Peptides›Healing›GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu

/ Naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper(II)

TIER 2 · TranslationalN = 0 · TESTING PENDINGLAST REVIEW 2026·04·20

ALIAS · Copper Tripeptide · Gly-His-Lys-Cu(II)

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Research use onlyAny dose figures below describe what specific cited studies used, reported factually. Nothing on this page is guidance for human use.READ FIRST →

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§ A · Identity

Primary sequence— sequence not captured —

MW · —CLASS · Naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper(II)CATEGORY · Healing

Modest human evidence exists in topical cosmetic dermatology. Systemic injectable GHK-Cu has no human RCT evidence; topical-to-systemic extrapolation is not supported.

§ B · Mechanism of action

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). Its copper-bound form (GHK-Cu) has high affinity for Cu(II). Proposed mechanisms include modulation of more than 4,000 human genes toward a younger transcriptomic profile, stimulation of dermal fibroblasts, upregulation of collagen/elastin/glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects. Copper delivery to lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase is a likely downstream contributor.

§ C · Human clinical evidence

Modest. Most human data is in topical cosmetic dermatology (skin aging, wound dressings). Small trials exist but few are large, placebo-controlled, and independently replicated outside industry sponsorship. No systemic-injection RCTs in humans.

§ D · Primary literature

DOI10.3390/ijms19071987Pickart L et al. — Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · reviewComprehensive review of GHK-Cu by the peptide's discoverer, summarizing reported modulation of thousands of human genes toward a younger transcriptomic profile and proposed mechanisms in skin regeneration.Limitations: Authored by the peptide's discoverer; gene-expression claims rest heavily on microarray data from the originating group with limited independent Western replication.2018

§ F · Safety signal

Topical: mild irritation or contact dermatitis reported at higher concentrations. Copper toxicity risk with systemic exposure has not been systematically characterized for peptide-bound copper in humans.

§ H · Regulatory status

Regulatory status

FDA status:: Not FDA-approved

§ I · Notable gaps and controversies

Gene-expression "rejuvenation" claims rest heavily on microarray data interpreted by the discovering group. Independent transcriptomic replication is limited. Most rigorous human data is topical and cosmetic; extrapolation to systemic injection is not supported by the published literature.