GHK-Cu
Three amino acids forming a cage into which exactly one copper ion fits. That copper is the working part.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Tripeptide with a copper ion |
| Origin | Discovered in human blood plasma, 1973 |
| Research field | Skin, collagen, wound healing, ageing |
| Research status | Preclinical; widely used cosmetically |
| Appearance | Blue powder, blue solution |
What it is
Glycine, histidine and lysine, with a copper ion between them. Its level in human blood falls with age, which gave the peptide its place in ageing research alongside the skin work it came from.
How it works
The enzymes that knot collagen and elastin together need copper. GHK-Cu delivers that copper where it is needed. Effects on gene expression are also described, with the peptide said to influence a large number of genes at once.
What the research shows
In cosmetic research this is one of the better supported peptides; it appears in countless skincare products. For the broader claims around ageing and tissue repair the evidence is preclinical.
Research status
Preclinical as a research compound. Cosmetic use on skin falls under different rules from research compounds.
Practical
The blue colour is a free quality check: faded or cloudy means the complex has come apart. Store dark and look at the colour before use.
This site is made by the team behind Apex Bio Research, a Dutch supplier of research peptides with a certificate of analysis per batch.
Visit the shopThis site explains what the scientific literature says about peptides. It is not medical advice and not a set of instructions. The substances discussed here are research compounds: they are not approved for use in humans or animals. If you have a health question, see a doctor.
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