GHK-Cu
Copper peptide researched for skin regeneration, collagen, and wound healing.
About:
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide researched for skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. Levels of the peptide decline with age, making it a focus of anti-aging research.
GHK-Cu: questions and evidence
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a copper complex of GHK, a peptide made from three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine. Early research examined this peptide's association with metals in plasma and its effects in cultured cells.
That describes a molecule and laboratory observations. It does not establish an anti-aging benefit in people.
What does research on copper peptide serum show?
In a 2006 randomized study, 13 patients completed a comparison of skin-care regimens with or without GHK-Cu after CO₂ laser resurfacing. Objective assessments found no significant between-group improvement in redness resolution, wrinkles or overall skin quality; patient-reported satisfaction was higher with GHK-Cu.
This small post-laser study does not answer whether every copper peptide serum works on untreated skin.
Are topical and injectable GHK-Cu interchangeable?
A study of a product applied to skin does not establish the effects or safety of injecting it. FDA's compounding safety page specifically identifies injectable GHK-Cu, citing potential immunogenicity from aggregation and peptide-related impurities, with limited human safety data.
That entry concerns compounded injectable drugs. It is not a test of topical cosmetics or a recommendation to use either route.
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What does this peptide do?
Studies explore its influence on extracellular matrix remodelling, antioxidant activity, and tissue repair. Reported benefits, side effects, and visible outcomes are common subjects of review.
Skin regeneration
Cell and animal studies link it to skin repair.
Collagen
Animal work reports increased collagen synthesis.
Wound healing
Wound-healing effects are reported in animal models.
Evidence grade
CHighest evidence grade among the graded claims: C. Grades reflect study strength, not benefit.
What are the benefits and side effects of this peptide
What research says it may help with
- Cell and animal studies link GHK-Cu to increased collagen synthesis and improved wound healing in animal models, and it occurs naturally as a copper-binding tripeptide in the human body.
Who should avoid it
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with active or suspected cancer, given GHK-Cu's proliferative and angiogenic mechanisms
- Children and adolescents, since no pediatric data were reviewed
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to copper or copper peptides
- Active skin infection or active malignancy at or near the application site
See the safety section. Absence of a flag is not evidence of safety.
A grade reflects evidence strength, not a recommendation to use this compound; a strong grade can attach to a harmful effect.
How to store this peptide
Available mainly as a topical cosmetic ingredient in creams and serums; store per product labeling. Any injectable use would require sterile reconstitution and single-use needles and syringes, though injectable protocols were not part of the sources reviewed here.
Lyophilized storage
Store at −20 °C, protected from light.
Reconstituted storage
Keep at 2–8 °C and use within a short period. For longer storage, aliquot and freeze at −20 °C.
Storage Handling
Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
Draw the exact dose, every time
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