Asterwood Alternative: 10x the Copper Peptide Concentration
PLU Face Tonic: 1% GHK-Cu plus palmitoyl peptides in 6 clean ingredients
- PLU Face Tonic uses 1% GHK-Cu vs Asterwood's 0.10%, ten times the concentration
- PLU Laboratories adds Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, a second set of clinically-studied peptides Asterwood doesn't have
- PLU Laboratories' focused 6-ingredient formula. No preservative boosters, no fillers
What You Get in Every Bottle
Concentration, To Scale
GHK-Cu Concentration, Compared
Copper peptide concentration, to scale
Ingredient by Ingredient
Same Ingredient Count. Very Different Contents.
Six ingredients on each side. No fillers. Ingredient-for-ingredient, here's what's inside.
PLU Laboratories
GHK-Cu Face Tonic
6 ingredients
- 1WaterDelivery base
- 2GlycerinHumectant
- 3Copper Tripeptide-11%GHK-Cu
- 4PhenoxyethanolPreservative
- 5Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Matrikine Peptide
- 6Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Matrikine Peptide
Asterwood Naturals
Copper Peptides Serum
6 ingredients
- 1WaterDelivery base
- 2Pentylene GlycolHumectant / preservative booster
- 3PhenylpropanolPreservative
- 4Sodium HyaluronateHumectant
- 5Copper Tripeptide-10.10%GHK-Cu
- 6Sodium HydroxidepH adjuster
Both lists run six lines. Only one spends them on active peptides instead of fillers.
What to Expect
Weeks 1-2
Skin feels smoother with improved texture and comfort
Weeks 3-4
Visible improvements in skin tone evenness and firmer appearance
Weeks 6-8
Notable reduction in fine lines with improved elasticity
Weeks 8-12
Skin texture continues improving, fine lines less prominent
Weeks 12+
Ongoing support for firmer, smoother skin with daily use
Individual results may vary. Research on copper peptides, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 noted visible improvements within study timeframes with consistent use of peptide complexes.
10x the GHK-Cu concentration. Plus Palmitoyl Peptides. In 6 ingredients.
6 Ingredients or Less. Nothing Hidden.
GHK-Cu. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
Water. Glycerin. Phenoxyethanol.
Three clinically studied peptides. Three carriers to deliver them. No fillers, no botanicals, nothing added for marketing appeal.
Visible results typically appear within 6-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Individual results may vary.
Switching from Asterwood
Questions About Switching from Asterwood
Is it safe to switch from Asterwood to PLU Face Tonic?
Yes. Both products use the same copper peptide (Copper Tripeptide-1, also written GHK-Cu) as their primary active. PLU uses a higher concentration (1% vs 0.10%) in a different base, but there is no washout period required between topical copper peptide serums. Most people simply substitute PLU into the same slot in their routine.
Why is the GHK-Cu concentration so different?
Formulation choice. Copper peptides are one of the more expensive cosmetic actives, and many brands formulate at the lower end of what is commonly studied (around 0.10%). PLU formulates Face Tonic at 1% GHK-Cu because research describes copper peptides as effective in a broader concentration range, and a focused six-ingredient formula has the budget for it. Asterwood's serum is formulated at 0.10% per their published INCI at asterwood.co.
Will 1% GHK-Cu irritate sensitive skin?
GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated across skin types at cosmetic concentrations studied in research. If you're coming from a very low-concentration product (like 0.10%), start with once-daily use on clean skin and build up as tolerated. Apply before heavier moisturizers. If you have highly reactive skin, patch test on your inner forearm first.
How long until I see results?
Published research on both peptide complexes typically notes visible appearance changes within 6-8 weeks of consistent daily use. If you're switching from a 0.10% copper peptide product, the concentration jump to 1% may produce more noticeable texture feedback sooner. Individual results vary.
Do you offer returns if I don't like it?
We accept returns on unopened, unused products within 30 days of delivery. See our full returns and refund policy for complete terms.
Ready When You Are
Make the Switch
10x the GHK-Cu concentration. Plus Palmitoyl Peptides. In 6 ingredients.
Shop Face TonicIngredient and concentration data for both brands verified 2026-04-14 from each brand's published product page (asterwood.co/products/copper-peptides-serum). PLU Laboratories is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Asterwood Naturals. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.