All that glitters (and glows and radiates) is actually copper, y’all. That’s because copper isn’t just a shiny, rosy alloy, but it’s also a compound that offers major skincare benefits when applied topically.

If you’re thinking “um, what?,” we’ll help break it down for you.

Of course, we aren’t rubbing metal on our faces—not sure that would work (although we haven’t much looked into that method). Copper as a skincare ingredient, aka a liquid or viscous component, comes in several forms:

• Copper chelate: The combination of copper and the human peptide GHK that has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
• Copper oxide: A combination of copper and oxygen, copper oxide nanoparticles are particularly effective in wound healing and skin regeneration.
• Copper gluconate: This is a copper salt of D-glucuronic acid, which is a component of hyaluronic acid. It inhibits the degradation of cellular proteins.
• Copper sulfate: Copper and sulfuric acid form copper sulfate. When combined with other natural ingredients, it helps improve the barrier function of the skin and heal skin lesions.

Many beauty brands, including those that are relatively “clean” by today’s standards, tout copper as a hero ingredient. For example, in this superfine mist, copper plays a key role in stabilizing skin proteins and providing biocidal properties (meaning it kills harmful microorganisms).

Other skin benefits of copper include increased collagen production for fewer wrinkles and plumper skin, boosted production of elastin, improved wound healing, and reduced hyperpigmentation.

We’ll call that a hero.

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