GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide — The Skin and Tissue Restorer
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Cu²⁺) is a naturally occurring copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Discovered in 1973, it has been extensively studied for i...
Formula
C14H23CuN6O4
Molecular Weight
403.91 g/mol
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys
What is this compound?
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Cu²⁺) is a naturally occurring copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Discovered in 1973, it has been extensively studied for its role in skin remodeling, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory activity. GHK-Cu declines with age, correlating with diminished tissue repair capacity.
Collagen and elastin synthesis stimulation
Skin tightening and anti-wrinkle effects
Wound healing acceleration
Anti-inflammatory signaling modulation
Hair follicle stimulation and growth
Antioxidant gene expression upregulation
How it works
GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast proliferation and enhances the synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans. It activates TGF-β signaling and modulates over 4,000 human genes involved in tissue remodeling, inflammation, and DNA repair. Its copper chelation properties...
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Areas of investigation
Discovery to present
1973
Discovery
GHK-Cu was first identified and characterized in research contexts.
2000s
Research
Preclinical studies expanded across multiple tissue types and disease models.
2010s
Clinical Progress
Early-stage research progressed toward translational and clinical investigation.
2024+
Current Interest
Active research continues with growing scientific interest and expanding publication volume.
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Frequently researched together
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Primary literature
Reference compilation in progress. See research highlights below.
Gene expression studies show GHK-Cu resets genes to a younger pattern in aged tissue
Gene expression studies show GHK-Cu resets genes to a younger pattern in aged tissue
Dermal research demonstrates 35% increase in collagen synthesis in aged fibroblasts
Dermal research demonstrates 35% increase in collagen synthesis in aged fibroblasts
Scalp research shows activation of hair follicle keratinocyte proliferation
Scalp research shows activation of hair follicle keratinocyte proliferation
GHK-Cu — Frequently asked
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Cu²⁺) is a naturally occurring copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Discovered in 1973, it has been extensively studied for its role in skin remo... GHK-Cu belongs to the Healing research category and is studied for its copper peptide — the skin and tissue restorer.
GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast proliferation and enhances the synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans. It activates TGF-β signaling and modulates over 4,000 human genes involved in tissue remodeling, inflammation, and DNA repair. Its copper chelation properties contribute to antioxidant activity.
Collagen and elastin synthesis stimulation. Skin tightening and anti-wrinkle effects. Wound healing acceleration. Anti-inflammatory signaling modulation. Hair follicle stimulation and growth. Antioxidant gene expression upregulation.
GHK-Cu has the molecular formula C14H23CuN6O4 and a molecular weight of 403.91 g/mol. Its amino acid sequence is Gly-His-Lys. This structural information is important for researchers studying receptor binding and pharmacokinetics.
Gene expression studies show GHK-Cu resets genes to a younger pattern in aged tissue Dermal research demonstrates 35% increase in collagen synthesis in aged fibroblasts Scalp research shows activation of hair follicle keratinocyte proliferation These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. GHK-Cu is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.
No. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a research chemical studied in preclinical and early clinical research. These compounds are not approved for human therapeutic use and should only be studied in appropriate research settings.
GHK-Cu belongs to the Healing category, which focuses on research-grade peptides studied for their regenerative and healing properties, supporting tissue repair, inflammation modulation, and systemic recovery. You can explore more compounds in this category on the Healing pillar page.
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Research Disclaimer
GHK-Cu is a research compound. All information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.