Short answer
GHK-Cu is a complex of the three-amino-acid peptide GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) and a copper ion. It was first isolated from human blood plasma in 1973 and has been studied for decades in dermal, extracellular matrix and oxidative stress research models.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide that binds copper to form GHK-Cu. It was first isolated from human plasma by researcher Loren Pickart, and a large body of literature has since examined its effects in skin and tissue biology [1].
The molecule matters in research for three reasons:
What skin research actually shows
Most GHK-Cu research is done in cell cultures and experimental models, not in humans. Common findings in that literature include:
A 2024 review of bioactive factors in skin aging research lists copper peptides such as GHK-Cu among the compounds studied for their effects on collagen synthesis and skin barrier function in research models [2].
Why copper matters
Copper is not just a passenger in the molecule. Many researchers believe the biological activity of GHK depends on copper coordination - the metal changes the peptide's conformation and redox behavior. This is why research papers are careful to distinguish GHK from GHK-Cu.
How labs use GHK-Cu
Typical laboratory uses include:
What to check when buying GHK-Cu
Browse GHK-Cu product options or the copper peptide research category to see specifications.
FAQ
What is GHK-Cu?
A complex of the tripeptide GHK and a copper ion, first isolated from human plasma in 1973.
What does GHK-Cu research focus on?
Collagen and matrix remodeling, oxidative stress and dermal biology in laboratory models.
Is GHK-Cu a skincare treatment?
It appears in cosmetics, but PEPMAKE sells it as a research powder for laboratory use only.
Why is copper part of the molecule?
Copper binding affects the peptide's structure and activity.