Skin · Healing · Anti-Aging
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Also known as: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper tripeptide-1, Cuprum-bound GHK, Iamin
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in topical cosmetics and studied for wound healing, hair growth, and skin aging.
Sign in to add to watchlistEvidence strength
Strength of human clinical evidence — A (strongest) to D (mostly preclinical). This reflects research maturity, not safety or suitability.
Vial Theory provides educational research summaries only. Content is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing guidance, or individualized suitability screening. Regulatory status can change over time and varies by jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- ›GHK-Cu is a natural copper-binding peptide widely used as a topical cosmetic ingredient.
- ›Topical evidence for skin appearance and some wound-healing endpoints is reasonable but comes from small studies.
- ›Evidence for injected GHK-Cu and systemic anti-aging effects is essentially absent in human trials.
- ›Repeated injection raises an unstudied question about copper balance.
- ›It is a regulated cosmetic ingredient, not an approved injectable drug. Speak with a licensed healthcare professional.
What It Is
GHK is a naturally occurring human tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine that binds copper(II) ions with high affinity, forming the GHK-Cu complex. The peptide was first identified by Loren Pickart in human plasma in the 1970s, where it appears to play roles in tissue remodeling and copper transport. Plasma concentrations of GHK decline with age, which has been a central observation underlying its development as an anti-aging agent.
Mechanistically, GHK-Cu modulates copper-dependent enzymatic processes, gene expression patterns associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, and antioxidant defenses. Published gene-expression analyses have reported broad effects on transcripts involved in collagen synthesis, integrin signaling, and DNA repair. The complex is used primarily as a topical agent, with extensive cosmetic-industry use, and to a lesser extent in compounding-pharmacy injectable preparations.
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.