You've invested in a good peptide serum. Here's how to make sure the last drop is as good as the first.
The short version
- Keep your serums out of direct sunlight and away from heat.
- Close the cap tightly after every use.
- For the longest life, store them in the fridge. It's optional, not essential.
- Don't freeze them.
Why storage matters
Peptides are chains of amino acids, and like most active skincare ingredients they're happiest when kept cool, dark and sealed. Light, heat and air are the three things that slowly wear actives down over time.
GHK-Cu (copper peptide)
Copper peptides are the most sensitive of the three. GHK-Cu is known for being light- and heat-sensitive, and exposure to air can affect it over time. That's why our GHK-Cu serum is the one we most recommend keeping in the fridge if you have the space. It's still perfectly fine at room temperature, but cool storage helps it stay at its best for longer.
A note on colour: our GHK-Cu serum gets its deep blue from the copper peptide itself. If you ever notice a serum change colour significantly, turn cloudy or smell off, it's time to replace it.
SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3)
SNAP-8 is a more robust peptide, but the same basics apply: out of the sun, away from heat, cap on. The fridge is fine if you like a cool serum, but room temperature is completely okay.
PDRN (sodium DNA)
Our PDRN serum also contains Kakadu plum, which is naturally rich in vitamin C, plus a copper peptide. Vitamin C in particular prefers cool, dark conditions, so this one benefits from the fridge too. Again, it's optional.
Where not to keep your serums
- On a sunny windowsill or bathroom bench in direct light.
- In the car, especially in an Australian summer.
- Next to the shower, where steam and heat build up every day.
- In the freezer. Freezing can affect the texture and consistency of the formula.
A bonus of fridge storage
A cool serum feels great pressed into the skin, especially in the morning or on a hot day.
Quick reference
- GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 Serum: out of sunlight, cap tight. Fridge recommended for longest life (optional).
- SNAP-8 Hyaluronic Acid Serum: out of sunlight, cap tight. Fridge optional.
- PDRN Salmon DNA Serum: out of sunlight, cap tight. Fridge optional for longest life.
Questions? Email us at hello@axioskin.com.