Its recommended to use at strengths of .5%-2%. and to make a sample batch, minor redness can occur from excessive levels of copper in the end product. Copper gluconate is a water-soluble ingredient that delivers the important trace element copper to the skin. Copper gluconate is the copper salt of gluconic acid, which helps to increase the bioavailability of copper. Copper is an important trace element for human nutrition and is involved in numerous physiological and metabolic processes that are vital for the appropriate functioning of almost all tissues in the human body. For instance, the body needs copper in order to absorb and use iron. Together with iron, copper enables the body to form red blood cells and also helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function. In the skin, copper is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins, such as collagen. Copper is also essential to wound healing, as it promotes angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels) and skin regeneration. For these reasons, the skin care industry has recently begun to use copper gluconate as an anti-aging ingredient. There are several ways that copper gluconate can help to prevent and reverse the signs of aging. During aging, there is a reduction of collagen and elastin production by dermal fibroblasts, as well as a breakdown of the collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in wrinkled skin that has lost its firmness and elasticity. Copper stimulates dermal fibroblast proliferation and functions as an essential coenzyme in the production of collagen. Therefore, topical application of copper gluconate increases the amount of collagen in the skin, resulting in a more firm, youthful complexion. Another way that copper gluconate functions as an anti-aging ingredient is due to its antioxidant activity. Copper serves as a cofactor of superoxide dismutase, a powerful antioxidant enzyme present in the skin. Superoxide dismutase helps to combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Copper also inhibits cellular oxidative effects such as membrane damage and lipid peroxidation. Copper gluconate can also be used in cosmetics and personal care products as a biocide, which means that it has the ability to prevent microbial growth. In fact, copper has been used as a biocide for centuries. Copper has the ability to kill both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is even effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria as well as hard-to-kill bacterial spores, fungi, and viruses when used in high concentrations. The use of biocides is important because cosmetics and personal care products have a high potential for microbial contamination and growth. Safety
