Scientific Reference
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
Evidence profile: Predominantly in-vitro and preclinical; the controlled human trials identified reported no benefit over control
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu²⁺) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Its endogenous levels decline significantly with age, correlating with reduced regenerative capacity and tissue repair. The peptide has been extensively studied for its role in skin regeneration, wound healing, and anti-aging. It influences a large proportion of human genes involved in repair, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, making it one of the most well-characterized regenerative peptides in dermatological and tissue repair research.
Published Research
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin
Miller TR et al. · Archives of facial plastic surgery · 2006 · Clinical
PMID 16847171 — View on PubMedA prospective randomized evaluator-blinded trial of two potential wound healing agents for the treatment of venous stasis ulcers
Bishop JB et al. · Journal of vascular surgery · 1992 · Clinical
PMID 1495150 — View on PubMedExpression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+)
Siméon A et al. · The Journal of investigative dermatology · 2000 · Preclinical
PMID 11121126 — View on PubMedStimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+
Maquart FX et al. · FEBS letters · 1988 · Preclinical
PMID 3169264 — View on PubMedSelected Biomarkers Revealed Potential Skin Toxicity Caused by Certain Copper Compounds
Li H et al. · Scientific reports · 2016 · Preclinical
PMID 27892491 — View on PubMedHuman skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer
Hostynek JJ et al. · Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] · 2011 · Preclinical
PMID 20721598 — View on PubMed