MOLECULAR INFORMATION
Molecular information
- Weight
- 405 Da
- Length
- 3 amino acids
- Type
- Copper-bound tripeptide · skin-barrier modulator, wound-healing adjunct
- Formula
- C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Amino acid sequence
Gly-His-Lys GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring human plasma tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper(II). Concentrations decline with age, motivating its use in topical cosmetic and post-procedure recovery products under the INCI name Copper tripeptide-1.
Use cases
- Topical cosmetic — anti-ageing serums, post-laser barrier-repair
- Wound-healing adjunct — published evidence in diabetic ulcer studies
Why we grade it B
Multiple controlled topical-application studies demonstrate measurable collagen synthesis and barrier improvement. CosIng-listed cosmetic ingredient. But systemic / injectable use lacks regulatory authorisation and rests on mechanistic plausibility rather than clinical replication.
Frequently asked questions
- Is GHK-Cu safe to use on the skin?
- Yes — listed in the EU CosIng cosmetic ingredient database as Copper tripeptide-1, with a long topical-use safety record. Concentrations up to ~0.5% are standard in cosmetic formulations.
- Does GHK-Cu actually work for skin?
- Multiple controlled topical-application studies demonstrate measurable collagen synthesis and skin-barrier improvement. The effect size is real but modest — comparable to other cosmetic peptides, smaller than tretinoin.
- Can GHK-Cu be injected?
- Injectable GHK-Cu is sold grey-market for systemic claims (wound healing, hair growth) but has no regulatory authorisation for parenteral use. The topical cosmetic authorisation does not extend to injection.