GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide — Pickart 1973
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine coordinated with Cu(II) — the Pickart copper-tripeptide metallopeptide studied for collagen remodelling and matrix signalling. 50 mg and 100 mg vials.
4,000+
Genes Activated
121%
Skin Density ↑
8–12 wks
Cycle Length
Price
From $45.00
✓ 10% off via PeptidesMuscle
Suggested Protocol
Subcutaneous research protocols typically run 1-2mg daily. Topical/intradermal research uses lower concentrations (0.1-1% solutions). GHK-Cu is unusual in that both routes are published research use cases rather than one being the only physiologic option. Light-stable reconstituted solutions keep the copper coordination intact; avoid prolonged UV exposure.
GHK-Cu is unusual among research peptides for two reasons. First, it is an intact metallopeptide — the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine coordinates one Cu²⁺ ion through an N-terminal amine, the histidine imidazole nitrogen, and the α-amino group, forming a square-planar copper complex that is the biologically active species. Uncomplexed GHK is largely inactive in the characteristic collagen-remodelling endpoints; the copper is the mechanism, not an incidental cofactor.
Reported Outcomes
Copper(II)-coordinated tripeptide — the copper complex is the active species
Isolated by Pickart 1973 from human plasma albumin digests — four decades of literature
Modulates expression of ~4,000 genes in wound-healing and anti-inflammatory programs
Upregulates MMP-2 to clear damaged collagen while stimulating fibroblast synthesis
Dual administration routes: topical/intradermal for skin, SC for systemic research
50mg vial supports multi-week arms at standard daily cadences
The Copper Is the Molecule
Why Uncomplexed GHK Is Largely Inactive
Free glycyl-histidyl-lysine without the Cu²⁺ ion does not reproduce the characteristic collagen-remodelling endpoints in fibroblast culture. The square-planar copper coordination — through the N-terminal amine, histidine imidazole, and α-amino group — forms the biologically active species. This is one of the few research peptides where the metal cofactor is mandatory rather than incidental.
Pickart's 1973 Paper
The Albumin-Digest Origin Story
Loren Pickart isolated GHK from human plasma fractions at UCSF while investigating why young-donor plasma had different fibroblast-stimulating activity than older-donor plasma. The active fraction contained a copper-binding tripeptide. Four decades of follow-up work made this one of the best-characterised signalling peptides in the small-peptide class.
Route Duality
Both Topical and Systemic Are Valid Research Routes
Most research peptides have one published administration route that matters. GHK-Cu has two — topical/intradermal for dermal collagen endpoints (wrinkle depth, scar remodelling), and subcutaneous for systemic research on stem cells, liver repair, and neural endpoints. Both route literatures are sufficient for their respective research questions.
Specifications
| Product | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Format | Lyophilized powder |
| Price | From $45.00 |
Dosing Guide
Subcutaneous research protocols typically run 1-2mg daily. Topical/intradermal research uses lower concentrations (0.1-1% solutions). GHK-Cu is unusual in that both routes are published research use cases rather than one being the only physiologic option. Light-stable reconstituted solutions keep the copper coordination intact; avoid prolonged UV exposure.
Best Stacked With
GHK-Cu — FAQs
Further Reading
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