GHK-Cu
Also: copper tripeptide-1, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
Summary
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring three-amino-acid peptide bound to copper. It is found in human plasma, saliva and urine, and its concentration declines with age. It is long-established as a cosmetic skincare ingredient, which makes it unusual among the substances on this site.
What it targets
The primary animal evidence is a 1993 study in which wire mesh chambers implanted under the skin of rats were injected repeatedly with GHK-Cu or saline, and the contents analysed for collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, protein, DNA and specific messenger RNAs; the authors reported that the copper complex stimulated connective tissue accumulation. A 2018 review by the peptide's principal investigator collects the gene-expression data and reports effects on blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and dermal fibroblast function, along with a wide range of further claims. A 2026 preprint reported effects in middle-aged mice given the peptide by injection; it is labelled a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed.
Clinical Research
Suppliers stocking GHK-Cu
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