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No. 004 · Repair · Healing Peptide

GHK-Cu

GHK-CuCopper tripeptide-1Copper peptidePrezatide copper

B Tier B · Small human studies how tiers work →
  • Not FDA approved
  • WADA ✗ S0
Compare Cite
no sequence C14H23CuN6O4+
Cu 2+ O O - O O N H N H N H N 2 H N N 2 H

2D structure from PubChem CID 71587328 (Prezatide copper), matched by exact name. Hydrogens on carbon are implied.

GHK-Cu (no defined sequence)

No sequence on file. We only draw fingerprints from published sequences — this ring motif is a placeholder, never a guessed sequence.

01

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.

Last reviewed · editorial policy · markdown

02

Evidence

  1. D In vitro
  2. C Animal
  3. B Human pilot
  4. A RCT
  5. S Approved

TIER B — Human data limited to small, open-label or pharmacokinetic studies.

Human data consist of small topical cosmetic/skin studies; most mechanistic evidence is in vitro and animal.

Tiers rate the strength of published evidence — not effectiveness, safety, or a recommendation.

03

At a glance

Discovered
1973 GHK identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart.
Routes studied
Subcutaneous, Topical, Intramuscular Routes used in published research
FDA
Not approved Used as a cosmetic ingredient; not an approved drug.
WADA
Prohibited · S0 Non-approved substances
04

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.

Research status Well-studied copper peptide with decades of published dermatology research; available in approved cosmetic formulations

05

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.

06

Effects reported in research

Reported outcomes, not promises. Human data are limited to small studies, and many of these findings are preclinical.

  • Stimulated collagen and elastin production
  • Improved skin firmness and elasticity
  • Accelerated wound healing
  • Reduced fine lines and hyperpigmentation
07

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.

Unknowns. No randomized controlled trials have been published. Small studies cannot detect uncommon or long-term harms.

Informational only — not medical advice. peptidemeta publishes no dosing, protocols, or sourcing. Talk to a qualified clinician about any treatment decision.

08

Studies [0]

No studies cited for this entry yet.

10

Status sources

Sources behind the tier, regulatory status, sequence and dates on this page.

11

Cite this entry

$ cite --format=apa

peptidemeta. (2026). GHK-Cu. In peptidemeta: The peptide library, ranked by evidence. Retrieved November 8, 2026, from https://peptidemeta.com/p/ghk-cu/

$ cite --format=bibtex 
@misc{peptidemeta-ghk-cu,
  title = {GHK-Cu},
  author = {{peptidemeta}},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://peptidemeta.com/p/ghk-cu/}},
  note = {Accessed 2026-11-08}
}

Accessed date reflects when you opened this page. Cite primary studies for scientific claims.

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