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What is GHK-Cu?

Mostly animal & lab studiesDermal research · Last reviewed September 28, 2026

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) first isolated from human plasma in 1973.

How does GHK-Cu work?

It delivers copper to cells and has been shown in lab studies to influence the activity of many genes tied to collagen production and tissue remodeling.

What are researchers studying?

Where does the evidence stand?

Mostly animal & lab studies

Widely used in topical cosmetic products. Not approved by the FDA as a drug.

Quick facts

Research area
Dermal
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys:Cu
Also known as
GHK Copper, Copper Peptide
Third-party lab results
5 published COAs →
Tested vendors tracking it
2 vendors →

Recent peer-reviewed research

The most relevant GHK-Cu studies from the last three years, via PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

  1. Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians
    The American journal of sports medicine · 2026 Jan · PubMed ↗
  2. Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance
    Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2026 Aug · PubMed ↗
  3. Peptide Supplements and Their Therapeutic Applications in Sports Medicine
    The American journal of sports medicine · 2026 Aug 11 · PubMed ↗
  4. Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives
    International journal of molecular sciences · 2026 Apr 27 · PubMed ↗
  5. Peptides in Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Applications in Tissue Repair and Chronic Pain Management
    Current pain and headache reports · 2026 Aug 24 · PubMed ↗

Compare GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu vs BPC-157GHK-Cu vs SNAP-8

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This guide summarizes published research for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not describe how to use GHK-Cu. Citations link to PubMed and are listed for reference — we haven't reviewed or endorsed their findings. Products referenced on The Peptide Audit are sold by third parties for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.