GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide / Skin & Healing PeptideresearchAlso known as: Copper Peptide, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II), Copper Tripeptide-1, Lamin
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age, known for potent wound healing, collagen stimulation, anti-aging skin effects, and hair growth promotion.
Overview
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine complexed with copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First identified by Dr. Loren Pickart in the 1970s, GHK-Cu was discovered when plasma from young people (age 20-25) was found to stimulate liver cells to produce proteins in a more youthful pattern compared to plasma from older individuals (60-80). The active component was identified as GHK-Cu, which declines significantly with age โ plasma levels drop from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60. GHK-Cu has become one of the most well-studied peptides in dermatology and cosmetic science, with robust evidence for wound healing, collagen synthesis, anti-wrinkle effects, and hair growth stimulation. It is available in topical skincare products, injectable formulations, and is used in both cosmetic and regenerative medicine contexts. Gene expression studies have shown GHK-Cu can modulate the activity of over 4,000 human genes, resetting many to a more youthful expression pattern.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu works through multiple mechanisms: (1) Delivers bioavailable copper to cells, which is essential for many enzymatic processes including collagen synthesis (lysyl oxidase), antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase), and melanin production; (2) Stimulates collagen I, III, and V synthesis and glycosaminoglycan production in dermal fibroblasts; (3) Promotes angiogenesis and nerve outgrowth at wound sites; (4) Activates metalloproteinases to remodel damaged extracellular matrix and remove scar tissue; (5) Modulates gene expression of >4,000 genes toward youthful patterns, upregulating repair genes and downregulating inflammatory genes; (6) Stimulates hair follicle growth by enlarging follicle size and promoting the anagen (growth) phase; (7) Attracts immune cells and mesenchymal stem cells to wound sites; (8) Acts as a potent antioxidant through copper-dependent SOD activation.
Molecular Formula
C14H24CuN6O4
Molecular Weight
403.92 g/mol
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys:Cu(II)
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
0.01% concentration โ 1% concentration
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Route
topical
Cycle Length
Ongoing
Applied as a cream or serum to clean skin. Available in many commercial skincare products. Higher concentrations (>1%) may cause skin irritation. Results typically visible after 4-8 weeks of consistent use.
Source: Dermatological studies and product formulations
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Skin irritation (topical) | mild |
| Injection site discomfort | mild |
| Skin discoloration (topical) | mild |
| Headache | mild |
Pros & Cons
One of the most well-studied peptides for skin rejuvenation with strong clinical evidence for anti-wrinkle and wound healing effects
Available in convenient topical formulations โ no injection required for skin and hair benefits
Naturally occurring in the human body with an excellent safety profile
Multi-target effects on >4,000 genes, resetting expression toward youthful patterns
Dual cosmetic and regenerative benefits โ improves appearance while promoting genuine tissue repair
Injectable form is less studied than topical; systemic effects less well-characterized
Topical penetration may be limited โ efficacy depends on formulation quality
Results require consistent long-term use (weeks to months) before visible improvement
Should not be used concurrently with strong acids (vitamin C at low pH, AHAs) which can destabilize the copper complex
Quality varies significantly between commercial products; many use insufficient concentrations
Research Studies
Legal Status
Not FDA-approved as a drug. Widely available in cosmetic skincare products (topical use is unregulated). Injectable form available as a research chemical. Not banned by WADA.
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