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Peptide profile · Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide

GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper peptide, GHK copper, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper tripeptide-1

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with small human trials in topical skin care and wound healing, extensive gene-expression studies, and no drug approval.

Preliminary evidenceNot FDA-approved
Abstract peptide-chain illustration for the GHK-Cu profile

Evidence level

Preliminary

Small, mostly industry-associated human trials report improved photoaged skin and wound-healing measures with topical copper peptide preparations. Hair-growth and systemic (injected) claims rest on animal and in-vitro data only.

Regulatory status (US)

Not FDA-approved

Not FDA-approved as a drug. Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient (copper tripeptide-1). Injectable GHK-Cu is an unapproved drug; it was placed in category 2 of the compounding interim policies and, on the FDA list current 22 April 2026, appears among substances whose nominations were withdrawn by the nominators.

Mechanism (proposed)

In cell and animal studies GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates matrix metalloproteinases, promotes angiogenesis and nerve outgrowth, and shifts gene-expression patterns. Effects in humans are demonstrated only for topical application in small trials.

Studied for: Photoaged skin (topical, small human trials), Wound healing (animal, small human), Hair growth (animal/cell), Gene expression (in vitro)

Full research analysis

GHK-Cu: Skin, Hair, Wound Healing, and Evidence Quality

Copper peptide GHK-Cu has decades of laboratory work, small human trials for topical skin use, and a growing injectable market with no human data. We grade each claim — skin, hair, wounds, 'gene resetting' — separately.

Read the analysis

What GHK-Cu is

GHK is a tripeptide (glycine–histidine–lysine) that binds copper and circulates naturally in human plasma, at levels that fall with age. It has been a cosmetic ingredient for decades and is the subject of a large body of laboratory work — much of it authored by its discoverer[1].

Where the evidence stands

The most reliable human data are for topical use on photoaged skin: several small trials, typically 8–12 weeks, report improvements versus vehicle or comparison creams[2]. Wound-healing studies in humans exist but are old and small. Gene-expression work showing GHK shifts cellular programs toward "younger" patterns is intriguing and entirely in vitro. Hair-growth and injectable "systemic rejuvenation" claims have no adequate human trials.

Regulatory position

Legal and unremarkable as a cosmetic ingredient; not approved as a drug for any indication. Injectable GHK-Cu, increasingly sold online, is an unapproved drug with no human safety data; the FDA placed it in category 2 of its compounding interim policies, and it now appears on the withdrawn-nomination list — which removes the listing without making it eligible for compounding.

Safety summary

Topical use is generally well tolerated in small trials, with occasional irritation. There are no human safety data for injected GHK-Cu; copper is biologically active and systemic dosing has not been studied for safety.

Frequently asked questions

Does GHK-Cu work for wrinkles?
Small human trials of topical copper peptide creams report improvements in fine lines, elasticity and photodamage. The trials are short, small and mostly industry-linked, so we grade the evidence preliminary rather than promising.
Does GHK-Cu regrow hair?
The supporting evidence is from animal and cell studies. We are not aware of an adequately powered human trial with a validated hair-count endpoint.
Is injectable GHK-Cu safe?
Unknown. There are no controlled human safety data for injected GHK-Cu. It is an unapproved drug, and the FDA previously placed injectable GHK-Cu in category 2 of its compounding interim policies over immunogenicity concerns.

References

Numbered in order of first use. Study type is shown for every source; see our methodology for how we rank evidence.

  1. 1.

    Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018.

    Review

    Result: Reviews GHK-Cu biology, gene-expression studies and small clinical trials in skin and wounds.

    Limitations: Lead author discovered GHK-Cu and has commercial interests; many cited trials are small or unpublished.

    ↑ back to text
  2. 2.

    Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration BioMed Research International, 2015.

    Review

    Result: Summarises skin-related mechanisms and topical clinical studies.

    Limitations: Same author interests as above.

    ↑ back to text

Review status: Editorially reviewed against primary sources. This article was fact-checked against the primary sources listed in the references by our editorial team, and it has not been reviewed by a licensed clinician. It is educational content, not medical advice. Read our editorial policy and methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Profile by Tristen Ta. Published August 15, 2026; updated August 15, 2026.

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