GHK-Cu

A naturally occurring copper-carrying tripeptide central to skin remodeling and collagen research.

01Overview

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) complexed with copper. It occurs naturally in plasma and declines with age, which spurred decades of research into its regenerative signaling.

It is widely used as a cosmetic active and studied for wound healing and tissue remodeling.

02Mechanism

• Delivers copper, a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen and elastin cross-linking.
• Modulates expression of genes tied to tissue remodeling and antioxidant defense.
• Supports fibroblast activity and extracellular-matrix synthesis.

03Research uses

• Skin-remodeling and collagen research
• Wound-healing and scar-remodeling models
• Hair-follicle and antioxidant studies

04Key findings

• Demonstrated stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal models.
• Broad gene-expression “reset” effects reported in transcriptomic studies.
• Copper handling matters — it is typically kept apart from strong reducing agents like vitamin C.

05Handling & reconstitution

• Supplied as a distinctive blue lyophilized powder (from the copper complex).
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; swirl gently.
• Store cold and dark; the copper complex is sensitive to oxidation.