Pep Grading
United StatesEffects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin.
GHK-Cu offered no significant reduction in erythema or wrinkles but improved patient satisfaction.
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First discovered by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973, plasma levels average 200 ng/mL at age 20 but decline to ~80 ng/mL by age 60. It has been extensively studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin regeneration, and gene modulation, with decades of cosmetic use and a broad safety profile. Molecular weight is approximately 340 g/mol (as the copper complex), with the formula C14H24N6O4Cu.
Skin & Tissue RepairCopper-GHK SignallingSkin HealthAnti-AgingWound Healing
- Vendors
- 20 vendors
- Sizes
- 50 mg – 100 mg
- Intake
- Topical Creams and Serums
Typical dose
0.5-2%
Once or twice daily
Route
Subcutaneous
Injection: Once or twice daily. Topical: Apply to clean skin morning and/or night.
Cycle
12-16 weeks
Typical duration
Storage
Room temp
Follow vendor guidance
Marketplace
Vendor listings
20 offers for GHK-Cu
| Vendor | Price | Rating | Shipping | COA | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bionova Peptides
| $17.50 $35.00 $0.35/mg −50% | No reviews | 1–3 days United States | 1 file | |
Renova Peptides
| $18.00 $0.18/mg | No reviews | 3–5 days United States | 1 file | |
Amino Club
| $19.49 $29.99 $0.39/mg −35% | No reviews | 1–4 days United States | 1 file | |
idunpeptides
| $19.99 $0.40/mg | No reviews | 3–7 days United States, United Kingdom +1 | 1 file | |
HLX LABS
| $24.98 $34.99 $0.50/mg −28.6% | No reviews | 2–5 days United States | 1 file | |
Crownwell Research
| $29.00 $0.58/mg | No reviews | 1-5 days United States | 2 files | |
Reta One Labs
| $29.00 $0.58/mg | No reviews | 2 days United States | 2 files | |
Biologix Labs
| $29.99 $39.99 $0.60/mg −25% | No reviews | 2 Days United States, Canada | 1 file |
What the research reports
Reported research benefits.
Outcomes described across the published literature and ongoing study, not promised results. Read each as research context, not a personal guarantee.
01
Collagen production
02
Wound healing
03
Skin rejuvenation
04
Anti-aging skin research
05
Hair follicle support
Dosage and protocol
How it is typically studied.
GHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide used topically for skin/hair and via injection for systemic effects. Injection doses typically range from 1-4mg daily. Short half-life (minutes to hours when injected).
01 Route
Subcutaneous, Topical, Microneedling
02 Example range
1-2mg
03 Frequency
Once or twice daily
04 Timing
Injection: Once or twice daily. Topical: Apply to clean skin morning and/or night.
Educational reference only. Use clinician guidance for dosing decisions.
Evidence
What the studies actually show.
Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction.
GHK-Cu improved knee laxity at 6 weeks post-ACLR in rats but effects did not persist.
Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu(2+) rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway.
GHK-Cu rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via SIRT1 activation in mice and human cell models.
Golgi-targeted copper delivery strategy via enhancing copper-dependent proteins' activity for fascia regeneration.
Golgi-targeted copper delivery enhanced LOX activity 1.78-fold and promoted fascia regeneration in rabbit models.
The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu(2+) tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6.
GHK-Cu attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6 and reducing oxidative stress.
Interactions
How it pairs with other peptides.
BPC-157
Synergistic for tissue remodeling. Both promote wound healing through different mechanisms.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is one of the most researched peptides for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and collagen production. The copper complex enhances its biological activity.