GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 · Gly-His-Lys·Cu²⁺
The copper peptide your own plasma makes less of every decade
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine — discovered in 1973 and studied for five decades since. Circulating levels decline sharply with age, which is one reason it became a fixture of skin-remodeling and regenerative research. Uniquely on this list, GHK-Cu has substantial human data — though almost all of it involves topical, cosmetic use.
Looking to source GHK-Cu? It's stocked at RGP Labs — code GHK10 applies automatically at checkout.
View GHK-Cu →What the Research Actually Says
Every claim below is cited to the published literature and labeled by how far the evidence has actually progressed. Numbers refer to the reference list at the bottom of the page.
Collagen synthesis & skin remodeling
Early human trialsThe classic finding: GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis in cultured fibroblasts. Decades of follow-on work — including controlled human studies of topical copper-peptide formulations — report improvements in skin density, firmness, and photoaging markers.
Wound healing
Preclinical (cell & animal)In animal wound models, GHK-Cu accelerated healing and increased blood-vessel formation at the wound site, consistent with its collagen and glycosaminoglycan-stimulating activity.
Gene-expression modulation
Preclinical (cell & animal)Gene-profiling work suggests GHK affects the expression of a surprisingly large fraction of the human genome, shifting expression patterns toward those seen in healthier, younger tissue — a bold claim that remains to be independently validated at scale.
Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory actions
Preclinical (cell & animal)GHK-Cu shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in tissue models, including suppression of inflammatory cytokines after injury — one proposed mechanism for its skin-calming reputation in cosmetic use.
Where the Evidence Stops
- ◆The human evidence is overwhelmingly topical and cosmetic. Systemic (injectable) GHK-Cu has very little published human data.
- ◆Much of the modern literature is authored or co-authored by its discoverer, Loren Pickart — worth knowing when weighing the strength of claims.
- ◆Copper content matters: GHK and GHK-Cu are not interchangeable in studies, and formulation quality varies widely in the gray market.
Research-grade GHK-Cu, batch-documented
RGP Labs ships from the US and publishes a batch number and full specifications for every vial. Code GHK10 takes 10% off — applied automatically at checkout.
Sold for laboratory research use only — not for human consumption.
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Not ready to decide about GHK-Cu?
Our free guide covers GHK-Cu and nine other research peptides in depth — mechanisms, the state of the evidence, safety considerations, and a supplier-vetting checklist — across 12 chapters and 140+ citations.
References
- Pickart L, Thaler MM Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver. Nature New Biology, 1973.
- Maquart FX, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Letters, 1988.
- Pickart L, Margolina A Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018.
- Pickart L The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2008.
More compound profiles
Published 2026-08-12. Reviewed against the cited primary literature.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Peptides discussed here are research compounds; nothing here is a recommendation to use them. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about anything affecting your health.