At a glance
Effects
- Collagen & matrix remodeling: Stimulates synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans and decorin while modulating metalloproteinases, supporting firmer skin and remodeling of scar tissue.[3][7]
- Wound healing: Accelerates wound closure and contraction, improves skin-graft take, and is being formally tested in a controlled acute-wound trial.[3][6]
- Anti-inflammatory / antioxidant: Reduces TNF-α-induced IL-6 secretion in dermal fibroblasts and provides antioxidant protection during healing.[7][4]
- Skin appearance: Early/promising studies suggest improved skin elasticity, clarity, firmness and reduced fine lines and wrinkles.[2][9]
- Hair follicle support: Copper peptides have been observed to enlarge hair follicles and stimulate hair growth, though much evidence is preclinical or on related peptides.[9][2]
Copper-binding tripeptide (copper tripeptide-1)
Topical (cosmetic); injectable only as research-grade
Short (~<30 min for tripeptides)
Naturally occurring; declines with age
Avoid in copper-metabolism disorders
About Copper peptide GHK-Cu
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, first isolated from human plasma in 1973 and now used mainly as a regenerative skin/wound-repair and anti-aging ingredient.[1][4] It is not an approved systemic drug; most human use is topical/cosmetic, with injectable use confined to research-grade settings.[2][9]
How it works
GHK has a strong affinity for copper(II) and is believed to act by carrying copper safely into cells, where copper serves as a cofactor for enzymes such as lysyl oxidase that are essential for collagen formation.[4][6] At very low (picomolar–nanomolar) concentrations it stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts, modulates matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, attracts immune and endothelial cells to injury sites, and promotes blood-vessel growth.[3][7] Newer gene-expression work suggests it also acts as a signaling molecule, modulating a large number of human genes (an effect reported on roughly 30% of human genes).[5][2]
Risks & side effects
Most important: The single most important precaution is copper status: anyone with Wilson's disease or another copper-metabolism disorder must avoid GHK-Cu, because even small added copper loads can worsen toxic copper accumulation in the liver and brain.[5][6] For most healthy people at cosmetic/research doses copper toxicity from GHK-Cu alone is unlikely, but robust long-term human safety data — especially for injectable use — are limited.[7][9]
Common
- Topical use: mild, transient skin irritation, redness or tingling, especially at high concentrations or on sensitive/compromised skin.[8][6]
- Injectable use (research): injection-site redness or irritation, temporary flushing, occasional mild nausea or headache.[5]
- Metallic taste, generally a non-serious tolerability issue.[6]
Serious
- Worsening copper accumulation (liver/neurological) in people with Wilson's disease, Menkes disease or impaired copper excretion (e.g. advanced liver disease).[5][6]
- Endotoxin or microbial contamination of unregulated injectable peptide vials, which can cause fever, chills and systemic inflammatory reactions — a sourcing/quality risk rather than peptide toxicity.[8]
Rare
- Copper allergy / contact reaction (e.g. in those who have reacted to copper IUDs).[5][6]
- Theoretical zinc depletion with chronic high-dose use.[6]
- Theoretical concern about promoting growth of existing malignant cells given its broad pro-proliferative gene effects — consult an oncologist if you have active cancer.[6]
Safety & harm reduction
- Wilson's disease, Menkes disease or other confirmed copper-metabolism disorders.[5][6]
- Severe / decompensated liver disease (cirrhosis), where copper excretion is impaired — relative-to-absolute contraindication.[6]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data; copper crosses the placenta.[5][6]
- Known copper allergy, or severely compromised skin barrier (for topical use until barrier is repaired).[6][8]
- Screen for Wilson's disease (serum ceruloplasmin, 24-hour urine copper) if there is unexplained liver enzyme elevation, neurological symptoms, Kayser-Fleischer rings, or a relevant family history before any copper-containing peptide.[5]
- Monitor copper and zinc status in patients on chronic or long-duration GHK-Cu.[6]
- Low-pH vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) can reduce copper(II) and break the complex; benzoyl peroxide oxidizes and destroys the peptide — separate applications.[5]
- Wilson's-disease therapies (penicillamine, trientine, zinc acetate): GHK-Cu opposes their therapeutic intent — contraindicated.[5]
- Account for total copper intake from other copper-containing supplements.[5]
- Topical: patch-test and introduce slowly on sensitive skin; repair a damaged skin barrier first.[6][8]
- Injectable research peptides: use products with a certificate of analysis; pure GHK-Cu powder is light blue, and a brown, colorless or cloudy vial signals degradation — do not use it. Store reconstituted vials refrigerated (2–8 °C) and avoid freeze-thaw cycles.[8]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported, NOT a prescription. Topical cosmetic products use low concentrations and are the best-established route; liposomal or compounded formulations are used to improve skin penetration.[8][2] Community and vendor sources cite injectable research ranges around 1–2 mg/day, with no published characterization of adverse events at sustained injectable doses above ~5–10 mg/week in humans.[3][7] Because injectable GHK-Cu is not an approved drug and human dosing is not validated in controlled trials, treat any figure as unverified and consult a clinician.[9]
Sources
- 1.Wikipedia — Copper peptide GHK-Cu
- 2.Superpower — GHK-Cu compound guide
- 3.PeptideDeck — GHK-Cu copper peptide
- 4.Apex Laboratory — GHK-Cu Research Guide
- 5.Pickart & Margolina, Regenerative and Protective Actions of GHK-Cu (PMC6073405)
- 6.PeptidesInsider — GHK-Cu side effects & safety
- 7.GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration (PMC4508379)
- 8.FormBlends — GHK-Cu side effects: what the evidence shows
- 9.Peptides Lab UK — GHK-Cu safety review
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Copper peptide GHK-Cu· 3 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Generic | vial | 100 mg | 1 vial | 139,99 € | — |
GenericSelected | vial | 50 mg | 10 vial | 169,99 € | — |
Generic | vial | 100 mg | 1 vial | 209,99 € | — |