GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in cosmetics and studied for skin remodeling and wound healing.
In plain English
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper) is a small peptide that naturally exists in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Levels of GHK in the body fall sharply with age. In skin research, GHK-Cu has been studied as a topical and injected agent that appears to support collagen production, antioxidant defenses, and wound healing. It is one of the few peptides on this list with a meaningful human cosmetic dataset — primarily in topical form. People commonly research GHK-Cu for skin firmness, fine lines, hair density, and wound or scar healing. It is not approved as a drug, but it is widely used as a cosmetic ingredient.
What it is
GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine. It occurs naturally in human plasma at concentrations that decline substantially with age.
Mechanism (summary)
GHK-Cu modulates dozens of skin-relevant genes, influences metalloproteinase activity, stimulates fibroblast collagen and glycosaminoglycan production, and acts as an antioxidant via copper coordination.
Why people research it
- Cosmetic skin remodeling and reduction of fine lines
- Wound healing in diabetic and surgical models
- Hair growth and follicle stimulation
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Human evidence
Small human trials of topical GHK-Cu in skin and wound care show modest improvements in elasticity, fine lines, and wound closure compared with vehicle. Most data come from cosmetic-research settings, not large drug trials.
Animal / lab evidence
Rodent and rabbit studies show accelerated healing of skin wounds, gastric ulcers, and corneal injuries, plus increased collagen and hair-follicle activity.
Key studies
Each summary explains the design, what was found, and what it doesn't prove.
A broad review of how GHK-Cu affects skin repair, with emphasis on topical and cosmetic uses.
Women who used a GHK-Cu cream for 12 weeks reported firmer, smoother skin compared with placebo.
Animal wounds healed faster with GHK-Cu, and the skin made more collagen.
History
GHK was first isolated from human albumin in the 1970s by Loren Pickart. The copper complex is widely used in dermatology and cosmetic formulations.
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