Overview
GHK-Cu is classified as a copper peptide peptide. Skin repair, anti-aging, wound healing.
Copper delivery for collagen/elastin synthesis. Activates tissue remodeling, attracts immune cells to injury sites. Levels decline significantly with age.
Also known as: Copper peptide GHK
Category
Copper Peptide
Half-Life
0.5h
Route
SubQ
FDA Status
Not Approved
How Does GHK-Cu Work?
Copper delivery for collagen/elastin synthesis. Activates tissue remodeling, attracts immune cells to injury sites. Levels decline significantly with age.
At the molecular level, GHK-Cu operates through pathways characteristic of the Copper Peptide class, interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades to produce its observed effects.
Published Research
The following studies are indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals:
[1]GHK-Cu skin regeneration and anti-aging effects
Pickart (J. Cosmetic Dermatol.) reviews GHK-Cu's role in stimulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, improving skin density, thickness, and reducing fine lines.
Evidence: moderate[2]GHK-Cu gene expression: up/down-regulation of 4,000+ genes
Pickart et al. show GHK-Cu regulates expression of 4,000+ human genes, shifting patterns from diseased to healthy states applicable to COPD, cancer, and aging.
Evidence: preclinical[3]GHK-Cu wound healing and tissue remodeling review
Comprehensive review demonstrating GHK-Cu accelerates wound closure, promotes angiogenesis, reduces scarring, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Evidence: moderate[4]GHK-Cu stimulates collagen I/III and MMP regulation
Study shows GHK-Cu increases collagen I and III gene expression, regulates metalloproteinases (MMP1, MMP2) and TIMP1, supporting balanced tissue remodeling.
Evidence: preclinical[5]GHK-Cu protects skin against UV radiation damage
Research demonstrates GHK-Cu provides UV photoprotection, reduces oxidative stress markers, and activates multiple regenerative and antioxidant genes in dermal cells.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety Profile
Topical or injectable; low risk. Long history of safe topical use in cosmetics.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation (topical) | ~5% of users | mild |
| Transient skin flushing | ~8% of users | mild |
Sourcing GHK-Cu for Research
If you're looking to source GHK-Cu for laboratory research, our vendor directory compares pricing, purity testing, and COA verification from independently vetted suppliers.
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Full Research Profile
GHK-Cu — dosing, interactions, timelines & more
Comprehensive compound profile with sourcing information, stacking synergies, and outcome timelines.