GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) complexed with copper(II), widely studied in skin and matrix-remodelling research.
GHK
- Nonpolar1
- Basic (+)2
- 3 residues
Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II)
GHK-Cu is an endogenous copper-peptide complex — the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a divalent copper ion (Cu²⁺) in a high-affinity chelated structure. In research it is valued because it lets investigators study signalling driven by both the peptide component and the biochemistry of copper itself.
Research use only. GHK-Cu is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. This page does not describe dosing, administration, or use in humans or animals, and makes no therapeutic claims.
What researchers study
Copper is an essential trace element for many enzymes and structural proteins involved in redox balance, extracellular-matrix formation and metabolism. By acting as a carrier and regulator of bioavailable copper, GHK-Cu is studied as a tool for copper-dependent signalling and peptide–metal interactions. Across preclinical systems it has been linked to shifts in gene expression and modulation of pathways governing matrix turnover, oxidative-stress responses and cellular renewal — with outcomes varying by concentration, exposure and model.
Typical research applications include:
- Examining copper transport, binding behaviour and metal homeostasis
- Exploring copper-dependent signalling in cell growth and differentiation
- Cell-based assays of gene expression, redox signalling and matrix regulation
How it is supplied
GHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilised vial with a Certificate of Analysis, stored refrigerated at 2–8°C. It is also a component of the Glow Stack and Klow Stack.
Related reading
GHK-Cu is the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper(II); the GHK sequence occurs in human plasma (and as a fragment of the alpha-2 chain of type I collagen) and chelates copper, acting as a carrier that delivers copper into cells while silencing its redox reactivity. As a matrix-signaling peptide it modulates the expression of a large number of human genes (reported at roughly 31% of analyzed genes changed by 50% or more), stimulates fibroblast synthesis of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, and exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Human evidence
- Extensive in vitro and animal data plus human topical/cosmetic studies; no controlled human trials supporting injectable/systemic therapeutic use.
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA-approved as a drug. Regulated/used as a cosmetic ingredient in topical products (INCI "Copper tripeptide-1"). In the April 2026 FDA compounding action, GHK-Cu (non-injectable route) was removed from 503A Category 1 and GHK-Cu (injectable route) was removed from 503A Category 2, both because the nominations were withdrawn; a PCAC consultation is planned before the end of February 2027. Removal from these lists does not by itself place GHK-Cu on the 503A bulks list or authorize compounding.
- Skin regeneration / anti-aging (collagen and elastin synthesis, skin density) in vitro and in human topical cosmetic trials.
- Wound healing and tissue repair, including diabetic and ischemic wounds, in animal models.
- Hair follicle and dermal research in laboratory and topical settings.
- Genomic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathway studies in disease-associated cell models.
- Topical copper-peptide products have a long history of cosmetic use with mostly mild local irritation reported (PMC4508379, Pickart & Margolina; MDPI Cosmetics 2018).
- FDA has noted that compounded injectable GHK-Cu may carry immunogenicity risk from potential aggregation and peptide-related impurities, with limited human data to inform safety (FDA 2026 compounding review).
- Human safety data outside topical cosmetic use are limited; injectable/systemic safety is not well characterized.
- Delivers copper, so total copper exposure is a theoretical consideration; reference material only, not medical advice.
- Protocol dose
- 2.0 mg
1× daily
- Cartridge strength
- 60 mg / 3 mL pen
- Mass per click
- 200 mcg (0.2 mg)
60 mg ÷ 300 clicks
- Pen clicks per dose
- 10 clicks = 2 mg
- Frequency
- 1× daily
Reported research parameters drawn from the cited literature — provided for reference only. These are not dosing, usage, or medical recommendations.