Peptide Encyclopedia / GHK-Cu
EncyclopediaGHK-Cu, or copper tripeptide-1, is a copper-binding peptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973. Small human studies back its topical skin benefits, injectable and systemic claims rest on animal and lab work, and injectable GHK-Cu holds no FDA approval. Educational only, not medical advice.
| Also known as | GHK-Cu, Copper tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper peptide |
| Regulatory status | GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug. |
GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug. Copper tripeptide-1 is widely used as an ingredient in topical cosmetic/skincare products, which is legal in the US under cosmetic regulations (cosmetics are not FDA pre-approved). Injectable or systemic GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for any indication and is sold only as a research chemical or compounded preparation. The compound was first isolated from human plasma by biochemist Loren Pickart in 1973.
GHK is a tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that forms a stable complex with copper(II) ions. It facilitates copper transport into and out of cells and has been reported to stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promote angiogenesis via increased VEGF and bFGF, exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and modulate gene expression (including genes associated with tissue remodeling and wound repair). These mechanisms are primarily characterized in cell-culture and animal models. Pharmacokinetics (half-life No well-characterized human systemic half-life established for therapeutic dosing; endogenous plasma GHK declines markedly with age (reported ~200 ng/mL at age 20 falling to ~80 ng/mL by age 60).): Pharmacokinetic data in humans for exogenous (injected) GHK-Cu are essentially absent from peer-reviewed sources. Most data concern topical penetration and in vitro/animal activity. Endogenous GHK is present in plasma and decreases with age. No verified human PK half-life for injectable dosing found.
Evidence is strongest for topical/cosmetic skin applications (improved skin appearance, collagen markers) in small human cosmetic studies, plus extensive in vitro and animal wound-healing data. Claims about systemic injectable benefits (longevity, hair, organ repair) are based on cell-culture, animal, and mechanistic work, not controlled human trials. Honest level: limited-human for topical skin endpoints; animal-only/mechanistic for injectable/systemic claims. Reported use: Commonly REPORTED use is topical: GHK-Cu serums/creams (often ~0.05-2%) applied to skin for anti-aging and wound-support purposes, which is the only form with a reasonable evidence base and clear legal standing as a cosmetic. Community and clinic-reported injectable/subcutaneous protocols exist but are not supported by controlled human trials and are not described here as recommended. This information is descriptive of reported practice, not a prescription.
Topical GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated in cosmetic use; reported reactions include mild local irritation or contact sensitivity. Systemic/injectable safety is not established in controlled human studies. Copper-containing products carry theoretical concern for copper accumulation with excessive or prolonged systemic exposure. No verified controlled safety data exist for injectable use..
Known copper hypersensitivity or allergy, Wilson disease or other disorders of copper metabolism (theoretical concern with systemic exposure).
No well-characterized drug interactions documented in peer-reviewed human literature; theoretical interaction with copper-modulating agents or copper chelators
Log every dose and injection site, get the reconstitution and units math automatically, follow your cycle, and record how you feel, then export a provider report. GHK-Cu tracker, free to start.
PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. GHK-Cu may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.
