Recovery · peptide
GHK-Cu
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) complex
Also sold as: Copper tripeptide-1 · Copper peptide · GHK copper complex · GHK-Cu serum
A copper-binding tripeptide sold both as a topical cosmetic ingredient and as an injectable research chemical — two very different products with two very different evidence bases.
What the evidence says
Graded on the compound profile, not restated here.
GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used as a topical cosmetic ingredient, with real — if modest — human data for skin appearance. Its injectable and systemic use is a separate, unproven research-chemical category.
- CPreliminarySkin appearance — wrinkles, firmness, texture (topical)Preliminary human evidence from small cosmetic trials.
- DPreclinicalWound healing (topical/experimental)Mostly animal and cell data.
- DPreclinicalHair growthPreclinical and anecdotal; not established in controlled human trials.
- UUnknownSystemic anti-aging / regenerative effects (injected)Unknown — no controlled human evidence for injected or systemic use.
- UUnknownAny long-term safety outcome for injected useUnknown — no controlled human safety data for systemic dosing.
GHK-Cu is unusual in this catalog because it is two products sold under one name, and the distinction decides which evidence applies to what you bought.
The topical form is a widely used cosmetic ingredient with real, if modest, human data for skin appearance. The injectable form is an unapproved research chemical, and the human evidence for systemic use is graded U on the compound profile — meaning unknown, not promising.
Buying the vial and applying the cosmetic literature to it is the mistake this page exists to prevent.
What a copper-peptide COA has to establish
Identity is the whole question here. GHK is a tripeptide; GHK-Cu is that tripeptide bound to copper, and the copper is not incidental — it is the part the cosmetic research studied. A certificate showing peptide purity without confirming the copper complex has told you about a different molecule.
Ask for mass-spec identity and a lot number matching the vial. Purity alone, as the COA guide works through, tells you the sample is 99% something.
The topical products are a separate evaluation
Shampoos, conditioners, and creams are cosmetics, and cosmetics are not required to state active concentration. Most do not. Without a concentration you cannot map a product onto the studies, which used specific amounts — so the honest position on an unlabelled copper-peptide cosmetic is that its evidence base is unknown even where the ingredient’s is not.
The hair-loss evidence is thinner still, and largely industry-funded.
Before you buy
- Establish which product you are buying. Topical cosmetic formulations and lyophilized research vials share a name and almost nothing else.
- For topicals, look for the copper-peptide concentration. Most cosmetic products do not state it, which makes the evidence impossible to apply.
- For vials, require mass-spec identity. The copper complex is what does the work; free GHK without the copper is a different molecule.
- Check for a lot-matched COA rather than a generic one served for the whole product line.
- Blue-green colour is expected from the copper complex and is not itself a quality signal.
What is sold
- Forms
- Lyophilized vial · Topical serum · Shampoo and conditioner
- Typical price
- $34.99–$49.99 depending on format Indicative only. Not a live price.
- Storage
- The copper complex is light-sensitive. Cosmetic formulations typically ship in opaque packaging for this reason; a clear bottle is a formulation choice worth noticing.
Last reviewed 2026-08-24.