GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. It declines significantly with age. Even without copper complexation, GHK demonstrates gene-regulatory activity affecting over 4,000 genes related to tissue repair, immune function, and anti-inflammatory responses.

1 independent Janoshik purity test cover GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) across 1 vendor.

Category: Regenerative / Research. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).

Clinical status: Research compound / Cosmetic ingredient

GHK modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes. It promotes collagen and decorin synthesis, regulates anti-inflammatory cytokines, and attracts stem cells to injury sites. It activates tissue remodeling pathways through multiple signaling cascades including TGF-beta and BMP pathways.

Safety considerations: Well-tolerated in available studies; Naturally present in human plasma.

Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.

GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) — measured properties

Production methodsynthetic
Anti-doping statusnot-listed

GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) third-party purity tests

VendorBest tested purity
Polaris Peptides99.8%

Frequently asked questions

Why use GHK if GHK-Cu is available?

GHK alone can chelate copper from the body. In some formulations, the non-copper form is preferred. GHK-Cu provides copper directly, which may be more efficient for certain applications.

What is GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)?

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. It declines significantly with age. Even without copper complexation, GHK demonstrates gene-regulatory activity affecting over 4,000 genes related to tissue repair, immune function, and anti-inflammatory responses.

How strong is the evidence for GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)?

On the PeptideAtlas A–F scale, GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is rated C (Early Evidence). Early human evidence, limited trials, or mixed findings

What is the clinical status of GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)?

Research compound / Cosmetic ingredient

How does GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) work?

GHK modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes. It promotes collagen and decorin synthesis, regulates anti-inflammatory cytokines, and attracts stem cells to injury sites. It activates tissue remodeling pathways through multiple signaling cascades including TGF-beta and BMP pathways.

Coverage on this site: GHK-Cu Stability: Key Factors Researchers Should Know, GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide in Tissue Repair and Skin Research, Glow Blend: GHK-Cu, BPC-157 & TB-500 Peptide Research, GHK-Cu Peptide: Key Mechanisms and Research Findings.