Tissue Repair & RecoveryMaturing human RCT base

Copper Tripeptide-1

GHK-Cu, Copper binding tripeptide

A naturally occurring copper binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma, investigated for collagen synthesis, tissue remodeling, and broad gene expression modulation.

Collagen Skin & hair Anti inflammatory Wound healing

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4,000+

Genes modulated

GHK

Tripeptide

Topical RCTs

Best evidence

Mechanism of action

How GHK-Cu works

A naturally occurring copper binding tripeptide that signals fibroblasts to rebuild the skin's support matrix, the basis for its collagen and tissue remodeling research.

GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide

Copper delivery

To fibroblasts

Gene signaling

Collagen and elastin

Skin remodeling

Firmness and repair

Also studied

Stimulates fibroblast synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans; controlled topical trials report improved firmness and reduced wrinkle depth.

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Gene expression data suggest GHK-Cu shifts a large fraction of human genes toward a 'younger' profile, including antioxidant and repair pathways.

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Hair growth signals are weaker and confounded, usually bundled with microneedling/minoxidil, so the peptide's isolated contribution is unproven.

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Applications

Research applications

Skin firmness & wrinkles

Topical anti aging

Controlled human trial

Double blind topical trials

Wound healing

Reepithelialization

Human pilot data

Diabetic / surgical wounds

Collagen synthesis

Fibroblast signaling

In vitro / cell model

Cell & gene expression

Hair growth

Androgenetic alopecia

Animal (rodent) model

Confounded human data

Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.

Compound data

Molecular profile

CAS number89030-95-5

Molecular formulaC14H22CuN6O4

Molecular weightabout 402 g/mol

TypeCopper binding tripeptide complex

SequenceGly-His-Lys : Cu (GHK-Cu)

AppearanceBlue lyophilized powder

Literature

Key studies

Review2018

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

Pickart L, Margolina A

Key finding

Synthesizes gene expression and experimental data on GHK-Cu's roles in tissue remodeling, antioxidant defense, and wound repair.

View on PubMed

Full profile

Evidence, safety & status

Claimed benefits & evidence

Topical use has the strongest cosmetic evidence base, multiple controlled studies show improved firmness/density and reduced wrinkle depth, with one trial reporting collagen increase in 70% of volunteers. Wound healing trials improved reepithelialization. Hair evidence is weaker and confounded (usually bundled with microneedling/minoxidil). Injectable evidence is much weaker. Delivery is the limiting factor: GHK-Cu penetrates intact skin poorly and clears fast (~1 to 2 h half life).

Safety & dangers

Topical GHK-Cu is well tolerated. Injectable use carries the generic angiogenesis in cancer theoretical concern plus gray market sourcing risk; excess copper matters in copper metabolism disorders.

Contraindications

Wilson's disease / copper overload states; active malignancy for injectable use.

Regulatory status

Widely sold OTC as a topical cosmetic ingredient (legal). Injectable GHK-Cu was Category 2 (2023), removed April 2026, slated for a later PCAC meeting (before end of Feb 2027). WADA: topical cosmetic use not prohibited.

Administration

Topical (cosmetic, 0.2-2%); subcutaneous/injectable off label; microneedling assisted topical to bypass the skin barrier.

Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. Anyone considering these compounds should consult a qualified physician.

For research use only

For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.