It’s no secret that I love Deciem’s copper peptide skincare series. The NIOD Cail 1% is the third one I tried. Previously, I compared NIOD CAIS 2:1 and The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptide 1% on this post.

Now a little background about my skin. I have more issues with skin dullness. I didn’t have much issue with wrinkles (most likely thanks to my parents’ genes). Basically the sign of aging I found, was that my skin looks a bit sad… losing its glow. I have been using the copper series since 1.5 years ago, first the NIOD CAIS 2:1, then The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptide 1% (two bottles), then back to NIOD CAIS 2:1, and now NIOD CAIL 1%. At the time of writing this post, I am on the big four!

The Claims

In general, I am drawn to the “get healthier skin”, just like getting a healthier lifestyle instead of “fix your [insert problem]”. And that is why when I was reading the claims of the product, I thought this is something I would like to try.

All of the copper products has these claims:

…”An enhanced approach to targeting overall healthy-looking skin, this pro-collagen, pro-lipid, pro-fat formula branches from the concept of NIOD’s multi-award-winning Copper Amino Isolate Serum, with the additional benefits of building and enhancing skin barrier function, elasticity and integrity via lipophilic pathways.”… NIOD CAIL 1%

…”As a highly-focused effort to maintain healthy-looking skin, this pro-repair, pro-collagen serum offers a novel approach to target all 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.”… NIOD CAIS 2

…”increasing its focus on overall skin health.”… Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

Copper peptides are not as scientifically proven as retinol for anti-aging. But, so far I have had really good results with them. The main question: Is the NIOD CAIL 1% truly better than the other two? Especially when we consider the price (on the Deciem site, in Germany):

What it is

Active Ingredients (shortened version of the one in NIOD’s site)

  • Tripeptide-1 (Palmitoyl) Copper: restore and maintain a youthful appearance of the skin.
  • GHK-Cu (in the Tripeptide-1 (Palmitoyl) Copper): activation of a wide range of skin health functions, including healing, immune function, collagen synthesis, fibroblast production and anti-inflammatory responses.
  • Zizanoic Vetiver: support skin tonicity, volume and firmness. Promotes the improved appearance of skin volume redefinition and firmness while promoting an overall plumping effect.
  • Patented Dihydrodiisoeugenol Complex: enhance skin resilience using a dual mode of action to approach the decline in subcutaneous fat. This unique complex aims to counteract the appearance of a decrease in adipose tissue by improving the elasticity and firmness of the skin, particularly when applied to the cheeks and jawline.
  • Aphanizomenon Aquaflo: blue-green algae that is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to promote the replenishment of the superficial protective barrier of the stratum corneum. Prominent in Proline and Lysine, Aphanizomenon Aquaflo improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Plant-derived Squalane: excellent hydrator that can replenish hydration, imparting suppleness and flexibility to the skin.

Full Ingredients List

Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Glycolipids, Sucrose Laurate, Propanediol, Tripeptide-1 (Palmitoyl) Copper, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Propylmethylmethoxybenzofuran, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos-aquae Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.

Consistency

It’s more like a transparent oil paste, which makes a lot of sense with the packaging. I really like the packaging type as well (instead of jar or pump bottles that I cannot get to the bottom of). As you can see in the picture, it’s kind of a solid blob, especially compared to the very liquid NIOD CAIS 2:1. For the consistency of The Ordinary Buffet + Copper, it’s on the previous blog post. It looks the same from the picture, but while the Buffet + Copper feels like a gel, NIOD CAIL feels more like an oil paste.

NIOD CAIL 1% Consistency
NIOD CAIL 1% Consistency (left) and NIOD CAIS 2:1 (right)

Once you put it on the skin, it melts like an oil, and gave the skin an oily appearance (hence best to wear in the pm). It’s not uncomfortable at all, but there’s definitely a slightly sticky feeling. A little goes a long way as well, so I can vouch for NIOD’s claim that this will last 2-3 months.

My Experience

My bare skin after using NIOD CAIL 1%
My bare skin after using NIOD CAIL 1%

Here is my bare skin, in the morning, after washing and putting on some moisturizer. There’s not much of a visible wrinkle on the forehead, I do have some plumpness on my jawline, but then again it was not something I feel like I am lacking to start with. All in all, very happy with the current state of my skin.

I definitely love the simplicity of it. It simplifies my night routine, my dry patches are mostly gone, and my skin looks pretty good! As a reminder, I have been using other copper peptides prior to using this product. I was also using retinol products, although I stopped since using NIOD CAIL 1% because of time conflicts (both products recommended use in the evenings).

My skincare routine

Other skin care products I am using together with NIOD CAIL 1%

In case you are wondering, and also I am fully aware that most times it’s the whole routine that makes a difference.

AM:

  • Cleanser (if using): The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser / L’Occitane Immortelle Cleansing Foam
  • Pre-serum: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
  • Moisturizer (depending on skin condition of the day): The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 / Pai Skincare Instant Calm Chamomile & Rosehip
  • SPF: Beyer & Sohne Dayshade SPF50

PM:

  • Cleanser: Pai Rosehip Cleansing Oil
  • Pre-serum: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
  • NIOD CAIL 1%
  • Oil (if needed): Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment
  • Mask (if needed): Aesop Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque

Worth it?

NIOD CAIL 1% and NIOD CAIS 2:1 size
NIOD CAIL 1% and NIOD CAIS 2:1 size

I love how it is a simpler product to use versus the other two. In the pm, I would just apply a layer of CAIL 1% and then I’m (mostly) done. For colder dryer winter months, I would add a bit of oil or moisturizer on top of it when my skin felt severely dehydrated. For warmer months, it is really enough to put a layer of it, call it a day, and wake up with glowing skin. I have yet to test it in the hot and humid conditions (where my skin oil levels tend to get haywire), so I can’t tell if this would work.

Depending on your budget…

If you have the budget to comfortably spend on skincare, you love the simplicity of use, and you think your skin problem can be solved by the claims of this product, I would wholeheartedly recommend getting the NIOD CAIL 1%.

If you have the budget but you don’t like oily consistency, then get the NIOD CAIS 2:1, it is also very good and perhaps easier to combine with your nighttime routine!

Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget and still want to know if these copper peptides work for you, I would just get The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptide 1%. It is good enough to maintain good skin and doesn’t break the bank that much.

Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.