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GHK-Cu

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) complex

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide extensively studied in preclinical models of skin remodelling, wound healing, and gene expression modulation.

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Molecular weight
340.81 Da (Cu complex)
Sequence
GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysyl)
Synonyms
Copper peptide GHK, Tripeptide-1 copper, GHK copper

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide that occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Its concentration in plasma declines with age. The molecule binds copper(II) with high affinity and a substantial body of preclinical literature has examined its activity in fibroblast culture, wound models, and skin biology.

Mechanism of action (preclinical evidence)

The biological activity of GHK-Cu hinges on its high-affinity copper(II) binding. The tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine coordinates a single copper atom through its histidine imidazole nitrogen and the N-terminal amine, forming a square-planar complex that has distinct conformational and electronic properties from the free peptide. This copper coordination is essential for nearly all of GHK-Cu's reported activities and likely modifies how it interacts with cellular targets. Preclinical mechanistic studies have shown that GHK-Cu modulates expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling - notably MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) - shifting the balance toward synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans in dermal fibroblast cultures. The complex has also been associated with antioxidant activity, both directly (the copper center participates in redox cycling) and indirectly (modulating SOD and glutathione-related enzymes). In hair follicle models, GHK-Cu has been linked to dermal papilla cell proliferation and modulation of genes in the Wnt and FGF signaling pathways. The peptide's mechanism extends beyond receptor-mediated effects: by acting as a copper-delivery vector to cells with otherwise tight copper homeostasis, it can influence copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, dopamine β-hydroxylase) that drive matrix crosslinking and neurotransmitter biosynthesis.

Research applications

  • Dermal fibroblast culture studies (collagen synthesis)
  • Wound healing models (full-thickness skin injury)
  • Hair follicle biology and dermal papilla cultures
  • Anti-oxidant and gene-expression modulation in vitro
  • Cosmetic formulation research

Storage and handling

Store lyophilised GHK-Cu at -20 °C. The copper complex is sensitive to light and oxidation - keep vials sealed and protected. Reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored short-term at 2-8 °C in the dark.

Deep dive

Read the full research guide for GHK-Cu to

Mechanism, trial data, sourcing criteria, and verified CoA.

Regulatory status

GHK-Cu has been used historically as a cosmetic ingredient under tripeptide-1 nomenclature, but research-grade material is supplied for laboratory work only. Not approved as a drug by the FDA or EMA.

Order GHK-Cu for research

Purity data where applicable · CoA available where applicable · EU shipping

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Frequently asked questions

What is GHK-Cu and what is the copper for?+
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that binds copper(II) ions with high affinity, forming a characteristic copper complex. The copper is essential to most of GHK's reported biological activity - it modifies the peptide's conformation and enables interactions with extracellular matrix enzymes, growth factor receptors, and antioxidant defense pathways in preclinical research.
Is GHK-Cu the same as the copper peptide in cosmetics?+
Yes - 'copper tripeptide-1' (CTP-1) on cosmetic ingredient labels is GHK-Cu. It has been used as a cosmetic ingredient since the 1980s. However, the research-grade material sold by Peptra Labs is for laboratory study only, not for topical or therapeutic use.
What does GHK-Cu research focus on?+
Preclinical literature reports GHK-Cu activity in fibroblast cultures (collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan synthesis), wound healing models, hair follicle biology, antioxidant modulation, and gene expression studies. It has been described to upregulate genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling.
How should GHK-Cu be stored?+
Lyophilized GHK-Cu must be kept sealed at -20°C, protected from light - the copper complex is photosensitive and prone to oxidation. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored short-term at 2-8°C in the dark. Always check for color change (browning indicates degradation).
Is GHK-Cu approved as a drug?+
No. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as a drug for any indication. It has cosmetic ingredient status in many jurisdictions but no therapeutic approval. Peptra Labs supplies it strictly for laboratory research.

References

  1. Pickart L, et al. The Tripeptide GHK-Cu and Resetting of Genes Involved in Tissue Remodeling. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:151479.
  2. Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988.

Last reviewed: 4 May 2026