ghk-cu

ghk-cu (also known as GHK-Cu or Copper tripeptide-1) is a therapeutically researched peptide studied for its effects on skin and hair, healing, tissue repair. Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) that declines with age. Stimulates collagen, wound healing, and hair growth with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Used topically in cosmetics (Copper Tripeptide-1); deeper regenerative effects are mostly preclinical. Not an approved drug.

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma levels are roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20 and decline to around 80 ng/mL by age 60, a fall that parallels the body's reduced regenerative capacity with age. The peptide has very high affinity for copper(II) ions and spontaneously assembles into the GHK-Cu complex, the form that carries most of its biological activity.

Overview

Research describes roles in skin remodeling and wound healing, stimulation of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, angiogenesis, and hair follicle stimulation.

Gene-expression studies report that GHK can shift the activity of a large number of human genes toward a healthier, younger profile.

It is used most widely as a topical cosmetic ingredient (INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1) in anti-aging and wound-care products, and is also used experimentally by injection in the research-peptide community.

GHK-Cu is not an approved drug; the strongest human data come from small topical cosmetic trials, while regenerative and protective effects beyond the skin are supported mainly by cell and animal studies.

Mechanism of action

Copper-binding tripeptide that supports skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and hair growth, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Used topically in cosmetics; deeper effects remain investigational.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

• Recent clinical reviews identify GHK-Cu as a dermal regeneration and skin rejuvenation agent targeting age-related tissue decline. ^[4][5] Preclinical
• In a small randomized trial (n=13) after CO2 laser resurfacing, topical GHK-Cu produced significantly higher patient satisfaction for overall skin quality improvement (P=0.04), though objective measures of erythema and wrinkles did not differ significantly between groups. ^[1] Phase II
• Intra-articular GHK-Cu transiently improved knee laxity and graft stiffness at six weeks following ACL reconstruction in rats, though benefits did not persist at twelve weeks once treatment was discontinued. ^[2] Preclinical
• GHK-Cu reduced cigarette-smoke-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness in mice via SIRT1-Nrf2-FoxO3a signaling, and plasma GHK levels are significantly lower in COPD patients than in healthy controls. ^[3] Preclinical

Evidence grades: FDA approved Phase III Phase II Phase I Preclinical Anecdotal

Dosage and administration

Topical

• 1-3% GHK-Cu serums or creams applied to skin or scalp

Cosmetic wound and skin formulations are the only human

• tested route

General

• Injectable use is experimental and not clinically established

Account for total copper load when combining with other copper

• containing products

Natty status

ghk-cu is generally regarded as compatible with the natty designation, particularly when used for therapeutic healing purposes. Opinions vary across natural bodybuilding federations, and athletes who compete should consult the rulebook of their respective sanctioning body.^[6]

Research

The peptide has been the subject of 5 studies and reference works collected on this site. The full bibliography is in § External links below.

Related compounds

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

References

1. ^ Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin (RCT, Arch Facial Plast Surg 2006)
2. ^ Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu transiently improves tendon healing (animal model, J Orthop Res 2015)
3. ^ GHK-Cu rescues cigarette-smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction (preclinical, J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023)
4. ^ Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. Recent review
5. ^ Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging. Recent review
6. ^ a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.