GHK-Cu
Also known as Copper tripeptide-1, copper peptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s. It is widely used in topical skin-care products. Injectable GHK-Cu is not an approved drug.
By [Author name]. Licensed pharmacist review: pending. Last updated .
Identity
- Peptide
- Gly-His-Lys (GHK)
- GHK formula
- C14H24N6O4, about 340 g/mol
- GHK-Cu
- Copper(II) complex, about 402 g/mol
- Appearance
- Blue powder and blue solution (from the copper)
What the research covers
Loren Pickart identified GHK in human plasma in 1973 and described its high affinity for copper. Much of the research since has been in cell culture and skin models, looking at collagen and extracellular-matrix gene activity.
Topical cosmetic use is common and has been studied in small cosmetic trials. Injectable use has little published human data.
Summaries describe what studies measured, not what a substance does for anyone. Nothing here is a claim of benefit or a basis for use.
Regulatory status
- Not an FDA-approved drug. It is sold in cosmetics, which FDA regulates differently from drugs; a cosmetic cannot claim to treat or change body structure.
- Whether pharmacies may compound injectable GHK-Cu depends on FDA's 503A bulk drug substance categories, which change. Check the FDA list linked below and the tracker on this site.
Anti-doping (WADA)
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List as of the review date. Check the current list.
Follow changes on the FDA peptide status tracker.
GHK-Cu questions
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
The copper(II) ion bound to the peptide absorbs red-orange light, so solutions look blue.