GHK-Cu, often called the copper peptide, is one of the most widely investigated peptides in research on skin, collagen and tissue remodelling. Here we look at its structure and at what studies have examined.
Key points
- GHK-Cu is a tripeptide (glycine–histidine–lysine) bound to a copper ion.
- It occurs naturally in the body, and its levels are reported to decline with age.
- Research has looked at collagen production, tissue repair and the balance of substances within skin tissue.
- Laboratory findings are not the same as established conclusions; the compound is supplied for research only.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a very short peptide made of just three amino acids — glycine, histidine and lysine — complexed with a copper ion. It is present naturally in the body, and the observation that its levels fall as we get older has made it a subject of interest in research on tissue regeneration and ageing biology.
What has been investigated?
Studies have explored GHK-Cu in relation to:
- collagen production;
- tissue repair processes;
- the balance of substances within skin tissue.
Copper is involved in a great many biological processes, so the peptide’s copper component has also led researchers to examine it in the context of cellular signalling.
Why it features in cosmetic research
A small, stable peptide paired with copper has made GHK-Cu a common subject in cosmetic-science research. As ever, laboratory observations should not be mistaken for proven outcomes, and our material is sold for research use only.
Frequently asked questions
Why copper?
The copper ion is an integral part of the molecule and of the activity researchers study — it is not an incidental extra.
In what form is it supplied?
As a powder, which is usually reconstituted in the laboratory with bacteriostatic water. Our peptide calculator can help with concentration arithmetic.
Where are the product details?
See the GHK-Cu product page and the GLOW research blend. For a wider introduction, read our guide to peptides.
Research use only
All Evil Peptides products are supplied strictly as reference materials for laboratory research. They are not medicines, are not intended for human or veterinary use, and nothing in this article should be read as medical advice or as a claim about effects in people.