Understanding the Science
The History
Few materials used in modern skincare have a history as long as copper, which appears in some of the oldest surviving medical records and was repeatedly used across ancient civilisations for wounds, infections and skin conditions.
Records of copper being used for antimicrobial and wound-healing purposes appear in both the Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 2600–2200 BC) and the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BC), placing it among the earliest documented medicinal materials in history. [1] By around 400 BC, Hippocrates was also using copper preparations to treat leg ulcers and other skin conditions. [2]
Across the ancient world, different cultures arrived at remarkably similar uses for copper. Sumerians used pulverised malachite for medicinal purposes, while Egyptians applied copper preparations to eye infections and wounds after surgery. In India, the Ayurvedic practice of storing water in copper vessels, known as tamra jal, was used to help purify drinking water. Chinese healers applied copper sulfate and copper sulfide to skin and eye conditions and also used copper preparations internally. In Central and South America, Mayan, Aztec and Inca surgeons used copper sulfate solutions to disinfect wounds associated with trepanation surgery. Ancient Greek physicians likewise used copper preparations for pulmonary, gastrointestinal and skin conditions, as well as copper bracelets for arthritis. [3]
One of the more unusual examples of copper’s antimicrobial effect comes from the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh in modern-day Pakistan, where archaeologists discovered cotton fibres preserved inside cylindrical copper beads. The fibres had survived for roughly 8,000 to 9,000 years, with researchers attributing their preservation to the interaction between the cotton and surrounding copper, which limited microbial degradation and contributed to mineralisation. [4]
The Biology
Modern research has now mapped the mechanisms behind many of the effects that ancient practitioners observed empirically. Copper works on the skin in two main ways: it has a direct antimicrobial effect against pathogens, and it supports several biological processes involved in skin repair, structure and regeneration. A copper-releasing pillowcase is designed to deliver both of these effects gradually during sleep.
Antimicrobial action
Because copper ions carry a positive charge while bacterial cell membranes are negatively charged, the two are strongly attracted on contact. Copper ions bind to the membrane, disrupt its electrical balance and structural integrity, and can ultimately kill the cell. [5] Unlike conventional antibiotics, this antimicrobial effect acts through multiple cellular pathways, making the development of resistance far more difficult.
Copper vs. silver
Evidence comparing copper with other antimicrobial metals also suggests that copper may offer benefits beyond simple pathogen control. In one study involving 20 patients whose wounds had not responded to silver dressings, treatment with copper-containing dressings produced a mean reduction in wound area approximately 2.4 times greater than the reduction achieved during prior silver treatment. [7]
Copper pillowcases: how the delivery mechanism works
Copper oxide particles embedded directly into pillowcase fibres act as a slow-release reservoir, gradually releasing copper ions into the small amount of moisture naturally present between the face and fabric during sleep. Those ions can then come into contact with, and be absorbed through, intact skin. [10] Copper absorption through intact skin has been documented in the literature, while the clinical results observed in copper-textile studies are broadly consistent with the biological effects already known to occur when copper reaches skin tissue.
Once copper becomes available within the skin, it participates in several processes that are directly relevant to skin structure and repair. Copper has been shown to stimulate dermal fibroblast proliferation, increasing the activity of cells responsible for producing much of the skin’s extracellular matrix. [6] It is associated with increased synthesis of type I, II and V collagen, as well as elastin and fibrillin. [6, 7] Copper also acts as a required cofactor for lysyl oxidase, or LOX, the enzyme responsible for cross-linking collagen and elastin fibres and helping give skin its mechanical strength and elasticity. [7]
Beyond structural proteins, copper also participates in the skin’s antioxidant and signalling systems. As a cofactor for superoxide dismutase, it helps protect cells against oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. [7] Copper has also been linked to the regulation of TGF-β1, a signalling protein involved in tissue repair and skin homeostasis. [6]
An ex vivo study using human skin explants measured several of these effects directly after exposure to copper ions at physiologically relevant concentrations. Elastin concentrations increased by approximately 100% within one day, while pro-collagen I concentrations increased by approximately 20%. TGF-β1 levels rose by roughly two to four times over four to six days of exposure, while comparable changes were not observed in the control tissue. [A]
Clinical evidence from copper pillowcases
Clinical trials using copper oxide pillowcases have produced results that broadly align with these biological mechanisms. Across several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, participants using copper-containing pillowcases showed measurable improvements in wrinkles, skin roughness, lifting and brightness compared with control groups.
In a 2009 study, 57 healthy volunteers aged 40 to 60 slept on either copper oxide pillowcases or control pillowcases for four weeks. Dermatologist and cosmetologist assessments found statistically significant reductions in wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines after both two and four weeks in the copper group, together with improvements in overall skin appearance. No comparable changes were observed in the control group. [8]
A later 2012 study followed 61 volunteers aged 30 to 60 over eight weeks and used the PRIMOS 3D imaging system to measure changes in the skin surface objectively. Three separate measures of skin roughness improved significantly in the copper group at both four and eight weeks, with average wrinkle depth declining by approximately 9% per month. No adverse reactions were reported during the study. [8]
Further clinical evidence published in 2016 examined 45 women aged 37 to 54 and assessed whether copper oxide pillowcases could produce changes beyond wrinkle reduction. After four weeks, the copper group showed statistically significant lifting in both the cheek and eye areas, while skin brightness had also increased significantly after two and four weeks. The control group did not show significant improvements across these measures. [B]
Safety
Available evidence also suggests that copper has relatively low sensitisation potential when used at appropriate topical exposure levels. Clinical testing of applications containing up to 20% metallic copper has reported no adverse reactions or toxicity, while copper is already used extensively in medical and dental applications at exposure levels considerably higher than those produced by a copper-containing textile. [7]
So how does Sleepy Face work?
Sleepy Face pillowcases use a proprietary bamboo-derived fibre with copper incorporated directly into the material. The textile is designed to provide a smooth, low-friction sleep surface.
The bamboo creates a breathable, gentle contact surface. The copper ions deliver antimicrobial, collagen-stimulating, and skin-regenerating activity across every hour of sleep, without creams, without effort, and without washing out.
Bryan Johnson, founder of Blueprint, the most documented personal longevity protocol in the world, lists a copper pillowcase as part of his optimised sleep environment. His published protocol states: “Curate your sleep environment. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. I have a copper pillowcase.” [9]
References
[1] Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 2600-2200 BC); Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BC). As cited in Borkow G, Gabbay J. Copper as a biocidal tool. Curr Med Chem. 2005.
[A] Ogen-Shtern N, Chumin K, Cohen G, Borkow G. Increased pro-collagen 1, elastin, and TGF-beta1 expression by copper ions in an ex-vivo human skin model. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2019. doi:10.1111/jocd.13186.
[B] Borkow G, Elias AC. Facial skin lifting and brightening following sleep on copper oxide containing pillowcases. Cosmetics. 2016; 3:24.
[2] Hippocrates, ancient Greek medical writings (c. 400 BC).
[3] Borkow G, Gabbay J. Copper, an ancient remedy returning to fight microbial, fungal and viral infections. Curr Chem Biol. 2009. PMC4556990.
[4] Neolithic site of Mehrgarh, Pakistan. Archaeological evidence cited in: Rigo C et al. Dermatology and Therapy. 2025.
[5] Rigo C et al. Copper and zinc as modulators of the wound healing process. Dermatology and Therapy. Springer. 2025. doi:10.1007/s13555-025-01575-z.
[6] International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024. PMC11011755.
[7] Borkow G, Gabbay J. Copper, an ancient remedy returning to fight microbial, fungal and viral infections. Curr Chem Biol. 2009. PMC4556990.
[8] Borkow G, Gabbay J, Lyakhovitsky A, Huszar M. Improvement of facial skin characteristics using copper oxide containing pillowcases. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2009; 31(6):437-443. // Baek JH, Yoo MA, Koh JS, Borkow G. Reduction of facial wrinkles depth by sleeping on copper oxide-containing pillowcases. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2012; 11:193-200.
[9] Bryan Johnson. Blueprint Protocol: Sleep. blueprint.bryanjohnson.com/blogs/news/bryan-johnsons-protocol.
[10] Borkow G, Elias AC. Cosmetics. 2016; 3:24. (slow-release mechanism).
Understanding the Science
The History
Few materials used in modern skincare have a history as long as copper, which appears in some of the oldest surviving medical records and was repeatedly used across ancient civilisations for wounds, infections and skin conditions.
Records of copper being used for antimicrobial and wound-healing purposes appear in both the Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 2600–2200 BC) and the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BC), placing it among the earliest documented medicinal materials in history. [1] By around 400 BC, Hippocrates was also using copper preparations to treat leg ulcers and other skin conditions. [2]
Across the ancient world, different cultures arrived at remarkably similar uses for copper. Sumerians used pulverised malachite for medicinal purposes, while Egyptians applied copper preparations to eye infections and wounds after surgery. In India, the Ayurvedic practice of storing water in copper vessels, known as tamra jal, was used to help purify drinking water. Chinese healers applied copper sulfate and copper sulfide to skin and eye conditions and also used copper preparations internally. In Central and South America, Mayan, Aztec and Inca surgeons used copper sulfate solutions to disinfect wounds associated with trepanation surgery. Ancient Greek physicians likewise used copper preparations for pulmonary, gastrointestinal and skin conditions, as well as copper bracelets for arthritis. [3]
One of the more unusual examples of copper’s antimicrobial effect comes from the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh in modern-day Pakistan, where archaeologists discovered cotton fibres preserved inside cylindrical copper beads. The fibres had survived for roughly 8,000 to 9,000 years, with researchers attributing their preservation to the interaction between the cotton and surrounding copper, which limited microbial degradation and contributed to mineralisation. [4]
The Biology
Modern research has now mapped the mechanisms behind many of the effects that ancient practitioners observed empirically. Copper works on the skin in two main ways: it has a direct antimicrobial effect against pathogens, and it supports several biological processes involved in skin repair, structure and regeneration. A copper-releasing pillowcase is designed to deliver both of these effects gradually during sleep.
Antimicrobial action
Because copper ions carry a positive charge while bacterial cell membranes are negatively charged, the two are strongly attracted on contact. Copper ions bind to the membrane, disrupt its electrical balance and structural integrity, and can ultimately kill the cell. [5] Unlike conventional antibiotics, this antimicrobial effect acts through multiple cellular pathways, making the development of resistance far more difficult.
Copper vs. silver
Evidence comparing copper with other antimicrobial metals also suggests that copper may offer benefits beyond simple pathogen control. In one study involving 20 patients whose wounds had not responded to silver dressings, treatment with copper-containing dressings produced a mean reduction in wound area approximately 2.4 times greater than the reduction achieved during prior silver treatment. [7]
Copper pillowcases: how the delivery mechanism works
Copper oxide particles embedded directly into pillowcase fibres act as a slow-release reservoir, gradually releasing copper ions into the small amount of moisture naturally present between the face and fabric during sleep. Those ions can then come into contact with, and be absorbed through, intact skin. [10] Copper absorption through intact skin has been documented in the literature, while the clinical results observed in copper-textile studies are broadly consistent with the biological effects already known to occur when copper reaches skin tissue.
Once copper becomes available within the skin, it participates in several processes that are directly relevant to skin structure and repair. Copper has been shown to stimulate dermal fibroblast proliferation, increasing the activity of cells responsible for producing much of the skin’s extracellular matrix. [6] It is associated with increased synthesis of type I, II and V collagen, as well as elastin and fibrillin. [6, 7] Copper also acts as a required cofactor for lysyl oxidase, or LOX, the enzyme responsible for cross-linking collagen and elastin fibres and helping give skin its mechanical strength and elasticity. [7]
Beyond structural proteins, copper also participates in the skin’s antioxidant and signalling systems. As a cofactor for superoxide dismutase, it helps protect cells against oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. [7] Copper has also been linked to the regulation of TGF-β1, a signalling protein involved in tissue repair and skin homeostasis. [6]
An ex vivo study using human skin explants measured several of these effects directly after exposure to copper ions at physiologically relevant concentrations. Elastin concentrations increased by approximately 100% within one day, while pro-collagen I concentrations increased by approximately 20%. TGF-β1 levels rose by roughly two to four times over four to six days of exposure, while comparable changes were not observed in the control tissue. [A]
Clinical evidence from copper pillowcases
Clinical trials using copper oxide pillowcases have produced results that broadly align with these biological mechanisms. Across several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, participants using copper-containing pillowcases showed measurable improvements in wrinkles, skin roughness, lifting and brightness compared with control groups.
In a 2009 study, 57 healthy volunteers aged 40 to 60 slept on either copper oxide pillowcases or control pillowcases for four weeks. Dermatologist and cosmetologist assessments found statistically significant reductions in wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines after both two and four weeks in the copper group, together with improvements in overall skin appearance. No comparable changes were observed in the control group. [8]
A later 2012 study followed 61 volunteers aged 30 to 60 over eight weeks and used the PRIMOS 3D imaging system to measure changes in the skin surface objectively. Three separate measures of skin roughness improved significantly in the copper group at both four and eight weeks, with average wrinkle depth declining by approximately 9% per month. No adverse reactions were reported during the study. [8]
Further clinical evidence published in 2016 examined 45 women aged 37 to 54 and assessed whether copper oxide pillowcases could produce changes beyond wrinkle reduction. After four weeks, the copper group showed statistically significant lifting in both the cheek and eye areas, while skin brightness had also increased significantly after two and four weeks. The control group did not show significant improvements across these measures. [B]
Safety
Available evidence also suggests that copper has relatively low sensitisation potential when used at appropriate topical exposure levels. Clinical testing of applications containing up to 20% metallic copper has reported no adverse reactions or toxicity, while copper is already used extensively in medical and dental applications at exposure levels considerably higher than those produced by a copper-containing textile. [7]
So how does Sleepy Face work?
Sleepy Face pillowcases use a proprietary bamboo-derived fibre with copper incorporated directly into the material. The textile is designed to provide a smooth, low-friction sleep surface.
The bamboo creates a breathable, gentle contact surface. The copper ions deliver antimicrobial, collagen-stimulating, and skin-regenerating activity across every hour of sleep, without creams, without effort, and without washing out.
Bryan Johnson, founder of Blueprint, the most documented personal longevity protocol in the world, lists a copper pillowcase as part of his optimised sleep environment. His published protocol states: “Curate your sleep environment. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. I have a copper pillowcase.” [9]
References
[1] Edwin Smith Papyrus (c. 2600-2200 BC); Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BC). As cited in Borkow G, Gabbay J. Copper as a biocidal tool. Curr Med Chem. 2005.
[A] Ogen-Shtern N, Chumin K, Cohen G, Borkow G. Increased pro-collagen 1, elastin, and TGF-beta1 expression by copper ions in an ex-vivo human skin model. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2019. doi:10.1111/jocd.13186.
[B] Borkow G, Elias AC. Facial skin lifting and brightening following sleep on copper oxide containing pillowcases. Cosmetics. 2016; 3:24.
[2] Hippocrates, ancient Greek medical writings (c. 400 BC).
[3] Borkow G, Gabbay J. Copper, an ancient remedy returning to fight microbial, fungal and viral infections. Curr Chem Biol. 2009. PMC4556990.
[4] Neolithic site of Mehrgarh, Pakistan. Archaeological evidence cited in: Rigo C et al. Dermatology and Therapy. 2025.
[5] Rigo C et al. Copper and zinc as modulators of the wound healing process. Dermatology and Therapy. Springer. 2025. doi:10.1007/s13555-025-01575-z.
[6] International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024. PMC11011755.
[7] Borkow G, Gabbay J. Copper, an ancient remedy returning to fight microbial, fungal and viral infections. Curr Chem Biol. 2009. PMC4556990.
[8] Borkow G, Gabbay J, Lyakhovitsky A, Huszar M. Improvement of facial skin characteristics using copper oxide containing pillowcases. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2009; 31(6):437-443. // Baek JH, Yoo MA, Koh JS, Borkow G. Reduction of facial wrinkles depth by sleeping on copper oxide-containing pillowcases. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2012; 11:193-200.
[9] Bryan Johnson. Blueprint Protocol: Sleep. blueprint.bryanjohnson.com/blogs/news/bryan-johnsons-protocol.
[10] Borkow G, Elias AC. Cosmetics. 2016; 3:24. (slow-release mechanism).
