GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide | Skin Regeneration & Longevity Compound
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What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a tiny, three-amino-acid peptide that occurs naturally in human blood, saliva, and skin, carrying a copper ion as part of its structure. The amount the body makes on its own falls off with age, which is part of why researchers study it in skin- and tissue-related lab work. Most of the published evidence comes from topical (skin-applied) and animal studies rather than injectable human use, and formulations sold here are intended strictly for laboratory research.
Key terms:
GHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide.
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide — three amino acids bound to copper. It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma levels decline from ~200 ng/ml at age 20 to ~80 ng/ml by age 60. The research literature reports effects on 31.2% of human genes. It is associated with wound-healing, collagen-synthesis, and skin-aging research pathways. Note: Injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved. Most available evidence comes from topical studies and animal models.
Key research areas
- Studied for effects on collagen production in topical and animal-model research
- Studied for effects on skin elasticity in topical research
- Researched in relation to fine lines and wrinkle appearance in topical studies
- Studied for wound-healing effects primarily in animal models
- Researched for effects on hair follicle activity
- Available in topical formulations for daily application
Researched dosing
This table reflects the study designs — topical concentrations and application frequencies — researchers have used with GHK-Cu, describing published research methodology rather than a personal skincare routine.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin-longevity studies | 0.5-1% cream | 1-2x daily | Topical application |
| Hair-growth studies | 1-2% solution | 1x daily | Scalp massage |
| Wound-healing models | 1-2% gel | 2-3x daily | Direct application |
| General skin studies | 0.5% serum | 1x daily | Face and neck |
| Higher-dose repair studies | 2% cream | 1x daily | Targeted areas |
Commonly cycled 16 weeks on, 4+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, GHK-Cu research looks at how the peptide's copper-binding structure signals skin cells (fibroblasts) to ramp up collagen production — the terms below just describe that signaling chain.
Topical GHK-Cu penetrates skin layers to deliver copper directly to target tissues. Activates fibroblasts, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and modulates inflammatory responses for optimal skin regeneration.
Molecular data
These figures — molecular weight, sequence, chain length — are simply the chemistry ID researchers use to confirm a GHK-Cu sample's identity; at just three amino acids, it's one of the smallest peptides in this encyclopedia.
- Weight
- 404.96 Da
- Length
- 3 amino acids
- Type
- Copper tripeptide
Gly-His-Lys
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly GHK-Cu clears in lab studies — notice the timescale is minutes, not hours, which is part of why most research on it looks at topical (skin-applied) use rather than injectable studies.
- Peak
- 0.05 hr
- Half-life
- 0.067 hrs
- Cleared
- ~0.35 hrs
Pickart et al.
Research applications
This section lists the body systems — skin and hair among them — that researchers have studied GHK-Cu for, based mostly on topical and animal-model research rather than human clinical trials.
Skin Regeneration
Topical studies report a 70% increase in type I and III collagen production, associated with measures of skin firmness, wrinkle depth, and texture. The same research reports effects on elastin synthesis, skin barrier function, moisture retention, and transepidermal water loss.
Hair Growth
Studied for effects on hair follicle activity via activation of dermal papilla cells and follicle-regeneration pathways.
Anti Inflammatory
Modulates inflammatory responses through gene expression regulation, affecting 31.2% of human genes with 59% upregulated and 41% downregulated.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 0.5–1% concentration in topical research formulations.
- Frequency in studies
- 1-2x daily
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- 2-4 weeks for skin, 6-12 weeks for hair
- Storage
- Room temperature, cool dry place
- Cycle length
- 12-16 weeks
- Break between cycles
- 4-6 weeks
Interactions
This list shows which other peptides and compounds are studied alongside GHK-Cu, including a caution about combining it with certain copper-affecting substances in a lab setting.
Reconstitution & storage
This describes how a research sample of GHK-Cu is stored — since it's most often studied as a topical solution, handling notes differ slightly from injectable-format peptides.
- Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C), labeled with the date and concentration, for laboratory research use only.
Lyophilized: Room temperature, cool dry place, use within As per manufacturer specification
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within As per product formulation; discard if discolored or separated
Open the GHK-Cu reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the visual cues — color, texture, stability — researchers and buyers check to confirm a GHK-Cu formulation hasn't degraded; copper peptides show a distinctive light-blue tint when properly formulated.
Light blue tint - Quality GHK-Cu topical products have characteristic light blue color from copper content
Smooth texture - Creams and serums should be smooth, non-gritty, and absorb well without leaving residue
Stable formulation - No separation, crystallization, or color changes during storage period
Professional packaging - Proper UV protection, airless pumps, or dark glass containers to prevent degradation
Green or dark discoloration - Indicates oxidation or contamination - product should be discarded
Grainy texture - Suggests poor formulation or crystallization of copper peptide
What to expect
This timeline reflects what the published research literature reports at each study stage for topical GHK-Cu — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
Improved skin texture and hydration
Reduction in fine lines and skin smoothness
Enhanced skin firmness and elasticity
Visible improvement in skin tone and clarity
Hair growth: 6-12 weeks for initial results
Safety notes
This section covers handling cautions and regulatory notes for GHK-Cu — it's not FDA-approved for injectable use, and most available safety data comes from topical and animal studies rather than human trials.
- Patch test before first use to check for sensitivity
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
- Discontinue if severe irritation or allergic reaction occurs
- Injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved
- Most clinical evidence comes from topical studies and animal models
Regulatory status
- Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
Frequently asked questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide — a chain of just three amino acids (Gly-His-Lys) that carries a copper ion — found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. The amount the body makes on its own declines with age. In research literature it is associated with wound-healing, collagen-synthesis, and skin-related pathways, studied mostly in topical and animal models. Lux BioPure supplies it strictly for laboratory research.
What class of compound is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is classified as a copper tripeptide — one of the smallest peptides in this encyclopedia, with just three amino acids, the sequence Gly-His-Lys, and a molecular weight around 405 daltons. Its copper-binding structure is the neutral biochemical feature researchers examine when studying how it signals fibroblasts in cell and topical research models.
How is a GHK-Cu research sample stored and handled in the lab?
Because GHK-Cu is most often studied as a topical solution, its handling differs slightly from injectable-format peptides. Lyophilized material is kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature, while a reconstituted solution is refrigerated at roughly 2–6°C. Quality copper-peptide formulations show a characteristic light-blue tint; green or dark discoloration signals oxidation, and the sample should then be discarded.
How do researchers verify a GHK-Cu sample?
Researchers check GHK-Cu formulations by appearance and stability: a quality copper peptide shows a distinctive light-blue tint from its copper content, a smooth non-gritty texture, and no separation or crystallization during storage. Green or dark discoloration indicates oxidation or contamination, and a grainy texture suggests poor formulation — both are reasons to discard the sample, checked alongside the Certificate of Analysis.
Is GHK-Cu legal to purchase for research in Canada?
Lux BioPure sells GHK-Cu in Canada strictly as a research-use-only chemical for laboratory study — it is not for human or veterinary use and is not offered as a drug, supplement, or cosmetic. Injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved, and most available evidence comes from topical and animal studies rather than human trials.
References
Comprehensive review showing GHK affects 31.2% of human genes, with 59% upregulated and 41% downregulated. Demonstrates broad regenerative potential across multiple tissue types.
View StudyGHK-Cu at 0.01-100 nM increased elastin and collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts. Demonstrates skin regeneration through multiple cellular pathways.
View StudyGHK resets genes of diseased cells to healthier states. Increases DNA repair genes (47 stimulated, 5 suppressed) and reverses COPD gene expression signature.
View Study