GHK-Cu
Skin, Hair & AestheticsPhase 2Also known as: Copper Peptide, GHK Copper
GHK-Cu (copper peptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex with the amino acid sequence Gly-His-Lys chelated to a copper(II) ion. It has a molecular weight of 403.93 Da and a CAS number of 49557-75-7.
Reconstitution Calculator for GHK-Cu
Pre-filled · 5mg vial · 200mcg dose
Overview
At A Glance
Copper Delivery and Metalloenzyme Activation…
Overview
GHK-Cu (copper peptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex with the amino acid sequence Gly-His-Lys chelated to a copper(II) ion. It has a molecular weight of 403.93 Da and a CAS number of 49557-75-7. GHK-Cu was first identified in human plasma by Pickart and Thaler in 1973, who observed that plasma from young individuals (age 20-25) stimulated hepatocyte protein synthesis more effectively than plasma from older donors (age 60-80), and isolated GHK as the active factor (PMID: 25815018). GHK-Cu is present in human plasma at approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults, with concentrations declining significantly with age — dropping to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60. This age-related decline in GHK-Cu has been proposed as a contributing factor to reduced tissue repair capacity, skin thinning, and slower wound healing observed in aging populations (PMID: 25815018). A landmark gene expression study by Pickart et al. (2012) using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, with a net effect that shifts gene expression patterns from a diseased or aged state toward a healthier, younger profile. Key upregulated gene categories include collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Key downregulated categories include pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrinogen production, and metastasis-related genes (PMID: 22585403). In wound healing research, GHK-Cu has demonstrated strong efficacy across multiple models. Topical GHK-Cu accelerates wound contraction, stimulates angiogenesis, and increases collagen deposition in dermal wounds. It activates fibroblasts and attracts immune cells including macrophages and mast cells to the wound site, coordinating the inflammatory-to-proliferative phase transition (PMID: 28500824). In aged skin models, GHK-Cu restored dermal thickness and improved skin elasticity through stimulation of collagen I and III synthesis and inhibition of excessive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity (PMID: 24508067). GHK-Cu is widely available as a cosmetic ingredient in serums, creams, and dermal patches. It is approved for cosmetic use in the United States and European Union. Beyond topical application, GHK-Cu is also administered via subcutaneous injection in the biohacking community for systemic anti-aging and recovery purposes, though this route lacks formal clinical validation. The peptide complex is relatively stable when lyophilized and should be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius for topical formulations or at -20 degrees Celsius for injectable-grade lyophilized powder. GHK-Cu has an extremely short plasma half-life of approximately 30 minutes, but its tissue-level effects persist for hours to days due to gene expression changes it initiates upon cellular uptake.
Potential Research Fields
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) complex
CAS Number
49557-75-7
Molecular Formula
C14H21CuN6O4
Molecular Mass
400.90 g/mol
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Interaction Matrix
Contraindications
Active liver disease (when using at high systemic doses). Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder). Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Research Disclaimer
This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
$0.00
up to $75.00
$0.0390
8
13
topical, vial, powder
| Vendor | Product | Form | Qty | Price | $/mg | Coupon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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GHK-Cu 50mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $34.99BEST | $0.700 | ||
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GHK-Cu 50mg Vial | vial | 50mg● In Stock | $34.99 | $0.700 | ||
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GHK-Cu 50mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $29.00 | $0.580 | — | |
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GHK-Cu Raw 1g | powder | 1g● Out of Stock | $39.00 | $0.039 | — | Sign in for stock alert |
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GHK-Cu 100mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $45.00 | $0.450 | — | |
| ManeMaxing Balm | topical | 0mg● Out of Stock | $0.00 | — | Sign in for stock alert | ||
| Rejuvenate Balm | topical | 0mg● In Stock | $65.00 | — | |||
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GHK-Cu 100mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $49.99 | $0.500 | — | |
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GHK-Cu 100mg | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $69.99 | $0.700 | — | |
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GHK-Cu 50mg Vial | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $45.00 | $0.900 | ||
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GHK-Cu 100mg Vial | vial | 1 vial● In Stock | $75.00 | $0.750 | ||
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GHK-Cu 100mg | vial | 1 vial● Out of Stock | $53.50 | $0.535 | Sign in for stock alert | |
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GHK-Cu 50mg | vial | 50mg vial● In Stock | $39.99 | $0.800 |
Tracking since Mar 13, 2026 · 12 data points
Price History
6 data pointsVendors Selling GHK-Cu
Adera
Ion Peptide
ResearchChemHQ
Optimum Formula
VANDL Labs
Nova Peptides
BioMyst Labs
Limitless Biochem EU
How we score these vendors
Every supplier above is graded 0–100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.
Related Compounds
View AllMelanotan II
Skin, Hair & AestheticsPreclinicalMelanotan-II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) engineered in the late 1980s by researchers at the University of Arizona, most prominently Mac Hadley and Victor Hruby, who were searching for a way to stimulate skin pigmentation pharmacologically as a potential skin-cancer prophylactic.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Skin, Hair & AestheticsFDA ApprovedPT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic 7-amino-acid synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist that acts centrally in the brain — not peripherally on genital tissue — to improve sexual desire, arousal, and responsiveness.
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Protocols, calculator & safety for GHK-Cu
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4/21/2026Research Score
6 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
100%COA Verification
10
Verified COAs
2
Vendors w/ COA
High verification rate (83%)
Latest test: 3/1/2026
Research Credibility
Limited research available
Quick Facts
Half-Life
~30 minutes plasma half-life (tissue-level gene expression effects persist 12-24+ hours)
Molecular Weight
400.90 g/mol
Administration
Subcutaneous, Topical
CAS Number
49557-75-7
Trial Phase
Phase 2
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
- • Mild skin irritation or redness with topical application (transient)
- • Blue-green discoloration at injection site due to copper content (temporary)
- • Mild stinging upon topical application to broken skin
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu used for in research?
GHK-Cu (copper peptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex with the amino acid sequence Gly-His-Lys chelated to a copper(II) ion. It has a molecular weight of 403.93 Da and a CAS number of 49557-75-7. GHK-Cu was first identified in human plasma by Pickart and Thaler in 1973, who observed that plasma from young individuals (age 20-25) stimulated hepatocyte protein synthesis more effectively than plasma from older donors (age 60-80), and isolated GHK as the active factor (PMID: 25815018).
GHK-Cu is present in human plasma at approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults, with concentrations declining significantly with age — dropping to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60. This age-related decline in GHK-Cu has been proposed as a contributing factor to reduced tissue repair capacity, skin thinning, and slower wound healing observed in aging populations (PMID: 25815018).
A landmark gene expression study by Pickart et al. (2012) using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, with a net effect that shifts gene expression patterns from a diseased or aged state toward a healthier, younger profile. Key upregulated gene categories include collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Key downregulated categories include pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrinogen production, and metastasis-related genes (PMID: 22585403).
In wound healing research, GHK-Cu has demonstrated strong efficacy across multiple models. Topical GHK-Cu accelerates wound contraction, stimulates angiogenesis, and increases collagen deposition in dermal wounds. It activates fibroblasts and attracts immune cells including macrophages and mast cells to the wound site, coordinating the inflammatory-to-proliferative phase transition (PMID: 28500824). In aged skin models, GHK-Cu restored dermal thickness and improved skin elasticity through stimulation of collagen I and III synthesis and inhibition of excessive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity (PMID: 24508067).
GHK-Cu is widely available as a cosmetic ingredient in serums, creams, and dermal patches. It is approved for cosmetic use in the United States and European Union. Beyond topical application, GHK-Cu is also administered via subcutaneous injection in the biohacking community for systemic anti-aging and recovery purposes, though this route lacks formal clinical validation. The peptide complex is relatively stable when lyophilized and should be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius for topical formulations or at -20 degrees Celsius for injectable-grade lyophilized powder. GHK-Cu has an extremely short plasma half-life of approximately 30 minutes, but its tissue-level effects persist for hours to days due to gene expression changes it initiates upon cellular uptake.
What forms does GHK-Cu come in?
GHK-Cu is available in topical, vial, powder forms.
How much does GHK-Cu cost?
Pricing varies by vendor and form.
How do I compare GHK-Cu vendors?
Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 8 vendors.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllMelanotan II
Skin, Hair & AestheticsPreclinicalMelanotan-II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) engineered in the late 1980s by researchers at the University of Arizona, most prominently Mac Hadley and Victor Hruby, who were searching for a way to stimulate skin pigmentation pharmacologically as a potential skin-cancer prophylactic.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Skin, Hair & AestheticsFDA ApprovedPT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic 7-amino-acid synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist that acts centrally in the brain — not peripherally on genital tissue — to improve sexual desire, arousal, and responsiveness.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
All ComparisonsCompare GHK-Cu head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and live pricing.
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