Copper Peptide
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide that stimulates collagen synthesis by up to 70%, smooths fine lines, scars, and uneven texture, and restores the skin's youthful glow at the cellular level. Backed by 40+ peer-reviewed studies, it is the most comprehensively researched compound in skin rejuvenation and anti-aging science.
Product
Research shows
Practical product identifiers and format details for professional review.
Content
30 mg
Format
Injectable
Composition
10 mg/ml per ml
CAS
49557-75-7
Formula
C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄ · Cu
Mol. Weight
340.38 g/mol (peptide) / 403.92 g/mol (copper complex)
Half-Life
~1 – 2 hours
Also known as
Copper Tripeptide-1, Cu-GHK, GHK-Cu Complex, Tripeptide-Copper, Prezatide, Kollaren
GHK-Cu penetrates the skin barrier and activates fibroblast proliferation, directly stimulating type I and type III collagen synthesis by up to 70% in clinical research. It inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (enzymes responsible for collagen and elastin degradation) and promotes the production of decorin and other proteoglycans that maintain the skin's structural matrix. As a copper chelator, GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes, upregulating those involved in tissue remodelling and downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways like NF-κB. In vitro models show enhanced superoxide dismutase activity for antioxidant effects and stimulated metalloproteinases for matrix turnover. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate a plasma half-life of approximately 1–2 hours, with rapid tissue distribution facilitating its role in wound contraction and epithelialisation.
Based on published research and preclinical data. All benefits are documented under research-grade conditions.
GHK-Cu is extensively studied for its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production in skin fibroblasts. This effect improves dermal structure, elasticity, and firmness, contributing to more youthful and resilient tissue architecture. In research models, increased expression of extracellular matrix proteins has been observed, supporting its use in studies of wound healing and skin regeneration.
GHK-Cu promotes faster wound closure and epithelial repair by stimulating keratinocyte migration, angiogenesis, and fibroblast proliferation. It also enhances the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and decorin, key molecules for tissue matrix integrity. These effects make it a strong candidate in regenerative research involving burns, ulcers, and post-surgical recovery.
Research shows that GHK-Cu reduces inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α while enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. This combination helps protect tissues from oxidative stress, cellular aging, and inflammatory degradation, contributing to overall cellular health and regeneration.
GHK-Cu has been observed to promote new capillary formation and improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to damaged tissue. This pro-angiogenic activity accelerates remodelling and supports long-term regeneration of skin, muscle, and connective tissue structures in experimental models.
In vitro research suggests that GHK-Cu activates stem cell-related gene expression and supports progenitor cell differentiation in tissue repair processes. This gene modulation effect extends to pathways related to wound response, growth factors, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms, making it of growing interest in regenerative biology studies.
Clinical and preclinical data indicate that GHK-Cu can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin roughness through enhanced collagen matrix formation and hydration. This peptide's effect on dermal density and surface morphology positions it as a benchmark compound in cosmetic and dermatological research formulations.
GHK-Cu has been observed to stimulate hair follicle activity and prolong the anagen (growth) phase. It improves blood supply and reduces follicular inflammation, supporting experimental models aimed at reversing hair thinning or promoting scalp regeneration. Its copper-binding capacity contributes to enzymatic balance critical for follicular metabolism.
GHK-Cu exerts cytoprotective effects by chelating free copper ions and reducing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. These antioxidant properties are associated with enhanced mitochondrial function and longevity-related gene expression, supporting research into anti-aging and cellular resilience mechanisms.
Research has shown that GHK-Cu reduces fibrosis in liver, lung, and skin models by downregulating TGF-β1 and other pro-fibrotic genes. This promotes more balanced tissue remodelling and prevents excessive scar formation, contributing to smoother recovery and improved functional outcomes in regeneration research.
When combined with peptides such as BPC-157 or TB-500, GHK-Cu enhances tissue repair through complementary mechanisms: angiogenesis, fibroblast stimulation, and collagen synthesis. This synergy forms the basis of advanced regenerative research blends focused on recovery, skin health, and post-injury repair.
Transcriptomic analyses reveal that GHK-Cu can revert gene expression profiles of aged cells to a more youthful state, affecting over 4,000 genes linked to cell growth, antioxidant defence, and repair. This profound genomic modulation underscores its growing significance in anti-aging, epigenetic, and longevity research models.
Explore selected publications and registered trials on GHK-Cu, with links to the original sources.
5 publications from the research library.
Evidence type
Publication and key finding
Source
Evidence type
Preclinical study
GHK and GHK-Cu review
Publication and key finding
This review describes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, tissue-remodelling, wound-healing, and regenerative findings for GHK and GHK-Cu across laboratory and animal research.
Aging pathobiology and therapeutics
Evidence type
Review
GHK-Cu mechanism or target context
Publication and key finding
The review links GHK and its copper complex with collagen and glycosaminoglycan regulation, fibroblast activity, tissue repair, and multiple skin-regeneration pathways.
BioMed research international
Evidence type
Preclinical study
Direct GHK-Cu preclinical wound-healing evidence
Publication and key finding
In rat wound chambers, GHK-Cu increased connective-tissue accumulation and collagen-related repair activity compared with control conditions.
The Journal of clinical investigation
Evidence type
Preclinical study
Direct GHK-Cu preclinical skin-repair evidence
Publication and key finding
In a mouse scald-wound model, GHK-Cu accelerated wound closure and supported collagen deposition and tissue remodelling.
Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society
Evidence type
Laboratory study
GHK-Cu laboratory evidence
Publication and key finding
In normal and irradiated human dermal fibroblasts, GHK-Cu accelerated cell growth and increased early production of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.
Archives of facial plastic surgery
1 selected study from the wider trial library, in the order chosen for this product.
NCT07437586
Combinations used in research protocols where GHK-Cu complements other compounds.
BPC-157 + TB-500
Enhanced tissue regeneration and angiogenesis through complementary repair pathways.
View TB-500 + BPC-157KPV Peptide
Amplified anti-inflammatory and epithelial protection, particularly for gut and skin.
View AC-KPV-NH2NAD+ or SS-31
Improved mitochondrial repair and oxidative resilience at the cellular level.
View SS-31Epitalon
Supports long-term skin rejuvenation, telomere maintenance, and DNA repair.
View EpitalonLabbieux pens are designed for 30 to 31 administrations of 10 clicks. With daily use, this corresponds to approximately one month. We recommend starting with 5 clicks and building up to 10 clicks per administration. More sensitive people may use fewer clicks.
Before using our pens, consult the manual.
GHK-Cu has been generally well tolerated across research and cosmetic studies. Mild redness, itching, or localised warmth may occur at the injection site due to copper's vascular activity. High concentrations in topical form may cause temporary skin irritation or dryness. Published studies have not reported systemic toxicity at research-relevant doses. Side effects are dose-dependent and typically resolve quickly after application adjustment. As with all injectable compounds, sterile technique and proper storage are essential. Regular cycling with appropriate break periods ensures continued effectiveness and helps maintain receptor sensitivity over time.
This public COA documents one selected production batch and is updated annually. It is not the COA for our latest available batch. Every batch has its own documentation, and partners can request the latest batch COA from our team.
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