GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide-1 · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16

CAS: 49557-75-7
MW: 402.92 Da
Sequence: GHK
Research focus: skin wound regeneration anti inflammatory

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with Cu(II). Extensively studied in dermatology for wound healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant defence, and hair-follicle stimulation.

Mechanism of action

GHK chelates Cu(II) with high affinity and is thought to deliver bioavailable copper to receiving cells. Reported actions include stimulation of collagen, elastin, decorin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal fibroblasts; modulation of metalloproteinase activity; superoxide-dismutase-like antioxidant effects; and upregulation of genes associated with tissue remodelling and stem-cell differentiation.

Research history

GHK was identified by Loren Pickart in 1973 as a plasma factor that caused old hepatocytes to behave more like young hepatocytes in culture. The copper-bound form (GHK-Cu) entered cosmetic dermatology in the 1990s, and a growing literature now examines transcriptomic and regenerative effects beyond the skin.

Summarised studies

GHK-Cu gene expression analysis in human fibroblasts

Pickart L., Vasquez-Soltero J.M., Margolina A. · 2010

Microarray analysis identified more than 4,000 genes regulated >50% by GHK-Cu exposure, with strong upregulation of DNA repair, antioxidant, and tissue-remodelling pathways.

Wound-healing effect of GHK-Cu in diabetic rats

Arul V. et al., J Biomater Sci Polym Ed · 2012

Topical GHK-Cu hydrogels accelerated full-thickness wound closure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with increased granulation tissue and higher hydroxyproline content.

Anti-inflammatory effects of GHK-Cu in pulmonary fibrosis model

Zhou X. et al., Int J Mol Med · 2014

Systemic GHK-Cu reduced fibrotic markers and TGF-β1 expression in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, suggesting broader anti-fibrotic activity beyond dermal tissue.

Safety profile

Topical GHK-Cu has a long cosmetic safety record at typical concentrations (0.05–0.5%). Pre-clinical animal studies of subcutaneous and intravenous administration report low acute toxicity. Local irritation, transient erythema, and rare sensitisation are the main practical concerns; long-term systemic safety data are limited.

UK regulatory status

GHK-Cu appears in numerous cosmetic products legally sold in the UK as a topical ingredient (subject to general cosmetic regulations). As a research peptide for injectable or experimental use, it is not licensed by the MHRA for human therapeutic use.

Frequently asked questions

Is GHK-Cu a legal cosmetic ingredient in the UK?

Yes, topical GHK-Cu is commonly used in cosmetic skincare products sold in the UK under cosmetic-regulation provisions. Research-grade injectable preparations are not licensed medicines.

Does GHK-Cu actually deliver copper into cells?

Cell-culture experiments using radiolabelled copper indicate that GHK acts as a transporter that increases intracellular copper uptake compared with free Cu²⁺ ions at equivalent concentrations.

What are common GHK-Cu research concentrations?

In-vitro studies frequently use 1–10 nM for gene-expression work. Topical formulations in cosmetic research are typically 0.05–0.5% w/v.

Can GHK-Cu be combined with vitamin C in laboratory work?

Combining GHK-Cu with high concentrations of ascorbic acid in the same vehicle is generally avoided because ascorbate can reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I) and disrupt the complex. Sequential or separated application is preferred in research formulations.

How should lyophilised GHK-Cu be stored?

Sealed lyophilised GHK-Cu is typically stored at −20 °C and protected from light. Reconstituted solutions are usually refrigerated and used within days.

Where to source GHK-Cu for laboratory research

The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.

PeptideAuthority.co.uk
UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.
PeptideBarn.co.uk
Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.

Appears in research stacks

Skin & Wound Healing Research Stack
Address dermal collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and antimicrobial defence in pre-clinical wound-healing models.

Side-by-side comparisons

GHK-Cu vs TB-500
GHK-Cu and TB-500 are sometimes grouped together as 'tissue-repair peptides', but the two operate at very different scales — GHK-Cu primarily as a transcriptional modulator of dermal fibroblasts, TB-500 primarily as a cell-migration peptide.