GHK-CU

In plain terms

GHK-Cu is three amino acids bound to a copper atom. It occurs naturally in human plasma and measured levels fall with age. Laboratory research has investigated it for effects on collagen production and skin cell behaviour in tissue models.

Research overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma that declines with age. Research spanning four decades has investigated its role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin regeneration. Laboratory studies suggest it modulates over 1,500 genes related to tissue remodeling and cellular repair.

What has been studied

1. 1

   Collagen production

   GHK-Cu is three amino acids bound to a copper atom. Skin-cell studies have measured whether it increases the production of collagen and other structural proteins in tissue models.

2. 2

   Falls with age

   It occurs naturally in human plasma, and measured levels decline substantially from young adulthood onwards — an observation that prompted much of the later research.

3. 3

   Wound healing models

   Animal studies have looked at its effect on the speed and quality of wound closure.

4. 4

   Gene expression in skin cells

   Laboratory work has profiled which genes change activity in skin cells exposed to GHK-Cu, including genes involved in tissue remodelling.

Research articles

• GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin RegenerationBioMed research international · 2015
• The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptideAging pathobiology and therapeutics · 2020
• Skin Regenerative and Anti-Cancer Actions of Copper PeptidesCosmetics · 2018
• Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025