GHK-Cu vs Matrixyl: two cosmetic peptides compared
GHK-Cu and Matrixyl are the two peptides most often found in anti-ageing skincare, and they are frequently compared. One is a copper-binding tripeptide that occurs naturally in the body; the other is a synthetic, fatty-acid-linked collagen fragment. Both are cosmetic ingredients, not approved drugs.
- GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is Gly-His-Lys bound to copper, first isolated from human plasma.
- Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is the collagen fragment KTTKS with a palmitic acid tail to help it enter skin.
- Both are permitted in topical cosmetics in the US, UK and EU when sold without medicinal claims.
- Matrixyl 3000 is a different product: a blend of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
Side-by-side comparison
| GHK-Cu | Matrixyl | |
|---|---|---|
| INCI name | Copper tripeptide-1 | Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺ | Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser |
| Molecular weight | ≈401.9 g/mol (copper complex) | 802.05 g/mol |
| Origin | Natural tripeptide in human plasma, saliva and urine | Synthetic fragment of type I procollagen |
| Ingredient class | Carrier/signal peptide | Signal peptide |
| Main research areas | Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, wound models, gene-expression studies | Collagen stimulation in fibroblasts, small cosmetic studies on wrinkles |
| Regulatory status | Cosmetic ingredient; not an approved drug. FDA advisory review of the bulk substance due by Feb 2027 | Cosmetic ingredient; not an approved drug |
| WADA | Not listed as a topical cosmetic ingredient | Not listed as a topical cosmetic ingredient |
How the evidence compares
Both have a body of laboratory work and a smaller number of cosmetic studies, many funded by ingredient makers. Neither has the depth of evidence behind retinoids. Treat percentage-improvement claims on product labels with caution and look for the study design behind them.
Sourcing for research
For laboratory work, ask for a lot-specific COA with HPLC purity and mass-spec identity; see our COA guide. Profiles: GHK-Cu and Matrixyl.
Frequently asked questions
Is GHK-Cu better than Matrixyl?
They work through different proposed mechanisms and neither has strong head-to-head evidence, so one cannot be called better. They are often used together in cosmetic formulas.
Is Matrixyl a copper peptide?
No. Matrixyl is palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, a collagen fragment with no copper.
What is the difference between Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000?
Matrixyl is palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. Matrixyl 3000 is a blend of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
Are GHK-Cu and Matrixyl legal?
Yes, as topical cosmetic ingredients sold without medicinal claims in the US, UK and EU. Neither is an approved drug.