COPPER PEPTIDES: THE ANTI-AGEING CRAZE WITH A RISKY BLACK MARKET TWIN
Copper peptides have become one of skincare's buzziest anti-ageing ingredients, but a new investigation shows a far riskier version is being sold to Australians online.
On November 7, ABC News revealed a booming black market in injectable peptides, many promoted by social media influencers with no medical qualifications.
Among the most heavily promoted is GHK-Cu, a copper peptide marketed for anti-ageing that is not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for injection.
Inside the copper peptides black market
The ABC identified more than 50 businesses claiming to sell unapproved peptides to Australians, with most supply reportedly coming from unlicensed facilities in China.
The numbers are startling.
The Poisons Information Centre recorded 345 cases involving unapproved peptides in the first six months of 2026, more than three times the total for all of 2025.
NSW Health data showed 1,180 emergency department visits linked to unapproved peptides between July 2025 and September 2026, with under 35s making up most cases.
The TGA has seized and destroyed more than 94,500 unapproved peptide products this year, and removed more than 10,000 ads, profiles and websites since February 2025.
Why regulators are worried
Reported harms include kidney and liver damage, allergic reactions and severe dehydration.
Testing has also shown that vials do not always contain what buyers expect, and they may not be made in sterile conditions.
Last week, the TGA warned people not to use Synedica-branded peptide products after testing found they did not contain what their labels claimed, as Pharmacy Daily reported.
Butterfly Foundation consultant pharmacist Kara Joyce told the ABC: "We don't know what's in it, we don't know the dose."
It is illegal to sell, supply or advertise unapproved peptides in Australia, and the TGA can fine influencers who promote them.
Serums versus syringes
Here is the reassuring part for skincare lovers.
Copper peptides in creams and serums are a very different thing to injectable vials bought online.
Topical copper peptides have been used in cosmetic formulas for years and are sold by many mainstream brands.
For example, The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum contains copper tripeptide-1 alongside a blend of other peptides.
The brand says the serum targets visible signs of ageing, helping to improve the look of fine lines and supporting firmness and smoothness.
It recommends applying a few drops morning and evening to unbroken skin, and suggests a patch test first.
It also lists ingredients the serum should not be used with, including direct acids, direct vitamin C and retinoids, so check the instructions before layering.
Like any skincare, results vary, and cosmetic claims are about how skin looks rather than any medical change.
How to use copper peptides wisely
Buy from reputable retailers or a brand's own website, rather than social media sellers or unknown websites.
Be wary of anything sold as a powder or vial that needs mixing, or labelled for research use only.
Introduce one new product at a time, so you can spot any irritation.
Keep your routine simple, because a gentle cleanser, a serum, a moisturiser and a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen remain the backbone of any anti-ageing routine.
If you have sensitive skin, rosacea or a skin condition, check with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist before adding new active ingredients.
If you have already bought injectable peptides
The TGA's advice on the Synedica products was to stop using them, take them to a pharmacy for safe disposal and speak to a health professional about any health concerns.
That is sensible thinking for any unapproved product.
If you notice symptoms such as swelling, a rash, breathing difficulties or feeling very unwell after using one, seek medical help straight away.
You can check the latest product warnings on the TGA alerts page.
Glowing skin is lovely, but it is never worth the risk of injecting something when you cannot be sure what is inside.
