GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a copper ion. Present in human plasma, saliva, and urine, its levels decline with age. It is one of the most studied peptides in skin, wound, and regenerative research.
What you’re reading about
GHK-Cu is often simply called the copper peptide. The “Cu” is copper — and the tripeptide’s ability to carry copper into tissue is central to how it is thought to work.
Mechanism under investigation
Research links GHK-Cu to collagen and extracellular-matrix synthesis, antioxidant activity, and the signaling that coordinates wound repair and tissue remodeling. Its copper-transport role connects it to enzymes essential to skin and connective-tissue health.
Research applications
- Skin repair, firmness, and the appearance of aging.
- Wound healing and tissue remodeling.
- Hair-follicle and scalp research.
Clinical outlook
GHK-Cu has direct human research behind it. A Phase 2 trial is recruiting to study a topical GHK-Cu gel for acute skin-wound healing (NCT07437586), and a Phase 4 study has assessed its impact on facial skin quality and hydration (NCT05932732). These trials aim to confirm in people what decades of laboratory and cosmetic research have suggested about copper-peptide repair.
References
- GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
- The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide
- Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Copper Peptide Through Skin
- The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling
- Food-Derived Tripeptide-Copper Self-Healing Hydrogel for Infected Wound Healing
