GHK-Cu

• Copper transport and copper-dependent enzymes
• Extracellular matrix signalling in fibroblast models

GHK binds copper(II) with high affinity. Reported activity in fibroblast culture includes effects on collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Because copper is a cofactor for enzymes including lysyl oxidase, separating peptide-specific effects from general copper delivery is a recurring methodological difficulty in this literature.

Substantial in-vitro work in fibroblast and keratinocyte culture, and widespread use as a cosmetic ingredient. Controlled human studies with robust endpoints are considerably less common than the volume of marketing material implies.

Used widely in topical cosmetic formulation. Copper complexes warrant handling care as laboratory materials. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.

The copper complex and the free peptide are distinguishable by UV-visible absorbance — the complex has a characteristic d-d transition — as well as by mass spectrometry. A certificate describing only the tripeptide is not evidence that the copper complex was supplied.

Used as a cosmetic ingredient in many jurisdictions under ingredient nomenclature such as copper tripeptide-1. Cosmetic ingredient status is not medicinal approval.