GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

Updated June 29, 2026

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide that has a high affinity for copper(II) ions and is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It was first isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who noted that young human plasma stimulated liver tissue repair whereas old plasma did not. Fractionation led to the isolation of GHK as the active component. Plasma GHK levels decline from approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults to 80 ng/mL by age 60 — a 60 percent reduction that parallels the decline in skin repair capacity, wound healing speed, and hair follicle activity that characterises aging skin.

GHK-Cu is a remarkable regulatory molecule at the cellular level. It has been shown to upregulate over 30 genes involved in skin repair, including collagen synthesis genes (COL1A1, COL3A1), elastin, decorin, and metalloproteinase inhibitors that prevent collagen degradation. It simultaneously downregulates genes associated with inflammation and cancer progression. Copper delivery is central — GHK chelates copper and facilitates its cellular uptake, supporting copper-dependent enzymes including lysyl oxidase, which is required for the cross-linking that gives collagen and elastin their tensile strength.

Skin applications are the most extensively studied. Topical GHK-Cu formulations consistently improve skin thickness, firmness, and elasticity in controlled trials. UV-damaged skin shows measurable regeneration. Wound healing is accelerated in both normal and diabetic animal models, with faster re-epithelialisation, stronger scar tissue, and improved angiogenesis. Some human wound studies show similar acceleration. The skin repair effects appear to require topical application directly to the target tissue for the most reliable benefit, though systemic effects from injected GHK are well documented in animal studies.

Hair follicle stimulation is another well-supported application. GHK-Cu applied to the scalp activates follicle stem cells, extends the anagen (growth) phase, and reverses some follicle miniaturisation in androgenic alopecia. In side-by-side studies with minoxidil, topical GHK-Cu performed comparably in some metrics and better in others while producing less scalp irritation. The mechanism involves activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in follicular stem cells and increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that improves follicle vascularity.

GHK-Cu is used topically in cosmeceutical serums at concentrations of 0.5 to 5 percent, and subcutaneously in research protocols at doses of 0.5 to 2 mg. The tripeptide is well tolerated topically and systemically. It does not accumulate to toxic levels because it releases copper in a controlled, enzyme-dependent manner rather than dumping it freely. Quality in the cosmetic market varies; pharmaceutical-grade GHK-Cu from reputable peptide suppliers is more reliably pure than cosmetic-grade. This is general information, not medical advice.