GHK-Cu

Overview

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of a human tripeptide found in plasma. It is a well-established topical cosmetic ingredient for photoaged skin and is NOT an FDA-approved drug.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu acts as a copper delivery vehicle, supporting cuproenzymes (lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase, cytochrome c oxidase), stimulating dermal fibroblast activity and synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, and producing broad transcriptional effects that upregulate DNA repair and antioxidant genes while downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways.

Research Summary

GHK was identified in human plasma by Pickart in 1973 and characterized as a copper-binding tripeptide in Nature in 1980 (PMID 7453802). Controlled topical studies in photoaged human skin have shown improvements in skin appearance and density with ~2% formulations. Pickart's 2014 review 'GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health' (PMID 25302294) and 2018 Int J Mol Sci review 'Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data' (PMID 29986520) summarize transcriptomic data showing modulation of thousands of genes involved in tissue repair, DNA repair, antioxidant defense, and anti-inflammation. The SubQ protocols circulating in the peptide community (typically 1-2 mg) are not supported by controlled human trials.

Vendors selling GHK-Cu

Scored vendors carrying GHK-Cu, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer GHK-Cu

268 prescribers in our directory work with GHK-Cu, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like GHK-Cu require a prescription from a licensed provider.

Reported Side Effects

• Local irritation or erythema (topical)
• Injection site reactions (SubQ)
• Theoretical risk of copper overload with sustained high-dose exposure

Biomarkers researchers track for GHK-Cu

These biomarkers appear in the research literature as measures of response and safety for this compound.

Related Peptides

Research Guides

• Cheapest verified GHK-Cu: live prices, vendors & COA data

Compare GHK-Cu with Others

Research References

• Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015. PMID 26236730. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26236730/
• Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018. PMID 29986520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29986520/
• Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:151479. PMID 25302294. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25302294/

Frequently asked questions

Has GHK-Cu been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 225 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for GHK-Cu from 17 independent testing labs. 53 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.6% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/ghk-cu/testing.

What is the average purity of GHK-Cu on the market?

Based on 225 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, GHK-Cu products average 99.6% (±1.4%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/ghk-cu/coas.

Which labs have tested GHK-Cu?

Independent labs that have tested GHK-Cu include: ILS Labs (Grade A). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source GHK-Cu?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list GHK-Cu, including Glacier Aminos, Voltera Sciences, Peptide Partners. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/ghk-cu.

Which prescribers offer GHK-Cu with a prescription?

268 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with GHK-Cu, each confirmed from their own website. GHK-Cu requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=GHK-Cu.

How does GHK-Cu work?

GHK-Cu acts as a copper delivery vehicle, supporting cuproenzymes (lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase, cytochrome c oxidase), stimulating dermal fibroblast activity and synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, and producing broad transcriptional effects that upregulate DNA repair and antioxidant genes while downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways.

What does the research say about GHK-Cu?

GHK was identified in human plasma by Pickart in 1973 and characterized as a copper-binding tripeptide in Nature in 1980 (PMID 7453802). Controlled topical studies in photoaged human skin have shown improvements in skin appearance and density with ~2% formulations. Pickart's 2014 review 'GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health' (PMID 25302294) and 2018 Int J Mol Sci review 'Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data' (PMID 29986520) summarize transcriptomic data showing modulation of thousands of genes involved in tissue repair, DNA repair, antioxidant defense, and anti-inflammation. The SubQ protocols circulating in the peptide community (typically 1-2 mg) are not supported by controlled human trials.