GHK-Cu

A natural copper-binding peptide in blood and skin. Used in skin creams for firmness and wound healing; small human studies on the skin.

Evidence: Limited human research
Half-life: Not known
Sources: 2 cited

Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?

Sold in cosmetics. Injectable forms aren't FDA-approved.

Overview

GHK is a three-amino-acid peptide found in blood, saliva and urine that tightly binds copper. Levels drop with age. In lab and animal studies, GHK-Cu boosts collagen and wound healing. Small human studies of creams reported better skin firmness and fewer fine lines. Injected GHK-Cu hasn't been studied in controlled human trials.

How it works

It delivers copper to tissues and switches on genes for collagen, elastin and tissue repair while turning down inflammation genes.

How long does GHK-Cu stay in the body?

Not established for injection.

What it's studied for

Skin aging and wrinkles
Wound healing
Hair growth

Reported side effects

Skin irritation (topical)
Injection-site pain or discoloration (injected)

Related: AHK-Cu, BPC-157, NAD+, Argireline.

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.