# GHK-Cu

> Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide widely studied in skin and hair biology.

- Also known as: Copper Peptide, Tripeptide-1 Copper, Copper Tripeptide-1
- Class: Cosmetic, Healing & Repair
- FDA approved: No
- Canonical page: https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/ghk-cu

## Overview

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, an endogenous fragment first isolated from human plasma. Reported to modulate ECM remodeling, fibroblast activity, and antioxidant defense.

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973. The free GHK sequence binds copper with high affinity, and the resulting complex is generally regarded as the biologically active species. Plasma GHK is highest in early adulthood and declines with age, which has motivated long-standing interest in its role in tissue maintenance and repair.

Because copper is a cofactor for enzymes involved in extracellular-matrix (ECM) remodeling and antioxidant defense, much of the research framing treats GHK-Cu as a signaling and copper-delivery molecule rather than a simple nutrient source. It is one of the most extensively studied "copper peptides" in the dermatologic and wound-healing literature and is widely used as a topical cosmetic ingredient under the INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1.

## Mechanism

Copper delivery, ECM gene modulation, antioxidant pathway activation.

## Chemistry

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 401.9 Da |
| CAS number | 49557-75-7 |
| PubChem CID | [139035031](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/139035031) |

## Sequence

```
GHK
```

## Research areas

Studied in: Skin aging, Hair follicle biology, Wound healing.

Guides on this site:

- [Wound Healing & Tissue Repair](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/wound-healing): Regenerative peptides studied for soft-tissue, tendon, and vascular repair.
- [Skin & Hair](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/skin-hair): Peptides studied for skin aging, pigmentation, and hair follicle biology.

## Key research

- Extracellular-matrix remodeling — studied for effects on collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan, and decorin synthesis in dermal fibroblast models.
- Wound healing & angiogenesis — investigated for fibroblast activation and new-vessel formation in tissue-repair models.
- Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory signaling — reported to modulate oxidative-stress and inflammatory pathways.
- Hair-follicle biology — examined for effects on follicle size and the growth (anagen) phase.
- Gene expression — a widely cited transcriptomic analysis (originating from Loren Pickart's work) reported GHK can shift the expression of a large set of human genes, often framed as a move toward a more youthful profile.
- Compared to other copper / collagen peptides — GHK-Cu is the most-studied for skin remodeling; AHK-Cu is oriented toward the hair follicle, while Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) stimulates collagen via matrikine signaling and contains no copper.

## Storage, handling & synthesis

**Storage.** Lyophilized: store frozen and protected from light. Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within weeks; copper complexes are light- and oxidation-sensitive.

**Handling.** Reconstitute gently; protect from light and air, since the copper(II) complex is prone to oxidation. The characteristic blue color indicates copper binding but is not a substitute for assay.

## FAQs

### What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), first isolated from human plasma. The copper-bound form is considered the active species in most research.

### What is GHK-Cu studied for?

Research focuses on skin remodeling (collagen and elastin), wound healing and angiogenesis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling, and hair-follicle biology. It is a reference compound in the "copper peptide" literature.

### Why does it contain copper?

The GHK tripeptide binds copper(II) with high affinity, and copper is a cofactor for matrix-remodeling and antioxidant enzymes — so the complex is studied as both a signaling molecule and a copper-delivery vehicle.

### Is GHK-Cu the same as the copper peptides used in skincare?

Yes — cosmetic "copper peptide" ingredients are typically GHK-Cu (INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1), applied topically. This page is a research and educational reference, not a product or usage recommendation.

## Latest research

Recent trials and publications mentioning GHK-Cu, pulled automatically from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed (unfiltered search results, refreshed daily).

### Recent trials

- [Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07437586) — RECRUITING · PHASE2 · NCT07437586
- [Trial Assessing the Impact on Facial Skin Quality, Hydration, and Skin Barrier of Three (3) Hydrafacial Treatments in Adults of All Skin Types.](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05932732) — COMPLETED · PHASE4 · NCT05932732

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Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/ghk-cu
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.