Tissue Repair Research
Cosmetic Use Approved
GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu, Copper Peptide GHK, GHK-Cu tripeptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide. Studied in collagen-synthesis and dermal-cell research.
Research overview
GHK-Cu is the copper complex of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), a three-amino-acid peptide that occurs naturally in human blood plasma and binds copper tightly. GHK was first identified in plasma as a factor affecting the growth of liver cells, and the copper complex is now used as an ingredient in cosmetic skin products.
Most of the research is in cell cultures and animal wound models. In cultured fibroblasts (the cells that make the skin's connective tissue), GHK-Cu increased collagen production (Maquart et al., FEBS Letters 1988). Broader claims about effects on many genes come mainly from computer analyses of existing gene expression data (Pickart and Margolina, 2018). Evidence in people is thin. In a small randomised study of 13 people after laser skin resurfacing, skin products with GHK-Cu made no measurable difference to redness, wrinkles or skin quality, although users reported higher satisfaction (Miller et al., 2006). There are no large controlled trials. Supplied for laboratory research use only.
Mechanism of action
GHK binds copper(II) ions tightly, and the copper complex (GHK-Cu) is the form most often studied. In cultured fibroblasts it increased collagen production (Maquart et al., 1988), and it has been studied in animal wound models for effects on connective tissue and blood vessel growth. How GHK-Cu acts inside cells, and how much of its activity depends on delivering copper, is not fully understood.