Cosmetic & Skin

Limited Research

GHK-Cu

Copper-binding tripeptide complex.

Also known as: Copper Tripeptide-1, Gly-His-Lys Copper

Research dose range1–2 mg (research models) or topical formulations

Route studiedSubcutaneous or topical

Study durationDaily, multi-week studies

Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied extensively in skin-remodeling, collagen, and wound-research literature.

Key research findings

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide whose plasma levels decline with age. Research reports stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, antioxidant activity, and wound-remodeling effects — most commonly studied topically and in skin models.

Mechanism of action

Delivers copper and is studied for stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, antioxidant activity, and tissue remodeling.

Molecular information

Weight340.42 Da (peptide); 403.9 Da (Cu complex)

Length3 amino acids

TypeCopper-binding tripeptide

Amino-acid sequenceGly-His-Lys (·Cu²⁺)

The tripeptide chelates copper(II) with high affinity, forming the active GHK-Cu complex.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~0.5 hours (systemic)Half-life: Short (~minutes systemically)Cleared: Hours

Peak · 0hHalf-life · 2h

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

Skin-remodeling research
Collagen-synthesis studies
Wound-research investigations

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Research goalReference amountFrequencyRoute

Topical skin referenceAmount: Formulation (~0.05–2%)Frequency: 1–2× dailyRoute: Topical

Subcutaneous referenceAmount: 1–2 mgFrequency: Daily in short cyclesRoute: Subcutaneous

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

Week 1–4
Reported improvements in skin-barrier and hydration markers in topical models.
Week 4–12
Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis changes reported in skin research.
Ongoing
Remodeling effects reported to continue with consistent use.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

AHK-Cu

Related copper-peptide studied alongside GHK-Cu.

Compatible

SNAP-8

Co-studied in cosmetic-research formulations.

Compatible

BPC-157

Complementary repair/remodeling pathways.

Synergistic

Vitamin C (topical)

Often separated in formulations to preserve copper stability.

Requires timing

TB-500

Different healing pathways that work well in combination

Synergistic

Melanotan II

Both affect melanin production, monitor for skin discoloration

Use caution

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

Growth hormone effects may complement collagen synthesis

Compatible

How to reconstitute

Important

Reconstitute injectable forms with bacteriostatic water; topical forms are pre-formulated. Protect from light and refrigerate.

1Allow the vial to reach room temperature.
2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall.
4Swirl gently until dissolved — the solution typically takes on a characteristic blue tint from the copper complex.
5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.

Open reconstitution calculator

Quality indicators

Characteristic blue tint

The reconstituted copper complex is typically pale blue — a property of the Cu²⁺ chelate.

Clear solution

Reconstitutes to a clear, particle-free solution.

Cold-chain integrity

Reconstituted solution should be refrigerated and protected from light.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

Topical use is generally well tolerated; transient irritation is occasionally reported.
Copper-peptide formulations are widely used in cosmetic research with a long safety record.

References & further reading

GHK-Cu in skin regeneration and anti-aging (review)

Reviewcollagen/woundcopper peptide

Comprehensive review of GHK and GHK-Cu effects on collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin remodeling.

View study

Topics

copper peptidecollagenskin

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level

Limited Research

Sparse published data; largely preliminary or anecdotal.

Quick reference

Dose range1–2 mg (research models) or topical formulations

RouteSubcutaneous or topical

DurationDaily, multi-week studies

Storage2–8 °C reconstituted

Half-lifeShort (~minutes systemically)

Available at Reviva

GHK-Cu is stocked as a research-grade compound, ≥99% by HPLC, third-party verified.

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