PeptideFederation

Copper-binding tripeptide

GHK-Cu

Also known as Copper tripeptide-1, Copper peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

Early human data

Summary

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva and urine. Plasma levels fall with age. It is widely used in topical skincare and has been studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis and skin remodelling, with most evidence from cell, animal and small cosmetic studies.

Structure

  1. G1
  2. H2
  3. K3

HydrophobicGly / ProPolarBasic (+)Acidic (−)

Glycine–histidine–lysine bound to a copper(II) ion. Gives solutions a distinctive blue colour.

How it works

GHK delivers copper to cells and influences the expression of a large number of genes. A gene-expression analysis found it reversed a pattern associated with emphysema-related lung destruction and restored TGF-β-driven tissue remodelling in lung fibroblasts. It stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and attracts immune and endothelial cells to injury sites.

Research use cases

Areas where GHK-Cu has been studied. Inclusion here does not mean it works for that purpose.

  • Topical anti-ageing and skin remodelling formulations
  • Wound healing and scalp/hair follicle models
  • Gene expression and tissue remodelling studies
  • Lung fibroblast and COPD models

What the research found

Gene expression

Using the Connectivity Map, researchers identified GHK as a compound that reversed the gene-expression signature of emphysematous lung tissue and restored collagen remodelling in fibroblasts from COPD patients.1

Skin regeneration review

A review by Pickart, who first isolated GHK in 1973, summarizes cosmetic studies reporting improvements in skin density, firmness and fine lines with topical GHK-Cu, while noting that many were small and industry-sponsored.2

Age-related decline

Plasma GHK levels have been reported to fall from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to about 80 ng/mL by age 60.3

Safety and open questions

Topical use has a long cosmetic track record. Injectable use has not been studied in controlled trials. Copper overload is a theoretical concern with large systemic amounts.

Regulatory status

Used in cosmetic products (as copper tripeptide-1). Not approved as a drug. Named in the February 2026 HHS announcement on compounding peptides.

Status was accurate when this page was last reviewed on October 26, 2026. Regulations change; check with the relevant authority before relying on it.

GHK-Cu: common questions

Why is GHK-Cu blue?

The colour comes from the copper(II) ion bound to the peptide. A blue reconstituted solution is expected; a colourless one suggests the copper complex is missing.

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?

GHK is the tripeptide alone. GHK-Cu is the same peptide bound to copper, which is the form found in the body and used in most research.

Is GHK-Cu approved for human use?

Used in cosmetic products (as copper tripeptide-1). Not approved as a drug. Named in the February 2026 HHS announcement on compounding peptides.

References

  1. Campbell JD, McDonough JE, Zeskind JE, et al. (2012). A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK. Genome Medicine.
  2. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. (2015). GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International.
  3. Pickart L, Margolina A. (2018). Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Links open a PubMed search for the exact title, or the original source where one is given.