GHK-Cu is a complex of the tripeptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) and copper, which is found naturally in the human body. This complex has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, and is often used in anti-aging and wound-healing products to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and promote tissue repair. GHK-Cu levels in the body decrease with age, which is why it is of particular interest for its potential to counteract age-related effects
Scientific Background
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) naturally occurs in human plasma, saliva, and tissues.
When bound to copper (GHK-Cu), it exhibits unique biological activities relevant to:
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Skin regeneration & remodeling
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Anti-inflammatory signaling
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DNA repair pathways
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Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
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Wound-healing and tissue-repair processes
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Stem-cell activation and protection
In research models, GHK-Cu has demonstrated the ability to:
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Support fibroblast activity
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Increase expression of repair-related genes
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Improve cellular resilience under stress
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Modulate cytokine activity in damaged tissue
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Influence gene expression associated with aging and tissue breakdown
GHK-Cu is often investigated as a biomimetic signal peptide for skin and tissue repair.
Research Areas of Interest
All information below is intended strictly for scientific, laboratory, and in-vitro research only.
1. Skin Regeneration & Repair Models
Researchers study GHK-Cu for potential effects on:
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Fibroblast proliferation
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Collagen I & III synthesis
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Dermal remodeling pathways
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Wound-closure studies
2. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Pathways
GHK-Cu is used to explore:
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Reduction of inflammatory cytokines
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Decreased oxidative stress markers
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Modulation of NF-κB–related pathways
3. Hair-Follicle & Skin-Cell Research
Experiments evaluate:
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Dermal papilla cell activity
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Hair-follicle signaling molecules
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ECM (extracellular matrix) remodeling
4. DNA Repair & Gene-Expression Studies
Researchers examine GHK-Cu’s involvement in:
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DNA repair enzyme pathways
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Gene expression linked to cellular aging
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Tissue-protective gene profiles
5. Cosmetic & Anti-Aging Research Models
Because of its skin-focused activity, GHK-Cu is widely used to study:
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Firmness and elasticity pathways
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Fine-line and wrinkle–related signaling
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Age-related degradation of ECM proteins
All findings are preclinical or in-vitro only, not validated clinical outcomes.
Molecular Profile
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Peptide: GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
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Type: Copper-binding tripeptide
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Sequence: Gly-His-Lys
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Length: 3 amino acids
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Molecular Weight: ~340.4 g/mol
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Form: Lyophilized powder
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Purity: ≥ 98% (HPLC tested)
Storage & Stability
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Store lyophilized peptide at –20°C
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Keep away from moisture, heat, and light
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Use reconstituted solution promptly or store as per lab protocol
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Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Each 3ml vial is formulated with 50mg of highly purified (>99%) lyophilized GHK-Cu, produced in sterile environments that meet research-grade standards. Prime Peptides validates every batch through third-party laboratory testing to ensure exact molecular composition, stable peptide structure, and consistent results suitable for a wide range of experimental designs.
