GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First discovered by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973, plasma levels average 200 ng/mL at age 20 but decline to ~80 ng/mL by age 60. It has been extensively studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin regeneration, and gene modulation, with decades of cosmetic use and a broad safety profile. Molecular weight is approximately 340 g/mol (as the copper complex), with the formula C14H24N6O4Cu.
55 vendors tracked by PeptideAtlas list GHK-Cu, priced from $12.00 to $195. The lowest price per milligram is $0.200/mg at Prospera Peptides (100mg). 26 independent Janoshik purity tests cover GHK-Cu across 22 vendors. Results range from 99.4% to 100.0%.
Category: Skin & Tissue Repair. Evidence rating: F (anecdotal/unsupported).
Clinical status: Available in cosmetic formulations; no drug approval
GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions via its histidine residue and delivers bioavailable copper directly to cells, preventing free copper oxidative damage. It stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), attracts…
Research base: 3 registered clinical trials and 32 indexed publications reference GHK-Cu.
Safety considerations: Safety profile is excellent with minimal side effects reported in decades of cosmetic use and clinical research (PMID: 29986520); Topical forms are generally well-tolerated; mild skin irritation rare and typically limited to very sensitive skin; Injectable forms: mild injection site reactions, lightheadedness, nausea, flu-like symptoms possible; rotate injection sites to reduce local irritation.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | Gly-His-Lys-Cu(II) |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~403.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 49557-75-7 |
| Half-life | ~30 minutes plasma |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Available as a cosmetic ingredient (Copper Tripeptide-1). Not FDA-approved as a drug. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026 after HHS Secretary Kennedy directed withdrawal of nominations. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026. No IND application… |
| Vendor | Size | Price | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospera Peptides | 100mg | $20.00 | $0.200/mg |
| Archer Peptides | 100MG | $28.00 | $0.280/mg |
| Kitsune Compounds | 100mg | $30.00 | $0.300/mg |
| All Peptides USA | 100MG | $39.00 | $0.390/mg |
| BioPep Store | 46.01mg | $18.00 | $0.391/mg |
| Petratide Science | 100mg | $39.95 | $0.400/mg |
| US Peptide Co | 50mg | $19.99 | $0.400/mg |
| Choice Peps | 100MG | $40.00 | $0.400/mg |
| Domestic Peps | 100mg | $40.00 | $0.400/mg |
| Colorado Research Peptides | 100MG | $45.00 | $0.450/mg |
| Purus Peptides | 100mg | $48.00 | $0.480/mg |
| Fusion Peptides | 100 mg | $50.00 | $0.500/mg |
| Ameano Peptides | 100mg | $53.00 | $0.530/mg |
| Legendary Peptides | 100mg | $55.00 | $0.550/mg |
| Optimun Compounds | 100mg | $55.00 | $0.550/mg |
| Evolve BioPep | 50mg | $28.00 | $0.560/mg |
| Athena Peptides | 100MG | $59.00 | $0.590/mg |
| Lux Synth Aminos | 50MG | $30.00 | $0.600/mg |
| Rejuvenate Peptides | 100 mg | $60.00 | $0.600/mg |
| Growth Guys | 50mg | $30.00 | $0.600/mg |
| Pepix Labs | 100MG | $65.00 | $0.650/mg |
| Lucky Link Peptides | 100MG | $65.00 | $0.650/mg |
| Bioscience Peptides | 100mg | $65.00 | $0.650/mg |
| Amino Amigos | 100mg | $65.00 | $0.650/mg |
| Great Northern Peptides | 100mg | $65.00 | $0.650/mg |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| Pacific Wave | 100.0% |
| Penguin Peptides | 100.0% |
| New Wave Peptides Ltd | 100.0% |
| PACIFIC WAVE PEPTIDES | 99.9% |
| Kensingtonlabs.co | 99.9% |
| Peptide Crafters | 99.9% |
| XL Peptides | 99.9% |
| MOB Peptides | 99.9% |
| Peptira | 99.9% |
| PeptideKoning | 99.9% |
| Purus Peptides | 99.8% |
| Panda Peptides | 99.8% |
| Lab Rat Peptide | 99.8% |
| Peptide Gurus | 99.8% |
| Henan Sahe Peptide | 99.7% |
| [email protected] | 99.4% |
| [email protected] | 99.4% |
| [email protected] | 99.4% |
| [email protected] | 99.4% |
| [email protected] | 99.4% |
| PeptiAtlas | 99.4% |
| [email protected] | 99.4% |
Independent lab tests: GHK-Cu purity test results.
Yes. GHK-Cu is widely available in serums and creams at typically 4% concentration. Topical application has the most human evidence and is effective for anti-aging — measurable collagen increases have been shown in skin biopsies from study participants. Apply 1-2 times daily to clean skin.
Injectable GHK-Cu provides higher bioavailability and deeper tissue penetration compared to topical. However, topical forms have the most evidence. According to researcher Dr. Pickart, a total treatment dosage of 100-200 mg of GHK injected intramuscularly may provide health benefits. Injectable should be administered under professional supervision.
Topical: 4% concentration applied 1-2 times daily. Injectable: 1-2 mg daily subcutaneous injection, 5 days on / 2 days off, for 8-12 weeks followed by assessment. Cycling is recommended: 30 days on, 30 days washout. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms).
Do not apply topical GHK-Cu at the same time as Vitamin C products, as copper counteracts Vitamin C's antioxidant properties. Separate application by several hours. GHK-Cu is not approved for any therapeutic use by the FDA.
GHK is the tripeptide alone (glycyl-histidyl-lysine). GHK-Cu is the copper complex form where copper(II) is pre-bound to the peptide. Both work through similar mechanisms, but GHK-Cu's pre-complexed copper may offer advantages in efficiency and stability for cellular delivery.
Vendors with independent lab tests for it: Lab Rat Peptide, Peptide Crafters, MOB Peptides.
Vendors stocking it: Direct Peptides UK, LimitlessBioChem, Polar Peptides, Purity Peptides, OP Labs, Risynth Bio, Lux Synth Aminos, Uniting Wellness, Panda Peptides, Yabang Peptide, M-Peptides, Amino Lair, Reta-Peptide, Junli Peptide, Qianmiao Peptide, Zztai Peptide, Evolve BioPep, Nexaph, Homopeptide, Pepix Labs, Peptide Origin, All Peptides USA, DH Peps, Sigma Peptides, Biomax Research, NovaPeptide, Ameano Peptides, Mei Peptide, Fusion Peptides, Pulse Research Expansion, Prime Lab Peptides, Flycn Peptide, Pacific Peptide, Mammoth Muscle Peptides, Axon Chems, Ascension Peptides, Prospera Peptides, Onyx Research, Compound Sciences.
Coverage on this site: Best Canadian Peptide Vendors 2026: Ranked by Published Evidence, Common Cosmetic Peptides: Copper, Carnosine, Glutathione, and More, IndexBox Lists US$4,000 UK Peptide Serum Report, No Findings, Copper Peptides Go Mainstream in Skin Care as GHK-Cu Leads the Field, Most Commonly Used Peptides in Cosmetics and Their Functions, The Best Peptide Beauty Products for Firmer, Hydrated Skin, According to Dermatologists.
Independent lab results for GHK-Cu: Ghk-cu — Independent Lab Test Results, Ghk-cu 100mg — Independent Lab Test Results, Ghk-cu 50 Mg — Independent Lab Test Results, Ghk-cu - 50mg — Independent Lab Test Results.