro-collagen serum offers a novel approach to target all signs of skin aging indirectly. | True. |
| The high 2% concentration of GHK and GHK-Cu in CAIS2 targets signs of skin aging, including visible textural damage, uneven tone, visibly enlarged pores and a general lack of healthy radiance normally present in younger skin. In short, the skin will look healthier with continued visible improvements with continued use. | True. |
Price & Availability
£38.00 (15ml); £60.00 (30ml) at Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
Do You Need It?
It’s not an absolute must-have. But, if you’re past 30 and have some extra money to burn, this can help your skin stay in top shape.
Dupes & Alternatives
Activator
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Tripeptide-29, Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycogen, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Dextran, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Isoceteth-20, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Copper Concentrate
Aqua (Water), Copper Gluconate, Isoceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Hi Georgia,
Very interesting post, thank you! I’ve been thinking about buying this one for some time now. Just a quick question, can you use this at night with a retinol? If so which would come first?
Tacha, yes you can use them together. Use CAIS first, wait 30 seconds or so and then apply retinol.
What do you see as the main difference between NIOD CAIS and The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides?
I’ve been using SubQ Anti-Age and looking to possibly replace with one of the others.
Thanks
Cindy, NIOD gives you a higher concentration of copper peptides. If you’re already using peptides in your skincare routine, you can supplement with this. If not, The ordinary is a more complete options as it features copper peptides + 5 more peptides.
I read a lot of really great comments about Niod CAIS and as someone with mature skin (in reasonably good condition for maybe age), it seemed like a good option. However, I seemed to have a bad reaction to it. When I put it on my skin, I almost immediately saw my skin turn red/purple. I left it a few days and re-tried (one drop each to each cheek, forehead and chin), less severe reaction but somehow my skin wasn’t loving it. I’ve put it down to to an allergic reaction – any other ideas why such a reaction? I used after cleansing (Micellar water) and waiting 30 secs.
Carol, that’s the first time I hear about something like this. I guess it’s just an allergic reaction. Copper peptides are usually gentle enough even for sensitive skin but I guess there’s always an exception. 🙁
Hi Gio,
I read in a different post (by someone else) that anything over 1% was too much copper peptides. Is this Niod 2% then? Here is the post I read: https://ncnskincare.com/copper-peptide-tripeptide-c-1
What are your thoughts? Thanks!
Jeanne, there is some evidence that too much copper in the body can have the opposite effect and age you. If you’re worried about it, use Niod 2% only two or three times a week. That’s enough to give you enough copper for firming skin but not too much to backfire.
Thank you! I just started using Niod 2% after a hydrafacial where the esthetician did a deep clean/extraction (leaving my face red for a few days). They tried to sell me a different product and I wanted to research what copper peptides were first. I thought of your website while doing some research and came over here and I’m glad I did 🙂 I wonder if you have any posts about facials? Will do a search. Thanks!
Jeanne, glad you thought of me. Thanks for the support! Copper peptides are good to use after a facial as they help reduce some of the redness.
I’ve reviewed a few facials before but I’ve never done a post about how to care for your skin after a facial. Is that what you’re looking for?
Hi Gio, I read your hydrafacial post and found it helpful. I guess my questions are more regarding whether certain facials are actually effective for clearing your skin? I’ve been told by the spa that I should come in every 28 days for a hydrafacial and then one of the estheticians told me my skin was so congested and that I should come in every two weeks. During the hydrafacial she gave me a very “deep” clean and she didn’t just suck the gunk out but went in manually to do the extractions. I was not so sure if that was good for my skin or not (the manual extractions). My skin got very red and irritated for days and that is when I started using the copper peptides. I used that along with the ETUDE HOUSE SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Balm, which is supposed to be good for healing. Are hydrafacials worth it? It’s not cheap and I am wondering if I should just do without it or find an alternative. Thanks for your insight always! 🙂
Jeanne, I’m replying here because we’ve run out of space!
I do love myself an hdyrafacial. I do think it’s good to go for facials 3/4 times a year to give your skin an antiaging boost. Depending on the facial, you can get higher concentrations of actives that help you boost collagen faster than topical skincare would.
But I wouldn’t go every month until you can afford the expense. Manual extractions are ok if the gunk in your pores had become so sticky, exfoliation alone wouldn’t do the job. But it’s not something I recommend daily. If your skin is prone to congestion, just use an exfoliant with salicylic acid every day, either morning or night. It’ll help keep your skin clear so you don’t need to go for a hydra facial so often.
Hi Gio,
Do you know if any of the peptides including the copper found in the NIOD 2% are Growth Factors? Received your “I’ve found a dupe for Drunk Elephant Proniti Polypeptide Cream” and now I’m concerned with the possible side effects of these certain peptides. Been wanting to try this product and now I’m not so sure about the safety of it. Love your blog. So informative!
Hi, thank you so much for all the work and info here! Just a question about CAIS – I the recommended 3-4 drops challenging. I am really quick to try and spread each drop right after it hits my face, but I found 6 drops to be better. Would this really be too much? Would there be a drawback? Thank you!
Maria, you’re using more drops to cover your entire face, not more drops on the same area. So, I don’t see why there should be a drawback – apart from the hit to your wallet, as you’d have to buy it more often.
Isn’t that that so called “ uglies” effect? ThT copper peptides ? That after you stop using them they make your skin feel/look worse?
Also, what about the use of copper peptides and vitamin c?
I read somewhere you shouln’t use them in conjunction?
Any thoughts on that?
Many thanks
Liane, I wouldn’t say quitting copper peptides made my skin worse. But you don’t get it benefits anymore so your skin goes back to what it looked like before.
You can wait 15 minutes or so in between application, so you can get the benefits of both.
Hi Gio – in one of your other articles, you mention “too much copper in the skin may have the opposite effect and cause free radicals”, yet neither the Drunk Elephant Protini nor the NIOD CAIS2 products mention they should not be used daily. Is it still better not to use them daily to avoid free radicals? Thank you!
Elcy, this is a difficult question because we don’t know exactly how much copper is too much. To be on the safe side, I use CAIS only every other day.
Hi Gio, can i layer CAIS with AHA products?
Nana, yes. You can use CAIS, wait 10 minutes and then apply any AHA product you have.