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Cosmetic & Topical

GHK-Cu

Copper-binding tripeptide that supports collagen, wound repair and hair follicles; well established topically, far less so by injection.

InvestigationalEvidence level 3 of 5: Limited human dataAlso: Copper peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper tripeptide-1

Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide that binds copper and circulates in plasma, where its levels fall with age. It delivers copper to enzymes such as lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase and, in cell studies, shifts the activity of thousands of genes toward repair, antioxidant defense and reduced inflammation. Topically, small clinical studies show improved skin density, elasticity and fine lines, and it has a long history in wound-care and scalp products. Injectable use for hair, skin or systemic 'anti-aging' is popular but supported mainly by laboratory data, and prolonged high-dose use can disturb copper–zinc balance. It is one of the better-tolerated peptides, especially on the skin.

Classification
Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys:Cu²⁺)
Route
Topical (skin, scalp); subcutaneous (research/compounded)
Half-life
Short in plasma (SC); topical effects are local and sustained

Mechanism of action

Primary targetCopper delivery; gene-expression and ECM remodeling pathways
  1. Copper chelation and deliveryBinds Cu²⁺ and delivers it into skin and tissue cells.
  2. Enzyme activationSupports lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase activity.
  3. Fibroblast stimulationIncreases collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
  4. Gene-expression resetShifts repair, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory gene programs.
  5. Follicle and tissue remodelingPromotes angiogenesis and anagen-phase hair follicle activity.
Downstream effects
  • Firmer, thicker skin
  • Faster wound healing
  • Hair density support
  • Reduced inflammation

Researched for

  • Skin aging and photodamage
  • Wound healing
  • Hair thinning
  • Scar remodeling
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Research notes

  • Small controlled facial studies (e.g., Leyden; Abdulghani et al.) showed improved skin density, laxity and fine lines versus placebo or vitamin C creams over 12 weeks.
  • Pickart et al. (2015, 2018): gene-expression analyses show GHK reverses many age-associated expression patterns in human cells — mechanistic, not clinical outcomes.
  • Early animal studies (Uno & Kurata, 1993) supported hair follicle stimulation; human hair trials are small.
  • No controlled human trials of injectable GHK-Cu; copper and zinc monitoring is prudent with systemic use.

Reported side effects

  • Skin redness or irritation (topical)
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Transient blue-green skin tint at high concentrations
  • Copper–zinc imbalance with prolonged high-dose systemic use

Contraindications & cautions

  • Wilson's disease or copper overload
  • Known copper allergy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (systemic use)
  • Active skin infection at application site

Lab monitoring

  • Serum copper and ceruloplasmin (injectable use)
  • Serum zinc (injectable use)
  • CBC, CMP
  • Baseline photography; scalp dermoscopy for hair indication

Dosing and pricing for GHK-Cu

Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.

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