Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II) Complex (Copper Peptide)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma that promotes wound healing, collagen synthesis, and has potent anti-aging effects on skin. Available as both topical skincare and injectable.
GHK-Cu is a tiny peptide that carries copper to your cells, where it triggers a cascade of repair and anti-aging processes. It tells your cells to make more collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic), grow new blood vessels for healing, and protect against oxidative damage. Remarkably, it can reset the activity of over 4,000 genes in older cells to patterns more typical of younger, healthier cells.
Primary use case for topical. Increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Multiple controlled human studies showing anti-aging skin benefits. Promotes hair follicle growth in preclinical models.
Modulates 4,000+ genes toward younger expression patterns. Declines with age. Exogenous supplementation restores youthful gene expression and healing capacity.
Promotes wound healing through collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and antioxidant mechanisms. Well-studied for dermal wound repair. Part of the healing triple stack.
Collagen synthesis may support joint tissue. Less evidence than BPC-157/TB-500 for musculoskeletal healing.
Copper is essential for immune function. GHK-Cu modulates inflammatory gene expression.
Some gene expression data suggesting neuroprotective effects. Limited direct evidence.
Mucosal healing potential through collagen synthesis. Not a primary gut peptide.
Not primarily a muscle peptide.
Not relevant.
Not relevant.
GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions and delivers them to tissues, where copper serves as a cofactor for critical enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD, antioxidant), lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), and tyrosinase. The peptide stimulates collagen I, III, and V synthesis, increases elastin and proteoglycan production, promotes dermal fibroblast proliferation, and activates TGF-beta and VEGF pathways. Gene expression studies show GHK-Cu modulates 4,000+ genes, upregulating genes associated with tissue repair and stem cell activity while downregulating genes associated with inflammation and tissue destruction (particularly metalloproteinase overexpression).
Apply to clean skin. Can be used around eyes. Compatible with most skincare ingredients. Avoid combining with strong acids (vitamin C at low pH, AHAs) as copper can oxidize ascorbic acid. Apply copper peptides first, acids in separate routine.
Community protocol for systemic benefits. Less evidence than topical route. Some users inject subQ in abdomen for systemic collagen support.
Triple healing stack: BPC-157 (angiogenesis/NO), TB-500 (cell migration), GHK-Cu (collagen synthesis/antioxidant). Complementary mechanisms.
Due to copper content. Temporary and harmless.
Wilson's disease causes pathological copper accumulation. Adding exogenous copper is dangerous.
GHK-Cu contains copper.
GHK-Cu promotes angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Theoretical risk of promoting tumor growth, though some studies suggest anti-cancer properties via gene modulation.
Topical use considered low risk. Injectable use has no safety data in pregnancy.
Copper can oxidize L-ascorbic acid, reducing the effectiveness of both. Use in separate routines (morning/evening) if using both topically.
Primary mechanism. Increases collagen I, III, and V synthesis.
Increases elastin production for skin elasticity.
Copper is a cofactor for Cu/Zn-SOD. GHK-Cu enhances antioxidant defense.
Downregulates excessive MMP expression that breaks down collagen.
Activates tissue repair pathways.
Promotes angiogenesis for wound healing.
Complementary healing mechanisms. BPC-157 for angiogenesis/NO, GHK-Cu for collagen synthesis/antioxidant.
Triple healing stack. GHK-Cu adds collagen synthesis to TB-500's cell migration and BPC-157's angiogenesis.
Both have anti-aging properties through different mechanisms. GHK-Cu for gene expression/collagen, Epithalon for telomerase activation.
No known interactions. GH + copper peptides may synergize for collagen production.
Both promote collagen synthesis. Can be used together topically. Some dermatologists recommend alternating nights.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A - Biomed Res Int (2015) - Review
Comprehensive review of GHK-Cu's role in skin regeneration. Modulates expression of 4,000+ genes. Resets gene expression of older cells toward younger patterns. Promotes collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and angiogenesis.
Limitations: Review by the peptide's discoverer (Pickart).
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A - Cosmetics (2012) - Gene expression study
GHK-Cu stimulates expression of 31 antioxidant genes while suppressing 2 pro-oxidant genes. Provides comprehensive antioxidant protection beyond simple free radical scavenging.
Limitations: In vitro gene expression data.
Pickart L - Oxid Med Cell Longev (2012) - Review
GHK-Cu declines with age from 200ng/ml (age 20) to 80ng/ml (age 60). This decline correlates with decreased wound healing. Exogenous GHK-Cu restores healing capacity and gene expression patterns.
Limitations: Review article.
Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA - J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev (2026) - Review
GHK-Cu alongside BPC-157 and TB-500 promotes angiogenesis, integrin-mediated ECM remodeling, and fibroblast activation for wound healing.
Limitations: Review article.
GHK-Cu is widely used in two contexts: topical skincare and injectable healing stacks. For skincare, it's considered one of the most effective anti-aging peptides available OTC. Popular products: Skin Biology (Pickart's company), The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum, NIOD CAIS. Community advice: don't use with vitamin C in the same routine (copper oxidizes ascorbic acid). For injectable use, GHK-Cu is the third member of the 'healing trinity' (BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu). Less discussed than BPC-157/TB-500 individually but valued for its unique collagen-synthesis and gene-modulation properties. The blue/green color of reconstituted GHK-Cu is normal (copper) and serves as a quality indicator. Cost is low for topical ($20-40 for quality serums), moderate for injectable ($30-50 for research vials).
Commercially available as cosmetic ingredient (topical). Available as research chemical (injectable). Not FDA-approved as a drug. Not a controlled substance. Widely used in skincare formulations.
GHK-Cu is legal and widely available. It is sold as a cosmetic ingredient in skincare products worldwide (Skin Biology, The Ordinary copper peptides, etc.) and as a research chemical for injectable use. No FDA restrictions on compounding or sale. Not on any prohibited substance lists.
Strong human evidence for topical use (multiple controlled studies for wound healing and anti-aging skincare). Injectable use has primarily animal data and community evidence. Gene expression studies are well-documented. Over 60 published studies total.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. PepStack does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or supplement. Research suggests these compounds may have various effects, but individual results vary and many claims require further clinical validation.