GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Also known as: Copper peptide
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in skincare and studied for wound healing and skin remodeling.
Overview
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide present in human plasma that declines with age. It is one of the better-studied cosmetic peptides, with research on skin remodeling, collagen production, and wound healing. It is used topically in many approved cosmetic products, though it is not an approved drug for systemic use.
Mechanism of action
Delivers copper and modulates genes involved in tissue remodeling, stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and supporting wound repair.
Key studies & citations
- Review2015
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
GHK is present in plasma and declines with age; as a copper complex it stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates metalloproteinases and accelerates wound healing in animal models, with cosmetic studies reporting firmer skin and fewer wrinkles.
BioMed Research International - In vitro1988
Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+
GHK-Cu stimulated fibroblast collagen synthesis from picomolar concentrations, maximal at 1 nM, independent of cell number.
FEBS Letters - Animal2000
Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+)
Repeated GHK-Cu injections into rat wound chambers increased wound tissue, type I collagen and glycosaminoglycan production.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Frequently asked questions
Is GHK-Cu safe in skincare?
Copper peptides are widely used topically in cosmetic formulations. Systemic or injected use is not an approved application and is far less studied.