GHK-Cu

This entry summarises published research. It is not guidance on use, and research-grade material is not for human or veterinary use.

What it is

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycine–histidine–lysine) that binds copper(II). The copper complex, GHK-Cu, is sold as a blue lyophilised powder by research vendors and appears as an ingredient in topical cosmetics.

What has been studied

A 2018 review draws together cell-culture studies and gene-expression data, which suggest that GHK can influence the expression of many genes. That evidence is mechanistic. It suggests pathways for further research, not demonstrated outcomes.

Reading supplier listings

GHK-Cu certificates are a useful example of why “content” and “purity” are different numbers. One partner certificate we reviewed reported 86.10 mg of total content in a 100 mg vial, broken down into 75.14 mg of GHK and 10.96 mg of copper. Another reported 109.58 mg. Neither number is a purity figure, and the difference reflects what the laboratory measured and how.

Regulatory status

Used as a cosmetic ingredient in topical products. Research-grade lyophilised GHK-Cu sold by peptide vendors is a laboratory reagent, not a cosmetic or a medicine.

Known limitations of the evidence

• Much of the mechanistic work is gene-expression and cell-culture data, which does not establish effects in people.
• Certificates may report the peptide and copper separately; total content can exceed the nominal mass because of the copper and counter-ions.

References

1. Review Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci, 2018 (opens an external site in a new tab) link checked 2 Oct 2026
2. Chemical database GHK-Cu — PubChem CID 139035031 (opens an external site in a new tab) link checked 4 Oct 2026
3. Analytical method Sikora K, et al. The Role of Counter-Ions in Peptides — An Overview. Pharmaceuticals, 2020 (opens an external site in a new tab) link checked 2 Oct 2026