# GHK-Cu

> Evidence tier B — Small human studies · Repair · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/ghk-cu/

Also known as: GHK-Cu, Copper tripeptide-1, Copper peptide, Prezatide copper

## Quick answers

**What is GHK-Cu?**

A naturally occurring copper peptide with powerful skin-remodeling and wound-healing properties. Copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.

**How strong is the evidence for GHK-Cu?**

Tier B (small human studies) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Human data consist of small topical cosmetic/skin studies; most mechanistic evidence is in vitro and animal.

**Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?**

No. GHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA for any use. Used as a cosmetic ingredient; not an approved drug.

**Is GHK-Cu banned in sport?**

Yes. GHK-Cu is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under S0 (non-approved substances).

**How does GHK-Cu work?**

GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions and delivers them to tissues, activating metalloproteinases that remodel the extracellular matrix. It stimulates collagen I, III, and V synthesis, promotes decorin and glycosaminoglycan production, and upregulates DNA repair genes while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-beta.

**What is known about the safety of GHK-Cu?**

Well-tolerated both topically and via injection with decades of cosmetic use. Mild injection site redness reported.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** B (Small human studies)
- **FDA:** not approved
- **WADA:** prohibited (S0)
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Discovered:** 1973 — GHK identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart.
- **Routes studied:** Subcutaneous, Topical, Intramuscular

## Overview

A naturally occurring copper peptide with powerful skin-remodeling and wound-healing properties. It stimulates collagen synthesis and promotes dermal repair at the cellular level.

## Mechanism

GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions and delivers them to tissues, activating metalloproteinases that remodel the extracellular matrix. It stimulates collagen I, III, and V synthesis, promotes decorin and glycosaminoglycan production, and upregulates DNA repair genes while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-beta.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Stimulated collagen and elastin production
- Improved skin firmness and elasticity
- Accelerated wound healing
- Reduced fine lines and hyperpigmentation

## Safety & unknowns

Well-tolerated both topically and via injection with decades of cosmetic use. Mild injection site redness reported. Avoid in Wilson disease or copper metabolism disorders. Not FDA-approved as a drug; available in cosmetic formulations.

## Status sources

- [Pickart & Margolina 2018, Int J Mol Sci (review)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29986520/)
- [PubMed: GHK-Cu](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=GHK-Cu)
- [WADA 2026 Prohibited List](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list)

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Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.