Lab test results
Every formula is tested by the Mass Spectrometry Core at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Actives are verified by LC-MS in the finished bottle, at or above label claim, and heavy metals are screened by ICP-MS. The reports are published here.
Select a product below to view its reports
Third-party test results
Every PLU formula is tested by an independent research lab, the Mass Spectrometry Core at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Actives are measured by LC-MS in the finished product and reported against the label claim. Heavy metals are screened by ICP-MS. The full reports are linked below.
GHK-Cu Face Tonic
Actives
| Ingredient | Label claim | Result |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 1% | At or above label claim |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) | 3% Matrixyl 3000 equivalent | At or above label claim |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Pal-GQPR) | 3% Matrixyl 3000 equivalent | At or above label claim |
Heavy metals
| Metal | In this product | Safety limit | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 0.0006 ppm | 10 ppm (FDA) | Pass |
| Arsenic | 0.0017 ppm | 3 ppm (Health Canada) | Pass |
| Mercury | Not detected | 1 ppm (FDA) | Pass |
| Cadmium | Not detected | 3 ppm (Health Canada) | Pass |
GHK-Cu Hair Tonic
Actives
| Ingredient | Label claim | Result |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 1% | At or above label claim |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 | 1% | At or above label claim |
Heavy metals
| Metal | In this product | Safety limit | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 0.0022 ppm | 10 ppm (FDA) | Pass |
| Arsenic | 0.0045 ppm | 3 ppm (Health Canada) | Pass |
| Mercury | 0.0025 ppm | 1 ppm (FDA) | Pass |
| Cadmium | Not detected | 3 ppm (Health Canada) | Pass |
AHK-Cu Hair Tonic
Actives
| Ingredient | Label claim | Result |
|---|---|---|
| AHK-Cu | 1% | At or above label claim |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 | 1% | At or above label claim |
Heavy metals
| Metal | In this product | Safety limit | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 0.0029 ppm | 10 ppm (FDA) | Pass |
| Arsenic | 0.0116 ppm | 3 ppm (Health Canada) | Pass |
| Mercury | Not detected | 1 ppm (FDA) | Pass |
| Cadmium | Not detected | 3 ppm (Health Canada) | Pass |
Peptide concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Heavy metals were measured by ICP-MS after microwave acid digestion, and are reported in micrograms per gram, the same as parts per million. Where the FDA specifies a cosmetic limit we use it, otherwise we reference Health Canada’s. Full reports are linked above.
How we test
Every PLU formula is tested by an independent research lab, the Mass Spectrometry Core at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We confirm two things: that the peptides on the label are in the bottle, at the strength we state wherever we state one, and that heavy-metal contaminants stay within cosmetic safety limits.
Our methods
- Active identity and concentration. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry confirm each labeled peptide is the correct molecule. The concentrations we state, 1% GHK-Cu, 1% AHK-Cu, and 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, were each confirmed at or above label. Face Tonic’s palmitoyl peptides are added as raw peptides rather than as a pre-diluted blend. We benchmark them against what a 3% Matrixyl 3000 application delivers in the finished product.
- Contaminant screening. Finished products are screened by ICP-MS for the four heavy metals regulators monitor (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead) and compared against established cosmetic safety limits: the FDA’s for lead and mercury, Health Canada and EU benchmarks for arsenic and cadmium.
Tests completed
Blog posts
Copper Peptides For Hair: Why Everyone is So Excited About GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu
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Azelaic Acid and Copper Peptides: Can You Use Them Together?
Azelaic acid and copper peptides are compared all the time. But they do very different things. So can you use copper peptides and azelaic acid together in the same routine? Yes! Azelaic acid can he...
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Matrixyl 3000 vs Copper Peptides
Matrixyl 3000 vs copper peptides - a comparison we see play out in forums online all the time. But most people assume you have to pick one or the other. That’s not necessarily true. You may find th...
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