NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 CAIS3

Where I got it

This serum is something I have been wanting to purchase for a while but I haven’t because of the high price tag. This is usually USD$72, but during November, Deciem offers a month-long sale of everything at 23% off and the copper peptide products by NIOD are 50% off. This serum comes down to USD$36 and they also offer free shipping worldwide for all orders. This is such an amazing offer by Deciem and you really cannot get anything better than this. If you want to try something new or restock your favourite item, this is the best time.

What I got

This is the NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 CAIS3 (15ml). CAIS 3 1:1 is the third generation of NIOD’s multi-award-winning Copper Amino Isolate Serum. Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 replaces Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1. As a highly focused effort to maintain healthy-looking skin, this pro-repair, pro-collagen serum offers a novel approach to target all visible signs of skin aging indirectly. This indirect approach departs from the traditional thinking of addressing visible aspects of skin aging individually and instead forms a foundation to respect skin health. The previous generation of CAIS contained 2% pure GHK peptide, of which 1% branched with copper ions upon mixing, forming 1% freshly-assembled, pro-repair GHK-Cu (copper peptides) and leaving 1% free-form, pro-collagen GHK peptide, for a final ratio of 1:1. The new formula omits mixing, instead containing 1% concentration by weight of pre-assembled and fully stable GHK-Cu, alongside 1% GHK peptide. Since this formula no longer requires additional GHK peptide for copper complexation, and no other copper source is added, it carries the name CAIS 3 1:1, as a reflection of the ratio of these ingredients in the formulation.

CAIS 3 1:1 also includes additional collagen-supporting peptides, Tripeptide-29, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 and Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2. Its base combines mono-dispersed, plant-derived glycogen, availability-enhancing Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 and cross-linked hyaluronic acid.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Tripeptide-29, Tripeptide-1 Copper Acetate, Tripeptide-1 Acetate, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycogen, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Dextran, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Isoceteth-20, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

There is much more information on this product on the Deciem website.

How I find it

First of all, the packaging of NIOD products is pretty cool. The black cardboard and sliding tray design is quite special. The serum is in a black glass bottle to maintain stability of the products inside, with a dropper to dispense product. The serum has a watery consistency and is a bright blue colour (so beautiful, and hardly has a scent. It can be a little difficult to gauge how much to use because it is so watery. After cleansing I have been using the Reedle Shot 100/300 lately, so I would apply that first (the Reedle Shot contains centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid. there are no actives that would interfere with the copper peptide). I would spritz my skin with the SDSM and then apply a good 4-5 drops of CAIS3 onto my face and neck area. If I don’t have the SDSM, I would just use any hydrating mist to just get my skin a little damp. The Reedle Shot is optional to this routine, but it has been something I have been trialling to increase absorption of skincare products used on top. I want to boost the benefits of CAIS3.

I would not drop the serum directly onto my face because it will just run off and it would be messy. The serum does not provide any hydration or moisture to the skin so I apply a hyaluronic acid serum over this as well as a simple moisturiser (i.e. no retinol, no vitmain C, no actives). That’s my skincare routine when I use copper peptides.

After using this routine for 2 weeks, I really did see improvements in the look of my pores, I see a significant improvement in my skintone and overall radiance. At the moment I do not have deep lines, only fine lines around the eye area and some around my mouth, which usually shows up when I squint and smile big. However, after using this routine for 3 weeks, I could see my fine lines softening. I also see a siginificant reduction is surface bumps and texture (not my post-acne scarring).At the same time I was also taking sugar-blocking supplements to reduce my acne flare-ups and under-the-skin bumps, but the overall softening of fine lines and skin radiance is from these amazing products! Of couse I also use vitamin c and SPF during the day, but I have not see such a significant result from using just Vitamin C.

Overall

I am very pleased with the results of these products, I personally prefer the CAIS3 with the SDSM because of it’s watery and fluid texture. It is easy to layer and easy to absorb without leaving any texture on the skin. CAIL is squalane based, so it can be oily on the skin. NIOD does recommend to use CAIS3 in the AM and CAIL in the PM if you want to use copper peptides day and night. CAIL provides additional barrier support and elasticity in an oil-based formulation. You need not use CAIS3 and CAIL in the same routine.