Copper tripeptide
GHK-CU
Copper-binding tripeptide studied for matrix remodelling
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide - glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine - complexed with copper(II). It was isolated from human plasma in 1973 and is unusual among research peptides in having a long, well-documented research history in matrix biology.
Plasma levels decline substantially with age, which is the observation most of the anti-aging framing is built on. It is also a recognised cosmetic ingredient under the INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1, where the route of application is topical.
Mechanism
Collagen and elastin synthesis
In-vitro work reports increased synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans by fibroblasts, which is the core of its matrix-remodelling reputation.
Copper delivery
The copper ion is not incidental - the complex acts as a delivery vehicle, and many observed effects depend on the copper being present.
Gene expression
Broad transcriptional changes have been reported in cell culture, spanning antioxidant and inflammatory pathways, though the breadth of these findings is itself a reason for caution.
Research status
Human evidence is almost entirely for topical application in cosmetic and wound-care settings. The injectable route has not been studied in human trials, so published in-vitro findings should not be extrapolated to it. Because the complex delivers copper, copper-related conditions are a specific research consideration.
Verifying a batch
- 01GHK and GHK-Cu are not interchangeable - confirm the certificate specifies the copper complex, not the bare tripeptide.
- 02The copper content is part of identity testing, not just purity.
- 03Blends containing GHK-Cu are usually the largest component by mass, so ratio errors show up as large absolute differences.
Search lab reports for this compound →How purity is tested →
Questions
Is GHK-Cu the same as the cosmetic ingredient Copper Tripeptide-1?+
Yes, that is the same molecule. Cosmetic use is topical; the research use discussed here is a different route with different evidence.
Why is it always the biggest part of a blend?+
Blend ratios follow the amounts studied per compound rather than equal parts, so a 70mg GLOW vial is typically 50mg GHK-Cu with 10mg each of the other two.
Related compounds
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All compounds listed here are supplied for laboratory research use only and are not medicines, supplements, or products for human consumption.