What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys complexed with copper) studied in preclinical skin, collagen, and wound-healing research. It is not an FDA-approved drug.
The short answer
GHK-Cu pairs the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) with a copper(II) ion. The GHK sequence occurs naturally in human plasma, where its concentration declines with age. In research it is studied as a copper-delivery peptide associated with skin remodeling, collagen signaling, and wound-healing models — which is why it is the most-studied 'copper peptide' in cosmetic science literature.
Composition and specifications
| Compound | GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide) |
|---|---|
| Class | Copper-binding tripeptide complex |
| Also known as | Copper tripeptide-1 · CAS 49557-75-7 |
| Sequence / length | Gly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺ (GHK-Cu) |
| CAS number | 49557-75-7 |
| Molecular weight | ~404 g/mol (Cu complex) |
| Purity (typical) | ≥99.2% |
| Appearance | Blue lyophilized powder (copper complex); water-soluble |
Values above reflect the compound's published specification. As with any research material, the definitive confirmation of identity and purity for a given lot is the mass-spectrometry and HPLC data on its Certificate of Analysis.
How it is described mechanistically
GHK-Cu is characterized in research as a copper carrier and signaling peptide. Studies associate it with modulation of extracellular-matrix genes, collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and antioxidant-associated activity in skin and connective-tissue models. The copper ion is central to much of this proposed activity.
What has research examined?
Published GHK-Cu work spans cell, tissue, and cosmetic-science research. Areas examined include:
- Collagen- and extracellular-matrix-associated signaling
- Skin-remodeling and wound-healing research models
- Hair-follicle research models
- Antioxidant- and copper-transport-associated activity
These describe research directions in laboratory and cosmetic-science models, not demonstrated human treatment effects.
How is it characterized and tested?
Two questions matter most about any peptide sample in a research context: is it the right molecule, and how pure is it. Those are answered by analytical testing — commonly mass spectrometry for identity and HPLC for purity — with both reported on a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). An independent, published COA lets a researcher confirm identity and purity before beginning work. See peptide handling and storage for how samples are kept stable once received.
Primary literature: browse peer-reviewed studies on GHK-Cu at PubMed.
Common questions
What is GHK-Cu used for in research?
It is studied in skin-remodeling, collagen, wound-healing, and hair-follicle research models, largely because the GHK sequence is a naturally occurring copper carrier in plasma. These are research directions, not treatment claims.
Is GHK-Cu the same as a copper peptide serum?
GHK-Cu is the active copper-tripeptide compound that cosmetic 'copper peptide' products are formulated around. The research-grade material offered here is the raw compound for laboratory use, not a finished cosmetic product.
Is GHK-Cu approved for human use?
No. GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug. Research-grade material is for laboratory research use only.