NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

GHK-Cu

Estimated Market Price
$109.99 $124.99
Based on verified supplier pricing for research-grade compounds
Copper peptide complex for skin rejuvenation, collagen production, and anti-aging. The #1 peptide for skin health.
How it works

Uses a copper ion to switch on collagen production and tissue-remodeling genes, while acting as a powerful antioxidant that helps reset damaged skin and tissue to a healthier state.

Anti-Aging

Recovery & Longevity

Skin & Beauty

bestseller

What to Expect
Week 1–2 Copper peptide integrates into tissue; mild skin glow begins. Skin feels slightly smoother and more hydrated.
Week 3–4 Collagen synthesis upregulated; skin texture improving. Noticeable glow; friends might ask what you changed.
Week 5–8 Visible reduction in fine lines; improved wound healing. Fine lines softening; skin looks younger and plumper.
Week 9–12 Peak gene-expression remodeling; firmer, more elastic skin. Skin feels firmer; scars and marks visibly fading.

Verified Suppliers

For research purposes only. These suppliers have been independently verified by PepSpace. We do not process sales directly.

PepSpace is not affiliated with any listed supplier
Protocol & Dosage
Typical Dosage 200 mcg/day SC or topical application
Administration Subcutaneous injection, Topical
Schedule Once daily; topical 2x daily to target areas
Protocol Duration 4–12 weeks
Half-Life Minutes (rapid tissue uptake)
Side Effects & Safety
Tolerability Profile Favorable

Very well tolerated; side effects are rare and mild

Common Side Effects

  • Mild skin irritation at application site (topical)some users

Less Common

  • Temporary metallic taste (injection)occasional
  • Injection site rednessoccasional
  • Mild headacheoccasional

Rare / Serious

  • Skin discoloration at injection siterare

Discontinue If

  • Signs of copper toxicity (persistent metallic taste, nausea, GI distress)
  • Severe skin reaction or widespread rash

Contraindications

  • Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder)
  • Known copper hypersensitivity
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Data note: Naturally occurring in human plasma. Decades of cosmetic use data; excellent tolerability profile.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. This information is for research reference only and does not constitute medical advice.

Ask about GHK-Cu
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How to Apply

1

Gather

Peptide vial, BAC water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringe

2

Sanitize

Wipe tops of both vials with alcohol swabs

3

Draw

Pull 1–2 mL of BAC water into syringe

4

Add Water

Release water slowly along vial wall, not directly on powder

5

Swirl

Roll between palms until dissolved. Never shake.

6

Store

Refrigerate 2–8°C, use within 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is required to reconstitute lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides. It contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol which prevents bacterial growth, keeping your reconstituted peptide safe for multiple uses over up to 30 days.

Unreconstituted: store at -20°C (freezer) for long-term, or 2–8°C (fridge) for short-term. After reconstitution: always refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct sunlight.

Results vary by individual and protocol. In research settings, measurable effects are typically observed within 1–4 weeks depending on the specific peptide, dosage, and application. Consult a qualified professional for guidance.

Verified suppliers typically include a full third-party COA verifying purity (99%+), identity, and sterility. We recommend only sourcing from vendors that provide batch-specific testing data.

We list verified suppliers above that have been independently reviewed for product quality, testing transparency, and shipping reliability. Always verify COA data before sourcing.

Compound Profile

Scientific data & classification for GHK-Cu

Also Known As Copper Peptide, GHK-Copper, Lamin
Classification Tripeptide-Copper Complex · Anti-Aging
Sequence Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺
Molecular Formula C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight 403.93 Da
CAS Number 49557-75-7
Half-Life Minutes (rapid tissue uptake)
Origin Naturally occurring in human blood plasma, saliva, and urine
Administration Subcutaneous injection, Topical
Status Research · Widely used in cosmetic formulations
Mechanism of Action Uses a copper ion to switch on collagen production and tissue-remodeling genes, while acting as a powerful antioxidant that helps reset damaged skin and tissue to a healthier state.
Research Overview GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973, when he observed that liver tissue from young donors contained a factor that could induce aged liver tissue to synthesize proteins characteristic of younger tissue. The molecule consists of three amino acids - glycine, histidine, and lysine - complexed with a copper(II) ion, and is found naturally in blood plasma, saliva, and urine, with plasma concentrations of approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 that decline to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60. This age-related decline has driven extensive research into GHK-Cu as a potential anti-aging intervention. Genomic studies using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map revealed that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes - representing approximately 32% of the human genome - with a strong pattern of resetting gene expression from a disease-associated state to a healthier configuration. The peptide upregulates genes involved in antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and stem cell maintenance while suppressing genes associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and tissue destruction. In wound healing research, GHK-Cu accelerates dermal repair by stimulating collagen synthesis (types I and III), glycosaminoglycan production, and angiogenesis while simultaneously reducing inflammation and scar tissue formation. The copper ion plays an essential catalytic role in the activity of superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase, enzymes critical for antioxidant defense and collagen cross-linking respectively. In cosmetic dermatology, GHK-Cu has become one of the most extensively studied anti-aging ingredients, with controlled clinical trials demonstrating improvements in skin thickness, elasticity, fine lines, and overall photodamage assessment scores comparable to or exceeding those of retinol and vitamin C formulations.

Citations

Published findings on GHK-Cu from peer-reviewed journals.

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