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What is GHK-Cu?
The Copper Peptide Studied for Skin, Hair & Tissue Repair
Disclaimer: Information provided is for research and educational purposes only. GHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency for therapeutic or cosmetic use.
Introduction
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine : copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex commonly known as the “copper peptide.” First identified in the 1970s, GHK-Cu is present in human plasma, saliva, and urine and has become a major research focus for its potential roles in skin repair, hair growth, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁶
Preclinical and cosmetic-science studies suggest that GHK-Cu supports collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses—making it one of the most widely studied peptides in regenerative biology.² ⁴ ⁶
GHK-Cu Fast Facts
- Type: Naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper (Cu²⁺)
- Discovered: 1973 – Dr. Loren Pickart, University of California
- Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (GHK) + Cu²⁺ → GHK-Cu complex
- Key Features: Copper-binding activity, antioxidant and regenerative signaling
- Primary Research Areas: Skin repair, hair growth, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹² ¹³
- Also Known As: GHK-Cu, GHK Cu Peptide, Copper Peptide, GHK Peptide, GHK Copper Peptide
Chemical Structure & Origin
GHK-Cu consists of three amino acids—glycine, histidine, and lysine—that coordinate a divalent copper (Cu²⁺) ion. This coordination stabilizes copper in a biologically available form, allowing it to interact with cellular targets without generating oxidative stress.⁴ ⁵
The copper ion also acts as a catalytic cofactor in enzymes involved in collagen cross-linking, antioxidant defense, and wound remodeling.
How GHK-Cu Works (in Brief)
GHK-Cu acts as a copper-delivery and signaling molecule. By binding copper(II) ions, it helps regulate gene expression linked to collagen formation, angiogenesis, antioxidant defense, and tissue remodeling.⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ The peptide’s small size allows it to penetrate tissues efficiently, and its copper-transfer activity underlies its reported effects on skin, hair, and wound-healing processes in laboratory models.
Discovery of GHK-Cu and Research Milestones
In 1973, Dr. Loren Pickart and colleagues isolated a short peptide from human plasma that extended the lifespan of cultured liver cells.¹ ² ³ They identified its sequence—glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK)—and discovered that when bound to copper ions, it formed GHK-Cu, a complex with strong biological activity in cell growth and tissue repair.
This finding laid the groundwork for decades of research (noted in the table below) exploring copper-peptide signaling and its potential biomedical and cosmetic applications.
| Year | Study & Source | Key Finding |
| 1973 | Pickart L. et al., Nat New Biol ¹ ² | Discovery of GHK peptide |
| 1988 | Maquart F.X. et al., FEBS Lett ⁸ | GHK-Cu found to stimulate collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures. Implications for skin health |
| 1992 | Wegrowski Y. et al., Life Sci ⁹ | Increases glycosaminoglycan production in connective tissue. Implications for tissue repair |
| 2000 | Siméon A. et al., Life Sci ¹⁰ ¹¹ | Up-regulates MMP-2 and ECM remodeling. Implications for wound repair |
| 2005 | Pollard J.D. et al., Arch Facial Plast Surg ¹² | Enhances fibroblast growth and cytokine expression after irradiation. Implications for injury recovery |
| 2015 | Pickart L. et al., Cosmetics ⁵ | Modulates antioxidant genes and copper homeostasis in skin. Implications for skin health |
| 2018 | Pickart L. et al., Int J Mol Sci ⁶ | Identified gene networks involved in tissue protection and regeneration |
Note: Nearly all data is from animal or in vitro models; human clinical trials are rare and preliminary.
GHK-Cu in Research: Key Applications
- Skin regeneration: Supports collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹
- Hair growth: Promotes hair follicle stem cell activity and may increase hair density 4 6
- Wound healing: Accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation in animal and cell studies ⁸ ⁹ ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹²
- Anti-aging: May improve skin tone, reduce fine lines, and support youthful tissue structure⁴ ⁶ ⁷
- Other effects: Investigated for nerve repair, organ protection, and anti-oxidant effects⁵ ⁶
How GHK-Cu Differs From Other Peptides
| Peptide | Main Use | Oral? | Key Difference |
GHK-Cu | Skin, hair, and wound research | No | Copper-binding tripeptide; antioxidant and regenerative signaling |
BPC-157 | Multi-system tissue repair research | Yes | Stable in GI tract; broad systemic activity |
| TB-500 | Muscle, tendon, and soft-tissue repair research | No | Actin-binding; enhances cell migration and angiogenesis |
Summary
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first discovered in human plasma in the 1970s. Extensive preclinical research shows it influences collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and tissue regeneration in cell and animal models. Its stability, small size, and copper-mediated signaling make it a central focus of ongoing studies in skin health, hair growth, and wound healing.
FAQs About GHK-Cu
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, skin, and saliva, known for its research applications in skin repair, hair growth, and wound healing.
What does GHK-Cu do?
In research, GHK-Cu supports collagen production, tissue regeneration, hair follicle health, and skin elasticity.
Is GHK-Cu the same as copper peptide?
GHK-Cu is the best-known copper peptide, but ‘copper peptide’ can refer to any peptide that binds copper. GHK-Cu is the most studied in research and skincare.
Where is GHK-Cu used?
GHK-Cu is used in laboratory research, as well as in skincare and hair products for its potential to promote skin healing and hair growth.
Related Articles
References
- Pickart L, Thaler MM. Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver. Nat New Biol. 1973;243(124):85–87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4349963/
- Pickart L, Thayer L, Thaler MM. A synthetic tripeptide which increases survival of normal liver cells, and stimulates growth in hepatoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1973; 54(2):562–566.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4356974/
- Schlesinger DH, Pickart L, Thaler MM. Growth-modulating serum tripeptide is glycyl-histidyl-lysine. Experientia. 1977;33(3):324–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29958416/
- Pickart L, Margolina A. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18644225/
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK-Cu may prevent oxidative stress in skin by regulating copper and modifying expression of antioxidant genes. Cosmetics. 2015;2(3):236-247. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/2/3/236
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29986520/
- Farris PK. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice. Wiley-Blackwell; 2014. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Cosmeceuticals+and+Cosmetic+Practice-p-9781118384831
- Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3169264/
- Wegrowski Y, Maquart FX, Borel JP. Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺. Life Sci. 1992;51(13):1049-1056. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1522753/
- Siméon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺ stimulates MMP-2 expression by fibroblast cultures. Life Sci. 2000;67(18):2257-2265. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11045606/
- Siméon A, Bontemps Y, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺. J Invest Dermatol. 2000;115(6):962-968. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11121126/
- Pollard JD, Quan S, Kang T, Koch RJ. Effects of copper tripeptide on growth and expression of growth factors by irradiated fibroblasts. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2005;7(1):27-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15655171/
- Lau SJ, Sarkar B. The interaction of Cu(II) and glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine: a copper-binding peptide present in human plasma. Biochem J. 1981;199(3):527–536 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1163421/
