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GHK-Cu

100mg Vial

2 July 2026Updated 10 October 2026

GHK-Cu

Overview Research13

Mechanism Protocols Safety Discussions

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Full range of benefits for GHK-Cu

Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis by dermal fibroblasts

Supports wound healing and skin repair processes

Modulates gene expression involved in tissue remodelling

Regulates matrix metalloproteinases and TIMPs for ECM balance

Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in skin cell models

Supports antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative damage

Promotes angiogenesis and microvascular repair in wound models

May stimulate hair follicle activation and hair growth

Associated with improved skin firmness and elasticity

Contributes to scar remodelling and improved skin texture

This peptide's combination-safety and interaction data below always stays visible, regardless of membership.

Warning

Important information. The data compiled from scientific literature is provided for educational purposes. Dosage ranges reflect what is reported in studies and do not constitute a recommendation, prescription, or usage guidance. Health decisions should always be made with a qualified professional.

13 Published Studies

Scientific literature related to GHK-Cu and its potential applications.

Abstract analysed

Use of GHL-Cu as antiinflammatory agent

The abstract discloses GHL-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine: copper(II)) as a compound claimed to act as a superoxide dismutase mimetic, to detoxify oxygen radicals, not to evoke an antigenic response, and to have potential use in treating inflammatory conditions and reducing trauma-related tissue damage in animals; however, no experimental data, methods, or safety/toxicity information are provided, so evidence supporting these claims is lacking.

Anti-inflammatory agent developmentSOD mimetic / antioxidant therapeuticsTreatment of injury-related tissue damage+1 more

Relevance

100%

Source

Europe PMC

EP0577151

Published

1994

Abstract analysed

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR HEALING BONE

The abstract discloses copper(II)-complexed peptides (including GHK-Cu and L-lysyl-L-histidyl-glycine:Cu) claimed for promoting and accelerating bone and hard tissue healing in warm-blooded animals, but provides no experimental or safety data.

Bone healing and regenerationHard tissue repairMetal-peptide therapeutics+2 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC

EP0495877

Published

1992

Abstract analysed

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PREVENTING ULCERS

The abstract discloses compositions containing GHK, GHK-Cu, and derivatives and claims they can reduce stomach ulcer formation, reduce gastric acid secretion, and increase cytoprotective mucus secretion in warm-blooded animals; no experimental details or data are provided in the abstract.

Gastroprotection / anti-ulcer therapyPeptide-based therapeuticsPeptide-metal complexes (GHK-Cu)+1 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC

EP0313643

Published

1989

Abstract analysed

Healing wounds in horses

The abstract claims that topical GHK-Cu or listed derivatives enhance healing of various wounds in horses, but provides no experimental details, quantitative results, or safety data; evidence quality is very low.

Wound healing in horsesTopical peptide (GHK-Cu) therapeutics in veterinary medicineStructure-activity of GHK-Cu derivatives in wound repair

Relevance

100%

Source

Europe PMC

GB2213060

Published

1989

Full text analysed

Water-Soluble, Enzyme-Degradable, and Hydrolyzable STAR Particles for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Skin.

In ex vivo porcine skin, PLA STAR particles (10% w/v) applied with a 5% (w/v) copper tripeptide‑1 (GHK‑Cu) aqueous formulation markedly increased intradermal uptake (12.1x for 10 s rubbing; 37x for 30 s) and enhanced transdermal permeation at 24 h, associated with large reductions in skin electrical resistance consistent with micropore formation.

In vivo studies in relevant animal models to evaluate safety, biodegradation kinetics, local tissue response, and systemic exposure of GHK‑Cu delivered with PLA STAR particles.Human clinical studies to assess tolerability, acceptability, and pharmacokinetics of topical GHK‑Cu with PLA STAR particles.Dose–response and formulation optimization (peptide concentration, vehicle composition) to define optimal delivery parameters.+2 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC, PubMed

DOI: 10.1002/adhm.71569

Published

2026

Full text analysed

Effect of Peptides on the Synthesis, Properties and Wound Healing Capacity of Silver Nanoparticles.

In this in vitro study, GHK-Cu (CuTP1) conjugated to silver nanoparticles produced by adding peptide during AgNP synthesis (CuTP1-AgNP) had higher synthesis yield, distinct peptide capping and improved fibroblast migration in a scratch assay (≈62% at 24 h and ≈72% at 48 h) compared with free GHK-Cu (≈22–31%) and peptide-free AgNP (≈29–47%); results are limited to preclinical in vitro data.

Wound healing (in vitro fibroblast migration)Nanoparticle–peptide conjugates (GHK-Cu/CuTP1 functionalization of AgNP)Nanomaterial synthesis methods and effect of addition order on yield and capping+2 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC, PubMed

DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102471

Published

2023

Full text analysed

QR678 & QR678 Neo Hair Growth Formulations: A Cellular Toxicity & Animal Efficacy Study.

In these preclinical studies, QR 678 and QR 678 Neo formulations that include copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) were non-cytotoxic in human keratinocyte and fibroblast MTT assays (GHK-Cu tested up to 10,000 µg/mL) and produced localized induction of hair growth in telogen-phase mice (optimal at Solution 3 concentrations) and preservation of hair follicles in an Ara-C chemotherapy-induced alopecia rat model; however, findings are preclinical, sample sizes were small, and formal toxicology/statistical analyses are limited.

Clinical trials in humans with secondary (chemotherapy-induced) alopecia (authors stated a human trial completed/at publication stage).Evaluation in inflammatory scalp disorders and autoimmune hair loss (e.g., alopecia areata) as suggested by authors.Dose-ranging and repeated-dose safety/toxicology (GLP) studies.+2 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC, PubMed

DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002843

Published

2020

Full text analysed

Multi-Target Restoration of Dermal Elastic Fibers Through Elastin Upregulation, Elastase Suppression, and Scaffold Reinforcement.

In human dermal fibroblasts Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) increases ELN mRNA and secreted elastin protein (statistically significant). When included in a multitarget topical formulation, it is associated with restoration of elastin content and fiber architecture in UV-damaged human skin biopsies ex vivo. Evidence is preclinical and functional/in vivo confirmation is needed.

Mechanistic studies to define signaling pathways by which GHK-Cu increases ELN transcription and secretion.Isoform-specific analysis of elastin (splice-variant–specific assays) after GHK-Cu treatment, especially under UV stress.In vivo studies or clinical trials to determine whether molecular and structural changes translate to improved skin elasticity and clinical outcomes.+3 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC, PubMed

DOI: 10.3390/cimb48050431

Published

2026

Full text analysed

Efficacy and Safety Assessment of ThriveCo Scar Fader Gel With Scarcede™ in the Treatment of Skin Scars.

In this small, single-arm, open-label 45-day study in adult females with acne scars, twice-daily topical use of ThriveCo Scar Fader Gel (containing copper tripeptide-1 among other actives) was associated with statistically significant within-subject improvements in dermatologist-assessed scar appearance (MSS) and multiple Visioscan measures of skin texture; no adverse events were reported. However, the study's design limitations (no control, lack of blinding, small sample, short duration, and potential conflicts of interest) mean the evidence is low quality and results should be confirmed in controlled trials.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo- or vehicle-controlled trials to confirm efficacy and causality.Longer-duration studies to evaluate durability of scar improvement and long-term safety.Larger, multi-center studies with more diverse populations (sex, race/ethnicity, age, scar types).+2 more

Relevance

85%

Source

Europe PMC, PubMed

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.90934

Published

2025

Full text analysed

An Assessment of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of a Novel Scalp Treatment Regimen Combining a Hydroxy Acid-Based Scrub and Copper Tripeptide Serum in the Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adults.

In a small, single-arm 15-day open-label study of adults with mild–moderate dandruff, a regimen combining a hydroxy-acid exfoliating scrub and a leave-on serum containing copper tripeptide-1 and other actives produced rapid, statistically significant improvements in adherent scalp flaking, scalp hydration, and localized hair density/thickness; however, absence of a control group, short duration, limited safety reporting, and potential sponsor-related conflicts limit the strength of the evidence.

Randomized, placebo- or active-controlled trials to confirm efficacy and account for placebo effect.Longer-duration studies to assess durability of benefits and longer-term safety/tolerability.Larger, more diverse populations to evaluate generalizability (age ranges, ethnicities, severity levels).+3 more

Relevance

95%

Source

Europe PMC, PubMed

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70108

Published

2024