GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide widely used in topical skincare for collagen support and wound repair. It has more human (mostly topical, cosmetic) data than many peptides.
Quick take
- What it is: a small naturally occurring peptide that binds copper, found in plasma, saliva and urine.
- What people use it for: topical skincare — collagen support, skin firmness and wound healing.
- What we actually know: reasonable human data for topical cosmetic benefits; injectable/systemic use is far less studied.
- Status: used widely in cosmetics; not a regulated drug for medical claims.
What it is
GHK-Cu is a small, naturally occurring peptide (the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that binds copper. It is found in human plasma, saliva and urine, and its levels decline with age. In skincare it is known as copper tripeptide-1.1
Unlike many peptides discussed online, GHK-Cu is used primarily topically in cosmetic products rather than by injection, and it has a comparatively larger base of human cosmetic research.
How it works
GHK-Cu is thought to support skin repair by delivering copper — a cofactor important for collagen and elastin synthesis — and by influencing genes involved in tissue remodeling, antioxidant defense and wound healing.1,2
What the evidence shows
For topical cosmetic use, there is a moderate body of laboratory and human data suggesting GHK-Cu can improve the appearance of aging skin, support collagen, and aid wound healing.2 Evidence quality varies and many studies are small or industry-linked.
Evidence for injectable or systemic GHK-Cu is much thinner, and the cosmetic data should not be assumed to transfer to those routes.
Dosages reported in the literature
Informational only. GHK-Cu is most studied as a topical cosmetic ingredient. Concentration and formulation matter more than a single “dose,” and this section is not a recommendation.
| Setting | Route | Reported range |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic skincare | Topical | Commonly formulated at roughly 0.05–2% in creams and serums |
| Systemic / injectable | Injection | Not well established; limited data |
Safety & side effects
Topical GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated; the most common issues are mild local irritation and the practical challenge of formulating copper peptides stably. Systemic or injectable use is less studied, so its safety profile by those routes is less certain.
Legal & regulatory status
GHK-Cu is used widely as a cosmetic ingredient. Cosmetic products may not legally make drug-level medical claims without appropriate approval, and any product marketed for injection would fall under stricter rules. Regulations vary by country.
References
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987. [PMID 29986520, doi:10.3390/ijms19071987]
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108. [PMID 26236730, doi:10.1155/2015/648108]