GHK-CU

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine bound to copper. It is well-documented for its regenerative, anti-aging, and tissue-repairing properties. Known for increasing collagen and elastin synthesis, stimulating wound healing, and revitalizing hair follicles, GHK-Cu is a versatile research peptide with both systemic and topical applications. GHK-Cu is one of the most studied cosmetic peptides and is often used in dermatology and hair restoration clinics. It is safe for topical use and well tolerated in subcutaneous applications.

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine.[1,16,19] It was originally identified as a wound-healing and tissue-remodeling factor and has since been studied for skin repair and remodeling, inflammation modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration.[1–4,16,20]

Skin repair and remodeling
Preclinical and human cosmetic studies show that GHK-Cu can increase collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; improve dermal thickness; and support more organized ECM structure in healing and aging skin.[1,3–6,16]

Inflammation modulation
GHK-Cu has been shown to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways such as NF-κB while upregulating antioxidant defenses, contributing to a more balanced inflammatory environment.[1–3,12–14,19–21]

Extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue regeneration
In multiple wound and fibrosis models, GHK-Cu supports ECM remodeling by modulating matrix metalloproteinases (e.g., MMP-2), proteoglycans, and collagen organization, leading to structurally stronger and more functional repair tissue.[1,3–6,13–16]