GHK-Cu

What it is

GHK is a small peptide found naturally in human plasma, saliva and urine. It was identified by Loren Pickart in 1973 and binds copper ions tightly, forming GHK-Cu. Plasma levels drop with age. It gives solutions a distinctive blue color.

How it works

GHK-Cu delivers copper to tissues and signals skin cells to make collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. Gene-expression studies suggest it shifts the activity of many genes involved in tissue remodeling and antioxidant defense.

What the research shows

• Topical GHK-Cu improved skin firmness, fine lines and density in several small cosmetic studies.
• Animal studies show faster wound healing.
• Injected use has little published human data.

Regulatory status

Used as a cosmetic ingredient (listed as copper tripeptide-1) in topical skincare, which does not require FDA approval. Injectable GHK-Cu is not an approved drug.

Storage and handling

Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder is most stable sealed, dry and protected from light. Laboratory practice is to keep unopened vials frozen at about -20 °C for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C for shorter periods. After reconstitution, keep the solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and use aseptic technique for every draw. Formal stability data in solution has not been published for most research peptides, so follow the supplier's label and certificate of analysis. GHK-Cu solutions should keep their blue color; a change in color suggests the copper complex has broken down.

Reconstitution math

To work out concentration, volume and U-100 syringe units for any vial size, use the reconstitution calculator with GHK-Cu selected. Always confirm the vial content against the label and the batch's certificate of analysis.

Key references

• Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018.
• Search PubMed for GHK-Cu studies

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