GHK-Cu

Glycine-L-Histidine-L-Lysine Copper Peptide

Evidence & Status

  • Preliminary / Experimental
  • Preliminary

At a Glance

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, wound fluid, and saliva. In-vitro fibroblast studies show stimulation of collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis; a randomized topical post-laser study found no significant objective improvement over control, although patient satisfaction was higher. Circulating levels decline significantly with age.

Plain English

Researchers study GHK-Cu, a naturally produced copper-binding peptide found in plasma, wound fluid, and saliva. In-vitro fibroblast studies show stimulation of collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis; these mechanisms have been proposed as contributors to wound-healing activity, not as demonstrated accelerated wound closure in humans. A randomized topical study after CO2 laser resurfacing found no significant between-group improvement in objective outcomes, although participant satisfaction was higher. GHK-Cu levels in the bloodstream decline with age.

Overview

A naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine at concentrations that decline with age. GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures (Maquart et al., 1988) and sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in vitro (Wegrowski et al., 1992); these in vitro mechanistic findings have been proposed as contributors to wound healing activity. Elastin synthesis, antioxidant pathway activation, and anti-inflammatory pathway activation claims are not supported by verified primary sources in this record and have been removed. Published data in the broader literature describe extensive gene expression modulatory activity, but the source identifiers previously associated with genome-wide expression claims in this record could not be verified as correct entities and have been removed. Widely used in cosmeceutical formulations for topical skin remodeling. Systemic injectable use lacks controlled human data.

Research Summary

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex with established cosmeceutical use. One randomized human study (Miller et al., 2006) evaluated topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin; objective clinical outcomes — including erythema, wrinkle depth, and overall skin quality — were not significantly better than control, though patient-reported satisfaction was higher; this limited clinical evidence does not establish broad therapeutic efficacy for skin remodeling or wound healing. This single study does not establish broad improvements in skin thickness, wrinkle depth, and collagen density across the general population, and should not be characterized as multiple controlled trials. Genome-wide gene expression claims previously cited in this record (PMID 25660582) were confirmed as entity mismatches and have been removed; no replacement genome-wide source is added per implementation rules. Injectable systemic use lacks controlled human data. The previously stored PubMed identifiers (PMID 25607591 and PMID 25660582) were confirmed as entity mismatches and have been removed. Evidence is reclassified as preliminary. Topical cosmetic convention does not constitute FDA-established therapeutic dosing.

Research Areas

  • In-vitro collagen synthesis
  • In-vitro glycosaminoglycan synthesis
  • Mechanistic wound-healing research
  • Topical post-procedure study

Safety & Risks

Serious Risks

  • Systemic copper accumulation at very high injectable doses (theoretical); insufficient long-term human injectable data; cosmetic topical use is well-established and considered safe

Reported Side Effects

  • Topical: mild skin irritation or redness (uncommon)
  • Injectable: injection site discomfort
  • Potential copper taste (oral preparations)
United States
Research only; sold legally as cosmetic ingredient (not a drug)
United Kingdom
Research only; permitted as cosmetic ingredient
Australia
Research only; cosmetic use permitted
Canada
Research only; cosmetic use permitted

Citations & Sources