What Is GHK-Cu?
Also known as: Copper peptide
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) bound to a copper ion. Discovered in human plasma in 1973, its levels decline sharply with age — from about 200 ng/ml at 20 to 80 ng/ml by 60 — which fueled its reputation as a regenerative and anti-aging molecule.
It is one of the few peptides with substantial published human data, mostly from topical cosmetic studies: improved skin firmness, elasticity, wrinkle depth and wound healing. Injectable use extends the same logic body-wide, though the systemic evidence is thinner than the skincare literature.
What is GHK-Cu studied for?
- •Skin remodeling: collagen synthesis, elasticity, wrinkle reduction
- •Wound healing and tissue remodeling
- •Hair follicle stimulation (it inspired minoxidil-adjacent cosmetics)
- •Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant gene modulation
Side effects & safety
Injection-site stinging and bruising are notably more common than with most peptides. The solution's blue color is normal (copper). Systemic copper load is a theoretical concern at chronic high doses; contraindicated in Wilson's disease.
Legal & approval status
Legal and widespread in cosmetics (topical). Injectable form is research-chemical territory — not approved as a drug anywhere.
Typical dosing at a glance
Related peptides
Educational overview based on published research and commonly reported community protocols — not medical advice, and not an endorsement of any compound. Consult a licensed healthcare provider.