A copper peptide serum built for antioxidant cover rather than hydration or resurfacing. Neova's own name for it is an antioxidant serum with Copper Peptide Complex, and that is what is in the bottle.

What is Neova Power Defense?

Neova describes it as "an advanced formula" delivering "a penetrating concentrate of Copper Peptide Complex, antioxidants, and a potent tetrapeptide to protect against the signs of oxidation, and visibly repair photodamage." It writes it for all skin types with early signs of aging, naming mild pigment changes, moderate discolorations and minimal to in-motion wrinkling, particularly around eyes and mouth.

It is blue, and that is the copper

Neova's own description of the texture is "light-weight gel consistency with blue hue. Quickly absorbs into skin." No colorant appears anywhere on the twenty five item ingredient list, and the only ingredient that carries colour is the copper compound. It is the first thing anyone notices on opening the bottle.

What is actually in it

Copper Peptide Complex, listed as Bis (Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate, eighth of twenty five. Neova calls copper an essential micronutrient for skin health and strength. Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 tenth, which Neova says stimulates the production of key components at the dermal junction. Sodium Hyaluronate twentieth, which the brand describes as a salt form of hyaluronic acid holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture. Alongside those sit sunflower seed oil, grape seed extract, green tea and two forms of vitamin E.

There is a retinoid in it already

Retinyl palmitate sits nineteenth on the ingredient list. Neova publishes no warning on this product and says Power Defense can be used alongside a retinol or an exfoliating acid, adding that you should adjust frequency if needed to maintain skin comfort. Worth knowing before you layer a second retinoid on top of it, and worth mentioning to your provider if you are already using a prescription one.

What is not in it

No DNA repair enzymes. That is the difference between this serum and DNA Total Repair, and it has been stated both ways elsewhere. No Micrococcus Lysate, no Plankton Extract, no Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, and no fragrance or SPF either.

Power Defense specifications

Texture, dose, frequency and the ingredient descriptions are Neova's own. Every position and every free-from line is read from the ingredient list.

Where it fits in a routine

After cleansing, twice a day, before anything heavier. The antioxidant step rather than the hydration one. The rest of the line is on our Neova skincare page.