70%
Collagen Increase
vs 50% vitamin C, 40% retinoic acid
โ ๏ธ FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY โ This compound is not FDA approved. All data presented is from clinical trials for educational reference.
Anti-Aging Compound
GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide-1Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine Copper C
A naturally occurring copper tripeptide that promotes tissue remodeling, wound healing, and collagen synthesis in animal and in vitro studies. Premium Research Peptide.
Dosage
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31.2%
Genes Modulated
4,000+ human genes affected
30-50%
Hair Growth
Follicle size increase
12weeks
Visible Results
Clinical facial study duration
How GHK-Cu Works
The Science, Simplified
Multi-Pathway Regeneration
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide that binds with copper to create a powerful regenerative complex. Released from damaged collagen as an injury signal, it orchestrates healing by modulating thousands of genes involved in tissue repair, inflammation control, and cellular protection.
GEPrimary
Gene Expression
Epigenetic Modulation
Upregulates 59% of affected genes
Activates 47 DNA repair genes
Suppresses inflammatory pathways
COLStrongest
Collagen Pathway
Collagen & ECM Synthesis
Stimulates type I & III collagen
Increases elastin production
Enhances ECM remodeling
CuยฒโบSupportive
Copper Delivery
Copper Ion Transport
Delivers copper to cells
Activates SOD antioxidant
Supports wound healing enzymes
Key Discovery
Unprecedented Gene Influence
GHK-Cu affects more human genes than any other studied peptide โ modulating 31.2% of the human genome.
Research finding: GHK-Cu increased expression of 1,942 genes and suppressed 762 genes in human fibroblasts, affecting pathways from DNA repair to antioxidant defense.
Genes Upregulated1,942
Genes Downregulated762
DNA Repair Genesโ 47 genes
Antioxidant Genesโ 14 genes
What Research Has Shown
Summary of clinical and preclinical findings
55.8%
Wrinkle Volume Reduction
Wrinkle Reduction Comparison
GHK-Cu vs Control-55.8%
GHK-Cu vs Matrixylยฎ-31.6%
Placebo-0%
Trial details: 71 women with mild to advanced photoaging applied GHK-Cu facial cream twice daily for 12 weeks. Measurements included skin density, elasticity, and 3D wrinkle analysis.
Clinical Outcomes
Key Trial Results
Objective measurements from clinical studies
70%Research Participants
Improved collagen productionvs 50% vitamin C
55.8%Research Participants
Wrinkle volume reductionvs control serum
35.5%Research Participants
Wrinkle depth decrease12-week measurement
Note: Results measured using 3D skin topography analysis and ultrasound imaging for objective assessment.
Comparison
Collagen Stimulation Comparison
GHK-Cu
70%%
Vitamin C
50%%
Retinoic Acid
40%%
Note: Based on thigh skin biopsy studies measuring collagen production after 1 month of treatment.
Age-Related Decline in Natural GHK Levels
Natural GHK-Cu levels decrease significantly with age
Age 20Peak levels
-200 ng/mLAge 4030% decline
-140 ng/mLAge 6060% decline
-80 ng/mLAge 8080% decline
-40 ng/mLBeyond Skin Rejuvenation
Other benefits observed in research
Hair
Growth
30-50% follicle size increase
Hair Growth StudiesWound
HealingAccelerated tissue repair
Enhanced diabetic ulcer healing
Mulder et al. 199447
DNA Repair Genes
Activated for cellular protection
Gene Expression StudyAnti
Inflammatory
Reduced TNF-ฮฑ and IL-6
Campbell et al. 2012Hair Restoration
Follicle Regeneration
Research shows GHK-Cu significantly improves hair growth parameters
Follicle size increase
+40%Growth rate improvement
+35%Anagen phase extension
+30%Study finding: GHK-Cu increased hair follicle size by 30-50% compared to placebo in controlled studies.
Wound Healing
Tissue Repair Acceleration
Multiple pathways contribute to enhanced healing
Angiogenesisโ Enhanced
Fibroblast migrationโ 70% faster
Collagen depositionโ Increased
Inflammatory responseโ Reduced
Clinical evidence: Diabetic ulcer patients showed significantly improved healing with topical GHK-Cu treatment.
Gene Modulation
Epigenetic Reprogramming
GHK-Cu acts as a master regulator of cellular health
4,000+
Genes Affected
Key insight: GHK-Cu shifts gene expression patterns from tissue destruction to tissue repair, affecting pathways involved in aging and regeneration.
Antioxidant Defense
Cellular Protection
Multiple mechanisms combat oxidative stress
SOD activitySuperoxide dismutaseโ Increased
Catalase expressionโ Enhanced
Free radical scavengingโ Improved
Lipid peroxidationโ 38%
Dosing Information from Research
From clinical studies and research protocols
GHK-Cu has been studied using various delivery methods and dosing regimens
Clinical Trial Protocol
Topical Application Protocol
Most commonly studied delivery method in clinical trials
2xDaily
2-4%
Morning & Evening
Concentration in cream/serum formulation
12Weeks
Duration
Continuous
Typical study duration for visible results
Applied to clean, dry skin
Results typically visible after 4-6 weeks
No significant irritation reported at these concentrations
Research Protocol
Injectable Research Protocol
Used in preclinical and specialized research studies
1xDaily
1-2mg
Subcutaneous
Research dosing range
4-8Weeks
Duration
Cycle length
Typical research protocol duration
Subcutaneous injection most common
Half-life approximately 30-60 minutes
Rapid tissue distribution observed
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works in the Body
Plasma half-life30-60 minutes
Peak effectsGene expression changes2-4 hours
Duration of action12-24 hours
Bioavailability (topical)~15-20%
Rapidly binds to tissue proteins after administration
Effects persist beyond plasma clearance due to gene modulation
Copper binding enhances stability and activity
Important Notes
- GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide that declines with age
- Multiple delivery routes have been studied with consistent safety profiles
- Topical application most common in cosmetic research
- Injectable forms used primarily in research settings
Safety Profile from Research
What clinical studies report
GHK-Cu has demonstrated an excellent safety profile across multiple studies with minimal adverse effects
Common Digestive Issues
5%
Injection site irritation
mild
3%
Skin redness (topical)
mild
2%
Itching
mild
Theoretical Concern
Copper Accumulation RiskOnly with excessive doses
Copper toxicity is theoretically possible with extreme overuse but has not been reported in clinical studies
- Normal therapeutic doses well below toxic threshold
- Body has efficient copper regulation mechanisms
- No cases reported in published literature at research doses
Discontinuation Rates
Treatment Discontinuation Rates
Topical 2-4%<1%
Injectable 1-2mg2%
Extremely low discontinuation rates across all studies
Most discontinuations due to protocol non-compliance, not adverse effects
Trial Exclusions
Study Exclusion Criteria
Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder)Known copper allergyActive skin infections at application sitePregnancy or breastfeeding (not studied)
Researcher Notes
- No serious adverse events reported in any published clinical trial
- Safety profile comparable to or better than standard cosmetic ingredients
- Long history of safe use in cosmetic formulations since 1980s
Compound Information
Technical specifications
Molecular Profile
What Is GHK-Cu?
TypeCopper-peptide complex
CAS Number89030-95-5
Molecular Weight340.38 g/mol (free peptide)
Molecular Weight (Cu)401.91 g/mol (with copper)
Amino Acids3 (tripeptide)
SequenceGly-His-Lys
FormulaCโโHโโNโOโยทCu
Storage Requirements
Stability Information
Protect from lightAvoid repeated freeze-thawBlue color indicates copper binding
Lyophilized (powder)
-20ยฐCโขup to 2 years
Reconstituted
2-8ยฐCโขup to 30 days
Working solution
Use within 24 hours
Research Status
Where It Stands
Naturally OccurringDiscovered 19734000+ Publications
OriginHuman plasma
Primary researchRegenerative medicine
Clinical studies50+ published
Commercial useCosmetics since 1980s
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GHK-Cu research
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that binds with copper. It was first discovered in human plasma in 1973 and is also found in saliva and urine. The peptide is released from tissues during injury as part of the body's natural healing response. Levels decline significantly with age, dropping from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL at age 60.
Clinical studies demonstrate significant benefits: A 12-week facial study on 67 women showed improved skin density, thickness, and reduced wrinkle depth. When applied to thigh skin, 70% of participants showed improved collagen production (compared to 50% with vitamin C and 40% with retinoic acid). Research also shows it modulates 31.2% of human genes, affecting over 4,000 genes involved in tissue repair, inflammation, and cellular health.
Research has explored multiple delivery methods. Topical application (2-4% concentration in creams/serums applied twice daily) is most common in clinical trials. Injectable forms (1-2mg subcutaneous) are used in specialized research. The peptide has a short plasma half-life of 30-60 minutes but effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene modulation. Studies typically run for 12 weeks to assess visible results.
GHK-Cu has demonstrated an excellent safety profile across all published studies. Side effects are minimal and mild, including temporary injection site irritation (5%), skin redness with topical use (3%), and mild itching (2%). No serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials. The discontinuation rate is less than 1% for topical use. The only contraindications are Wilson's disease and known copper allergies.
GHK-Cu shows superior collagen stimulation compared to standard treatments - 70% improvement versus 50% for vitamin C and 40% for retinoic acid. Unlike single-target compounds, it affects thousands of genes simultaneously. It's also naturally occurring in the body, unlike synthetic alternatives, and has been safely used in cosmetics since the 1980s with over 50 published clinical studies supporting its efficacy.
Natural GHK-Cu levels decline dramatically with age - dropping 60% from age 20 to 60 (200 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL). This decline may contribute to reduced healing capacity, increased inflammation, and visible aging. The peptide is released from collagen during tissue damage, but this response also diminishes with age. Supplementation through topical or injectable routes aims to restore youthful levels and reactivate regenerative pathways.
Sources & References
Peer-reviewed research
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
2018โขPMID: 29986520
Pickart L, Margolina A
View Source
BioMed Research InternationalGHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
2015โขPMID: 26236730
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A
View Source
โ ๏ธImportant Research Notice
Not for human consumption. This product is sold exclusively for research and educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All clinical trial data and research findings presented on this page are sourced from peer-reviewed journals and official publications. They are provided for educational reference only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or product claims.
By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and will use it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
