Why Cu²⁺ : Peptide Ratio Matters — A 90-Second Quality Check for Formulators. Read our briefing →
Why Cu²⁺ Ratio Matters — a field guide. Read →
On the Cu²⁺ ratio. Read →
Custom · copper coordinated by the carnosine dipeptide
Overview
The Copper-Carnosine complex is a made-to-order copper(II) coordination active in which the metal is carried by carnosine — the β-alanyl-L-histidine dipeptide. It sits naturally inside Cupratec's coordination remit because, like GHK, carnosine binds Cu(II) through a histidine imidazole together with amine and peptide-bond donors; the coordination literature documents carnosine forming defined complexes with Cu²⁺ (as well as Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺) in solution. What it does not have is a single standardised cosmetic identifier: a copper-carnosine complex is defined by its copper-to-ligand stoichiometry and the conditions under which it is formed rather than by one catalogue CAS, so Cupratec supplies it as a custom synthesis and records the measured copper content, the copper-to-carnosine ratio as-found, and the characterisation figures on the batch COA. This keeps the record honest: a histidine-containing copper dipeptide complex, documented as what was actually made rather than against an identifier it does not standardly carry. Cupratec supplies it strictly as a cosmetic active; efficacy and any cosmetic claim a finished product makes are the brand's responsibility under its destination-market rules. This is a custom, made-to-order active from the Cu-peptide programme — from 25 g pilot scale through release, formed to an agreed copper-to-carnosine stoichiometry. Cupratec scopes the target ratio, the intended carrier chemistry, and the documentation with the customer, then characterises the material on the same copper bench used for the peptide complexes: a measured copper-content figure by atomic absorption with the copper-to-carnosine relationship reported as-found, a UV-Vis trace logging the Cu(II) d-d signature for the carnosine ligand field, identity and ratio confirmation, and a CIELAB ΔE colour reference for the lot. Because there is no standard catalogue CAS, the COA — not a generic monograph — is the identity record, and the spectral signature is logged against an internal Copper-Carnosine reference rather than the GHK-Cu band near 622 nm. Lead time is quoted per project. The copper-coordination and lot-release logic is the same as for the peptide actives — see our Cu²⁺ : peptide ratio field note.
Who buys this, and why
Cosmetic-peptide buyers fall into two groups: established beauty / med-aesthetic brands extending an existing line, and private-label clients building a catalog from scratch. The first group usually wants lyophilized peptide material plus stability data in their existing carrier matrix; the second usually wants a finished formulation under their label. Both need INCI naming verified, regulator-specific safety files (CPNP for EU, FDA OTC monograph for US where relevant), and packaging-compatibility data.
Primary buyer fit: regional distributors and re-sellers and academic and contract research laboratories.
Specifications
Documentation available on request
Regulatory note
Custom · made to order · from 25 g pilot scale. The Copper-Carnosine complex is a custom-synthesised copper-dipeptide coordination active; it is not assigned a fixed catalogue CAS or MW — copper content, the copper-to-carnosine ratio, and characterisation are specified on the batch COA. Supplied as a cosmetic active only, not for compounded human-use preparations. Finished-product cosmetic claims are the brand's to substantiate under its destination-market rules.
Frequently asked questions
Because a copper-carnosine complex is defined by its copper-to-ligand stoichiometry and its formation conditions rather than by a single standardised cosmetic identifier. The coordination chemistry is real and documented — carnosine, a β-alanyl-histidine dipeptide, binds Cu(II) through its histidine imidazole together with amine and peptide-bond donors, and forms defined complexes in solution — but there is no single catalogue CAS that pins one cosmetic-grade copper-carnosine material. Rather than borrow an identifier the material does not standardly carry, Cupratec runs it as a custom synthesis and records the measured copper content and the copper-to-carnosine ratio as-found on the batch COA. That is the accurate identity record for what the customer receives.
It is a copper complex of a histidine-containing dipeptide, which puts it in the same coordination family as GHK-Cu — both rely on a histidine imidazole to anchor Cu(II) — but with a shorter, two-residue ligand. For a copper-chemistry group it is another point on the ligand spectrum Cupratec documents, between the single-amino-acid copper actives (Copper PCA, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate) and the tripeptide complexes. It is characterised on the same copper bench, with its visible signature logged against its own internal reference because the carnosine ligand field differs from the GHK-Cu band near 622 nm. As a custom dipeptide complex it is positioned for formulators and chemistry groups exploring copper-carnosine coordination, not as a finished-product claim.
Cupratec agrees the target copper-to-carnosine stoichiometry, the carrier chemistry, and the documentation up front, then characterises the material: a copper-content figure by atomic absorption with the copper-to-carnosine relationship reported as-found, a UV-Vis trace logging the Cu(II) d-d signature for the carnosine ligand field, identity and ratio confirmation, and a CIELAB ΔE colour reference for the lot. It runs as a custom, made-to-order active from 25 g pilot scale through release, with scale-up after the pilot lot is qualified, and lead time is quoted per project. The same coordination guardrails as the rest of the range apply in formulation — chelators out, near-neutral pH, reductants on a separate phase, clean process water — and the lot-release discipline is the one described in our Cu²⁺ : peptide ratio field note.
Related peptides