GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 (glycyl-histidyl-lysine copper complex)
A naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva and urine, which binds copper. It is one of the most widely used peptides in cosmetic skincare and is studied in skin cell and wound models.
Structure
A tripeptide that binds a copper(II) ion through the histidine and the N-terminal amine. The copper gives the powder its blue colour. Select any residue to see what it is.
Evidence at a glance
Where the published research on GHK-Cu comes from, by type of study.
Cell studies
Fibroblast cultures: collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and gene expression profiling.
Animal studies
Wound healing in rats, rabbits and pigs.
Human studies
Small topical studies of creams on skin appearance. No approved drug use.
Research areas
What laboratories have studied GHK-Cu for, and in which models. These are research questions, not proven uses.
Collagen and skin matrix
Dermal fibroblast culture- Increased collagen and elastin production in cultured fibroblasts.
- Changes in expression of many genes involved in tissue remodelling.
Wound healing
Rat and rabbit wounds- Faster wound contraction and new vessel growth in animal models.
Cosmetic formulation
Topical creams and serums- Small studies of skin firmness and fine lines after topical use.
- Formulation work on stability with other actives such as acids and vitamin C.
Legal status
GHK-Cu is a cosmetic ingredient in topical products. It is not an approved drug anywhere we cover.
United States Cosmetic only
Allowed in topical cosmetics without drug claims. Removed from FDA's Category 1 bulks list; an advisory review is due by February 2027.
United Kingdom Cosmetic only
Permitted in cosmetics under the UK Cosmetics Regulation when used topically without medicinal claims.
European Union Cosmetic only
Permitted in cosmetics under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 when used topically without medicinal claims.
Sport Not listed
Not named on the WADA list as a topical cosmetic ingredient. Check the current list for other routes.
Lab handling
General good practice for research materials. Follow the supplier's datasheet where it differs.
Storage
Keep the sealed material at −20 °C, dry and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation.
Solubility
Soluble in water, giving a blue solution. Add solvent down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.
Aliquots
Split solutions into single-use aliquots, label with lot number and date, and freeze. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Work out your stock solution
Stock concentration, molarity and dilutions for GHK-Cu, using MW 401.9 g/mol.
Before you buy for formulation work
Tick each check as you confirm it with the supplier. Do not order until all six are done.
- Vendor claim: every batch is tested by accredited third-party labs at 99%+ purity. We have not yet verified a COA for this product.
- No dosing on product pages, and no FDA warning letter found as of 27 October 2026.
- Why Caution: it does not pass check 4 above. Its shop sells a reconstitution kit with bacteriostatic water and insulin-style syringes, and a multi-dose injection pen described as for "precision dosing". Its blog also makes health and weight-loss claims we do not endorse, it sells GLP-1 research compounds, and it does not verify researchers. We link only to the individual research product page, and we are reviewing suppliers with cleaner catalogues.
Where to buy GHK-Cu for research: prices compared
Prices checked 28 October 2026 in US dollars, before discount codes and shipping. Price per mg lets you compare vial sizes. Current discount codes are on our True Peptides vs Validated Peptides comparison.
| Supplier | Vial | Price | Price per mg | Stock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Peptides | 50 mg | $40 | $0.800 | In stock | View |
| True Peptides | 100 mg | $60 | $0.600 | Out of stock | View |
| Validated Peptides | 50 mg | $29.99 | $0.600 | In stock | View |
| Validated PeptidesLowest per mg | 100 mg | $49.99 | $0.500 | In stock | View |
- Asks buyers to confirm in-vitro research use before entering the shop, and its affiliate rules ban dosing and human-use content.
- Vendor claim: HPLC and mass-spec testing on every lot, with a lot-matched COA database. We have not yet verified a COA for this product.
- No FDA warning letter found as of 28 October 2026.
- Why Caution: it also sells GLP-1 research compounds, and peptides outside our library such as PT-141 and Melanotan II.
- Shows the current lot's COA on the product page: 99.93% HPLC purity, lot GHKCU-50MG-BA-417. The report comes from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab, but the lab is not named on the page.
- 30-day refund on unopened vials. No FDA warning letter found as of 28 October 2026.
- Why Caution: it sells bacteriostatic water and GLP-1 research compounds, checks only age (21+) rather than research use, and its product descriptions make therapeutic claims we do not endorse.
Questions researchers ask
What is GHK-Cu?
A naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva and urine, which binds copper. It is one of the most widely used peptides in cosmetic skincare and is studied in skin cell and wound models.
What is the molecular weight of GHK-Cu?
About 401.9 g/mol for the free peptide. Salt forms such as acetate weigh more, so use the figure on your batch certificate of analysis.
Is GHK-Cu approved for human use?
GHK-Cu is permitted as a topical cosmetic ingredient but is not an approved drug. Allowed in topical cosmetics without drug claims. Removed from FDA's Category 1 bulks list; an advisory review is due by February 2027.
How should GHK-Cu be stored in the lab?
Keep the sealed material cold, dry and away from light, typically at −20 °C. Once in solution, split it into single-use aliquots and freeze to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Does this page give doses?
No. We publish laboratory and educational information only, never doses, injection guidance or treatment advice.
Is GHK-Cu legal?
Yes as a cosmetic ingredient. In the US, UK and EU it may be used in topical cosmetics that make no medicinal claims. It is not an approved drug, and FDA removed it from the Category 1 bulks list, with an advisory review due by February 2027.
What does GHK stand for?
GHK is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys), a tripeptide found naturally in human plasma. GHK-Cu is the same peptide bound to a copper(II) ion.
What is the molecular weight of GHK-Cu?
About 401.9 g/mol for the copper complex (C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄). The free GHK peptide without copper is about 340 g/mol.
GHK-Cu vs Matrixyl: what is the difference?
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide that occurs naturally in the body. Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is a synthetic, fatty-acid-linked fragment of collagen (KTTKS). Both are cosmetic ingredients studied for skin-matrix effects. See our Matrixyl profile or the full GHK-Cu vs Matrixyl comparison.
Is copper peptide the same as GHK-Cu?
In cosmetics, "copper peptide" almost always means GHK-Cu (INCI name: copper tripeptide-1), but some products use other copper peptides. Check the INCI list.
Is GHK-Cu banned by WADA?
GHK-Cu is not named on the WADA Prohibited List as a topical cosmetic ingredient. Athletes should check the current list for any non-topical use.
