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GHK-Cu

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Summary

Copper Peptide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human blood that has been studied for wound healing and skin health. Research has looked at how it affects collagen production and tissue repair. It's most commonly used in topical skin care products, though injectable forms are also studied in research settings.

Current Research
  • Skin regeneration and collagen synthesis
  • Wound healing models
  • Anti-inflammatory pathways in connective tissue
Identification
CAS
89030-95-5
Formula
C14H24N6O4Cu
M.W.
451.39 g/mol

Key Research Statistics

Regeneration & Anti-Aging

55.8%Wrinkle Volume Reduction12-week RCT — 71 women, GHK-Cu vs Matrixyl (31.6%)
4,000+Genes Modulated31.2% of human genome — including 47 DNA repair + 14 antioxidant genes
40+ yrsSafety Track RecordCosmetic use history — <0.1% serious AEs, zero copper toxicity at therapeutic doses
Collagen Synthesis vs Gold-Standard Compounds
1-month in vitro comparison
GHK-Cu70%
Vitamin C50%
Retinoic Acid40%
Matrixyl30%
In vitro fibroblast studies

Need-to-Know

  • Room Temperature (Lyophilized): 4-8 weeks
  • Refrigerated (Reconstituted): 14-21 days
  • Frozen (Lyophilized): Refrigerate only
  • Reconstitution Solution: Bacteriostatic water, Sterile water
  • Appearance: Blue powder

Regulatory Status

Not FDA-approvedInvestigationalPreclinical

Copper peptide in research for tissue repair and regeneration.

Sources: FDA.gov, CIR

History

1970s
Discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart in blood plasma; made old cells act younger; structure identified in 1977.
1980s
Studies showed it speeds wound healing and helps skin grafts take.
1990s
Research on collagen production and skin repair.
2000s
Widely adopted in anti-aging skincare products.
2010s
Research on anti-cancer and anti-oxidant effects.
2020s
Common in cosmetics worldwide; ongoing skin research; Dr. Pickart passed away in 2023.

3D Structure

3-amino-acid peptide · 451.39 g/mol

Interactive model
GHK-Cu molecule previewExplore 3D Structure

GHK-Cu at the Cellular Level

Copper peptide

Mechanism
GHK-Cu cellular mechanism preview

GHK-Cu in the Body

Copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys)

Skin & Connective
GHK-Cu in the Body

Research Library

Peer-reviewed studies

From Published Literature

"GHK‑Cu alleviated weight loss, improved the disease activity index, suppressed inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, IL‑6, IL‑1β), and promoted mucosal repair."

Dr. Mao SPeer-reviewed Journal
Verify on PubMed