GHK-Cu
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex
Overview
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma saliva and urine that declines significantly with age. It is one of the most extensively studied peptides for skin rejuvenation wound healing and anti-aging applications. GHK-Cu has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis promote wound healing reset gene expression in aged cells toward more youthful patterns and has over 50 years of research behind it. It is widely used in premium cosmeceuticals and is increasingly studied for systemic applications beyond topical use.
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Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. The copper complex stimulates the synthesis of collagen elastin and proteoglycans in dermal fibroblasts activating the TGF-β signaling pathway. It promotes angiogenesis and stem cell activation in wound healing contexts. Most remarkably genome-wide gene expression studies have shown that GHK-Cu treatment resets the gene expression profile of aged skin cells toward patterns more resembling young cells — affecting over 4000 genes involved in inflammation antioxidant defense DNA repair and protein homeostasis. GHK-Cu also modulates the ubiquitin-proteasome system to improve protein quality control and has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in neurological disease models. The copper binding is essential for its biological activity as the free tripeptide GHK without copper has significantly reduced potency.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
Topical: 1-3% concentration. Systemic: 1-2 mg
Frequency
Topical twice daily. Systemic once daily or every other day.
Administration
Topical serum or cream (primary use). Subcutaneous injection (systemic research use).
Notes
Topical application is the primary evidence-based use with the most clinical data. Systemic injectable use is less studied. Ensure adequate copper status but avoid excessive copper supplementation alongside GHK-Cu.
Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Topical serum or cream (primary use). Subcutaneous injection (systemic research use).
- Typical Dose
- Topical: 1-3% concentration. Systemic: 1-2 mg
- Frequency
- Topical twice daily. Systemic once daily or every other day.
- References
- 0 curated + 17 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 20.7 / 100