Ghk Cu
Educational resource. Not medical advice. No dosing or instructions.
Safety grade
2/10
Low
Also known as
Copper peptide GHK-CughkGHK copper complexghk cuGHK-CughkcuGlycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complexcopper peptidecopper tripeptidecopper tripeptide-1ghk copperghk-cu
AA sequence
Gly-His-Lys (copper complex)
What it is
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a copper-binding peptide complex used in topical products for skin appearance and barrier-related goals. Evidence includes small human studies and broader reviews; results may depend on formulation and delivery to target layers.
Why people are interested in this peptide and how it is commonly discussed in real-world wellness, rehabilitation, and athletic communities.
Why people are interested
- copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a copper-binding peptide complex used in topical products for skin appearance and barrier-related goals
- evidence includes small human studies and broader reviews; results may depend on formulation and delivery to target layers
- skin appearance and texture support
- interest in skin remodeling pathways
- general recovery and resilience interest (anecdotal)
- common biohacker curiosity due to community reports
- interest in mechanisms suggested by early evidence
- used in goal-based stacking discussions (anecdotal)
- exploration in wellness communities despite evidence limits
Use cases (real-world)
These are the most common real-world reasons people look into this peptide, plus the context that tends to matter most (quality, expectations, and safety).
cosmetic interest for skin appearance and texture (topical use common)
discussion around hair/scalp health in cosmetic communities (mixed evidence)
used as a general “skin support” ingredient in some formulations
GHK-Cu is best known for skin and hair/cosmetic use. It is widely discussed topically; injectable use is higher-risk with less real-world clarity.
Common reasons people consider it
- cosmetic interest for skin appearance and texture (topical use common)
- discussion around hair/scalp health in cosmetic communities (mixed evidence)
- used as a general “skin support” ingredient in some formulations
Most commonly reported downsides
- skin irritation or redness (topical)
- itching or rash
- headache in sensitive users
Rare but important symptoms to watch for
These are uncommon, but if they occur, stop and seek medical care.
- severe allergic reaction symptoms (hives, facial swelling, trouble breathing)
- widespread rash or swelling that escalates quickly
Who should be cautious
- people with copper sensitivity or severe dermatitis history
- pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- adolescents (cosmetic use still has limited long-term data)
- anyone prone to allergic reactions to skincare actives
Interactions summarize known or plausible ways this peptide may intersect with medications, supplements, or physiologic states. Use this as a risk-awareness map: what to ask about, what to watch for, and what deserves a clinician conversation.
Interaction summary
Interactions here are category flags — they’re meant to help you ask better questions and avoid obvious conflicts. They are not a dosing guide.
Drug-class flags to review:
immune-modulation-infection-risk
Supplement / OTC flags to review:
anticoagulant-herbs
If you’re on cardiovascular, anticoagulant/antiplatelet, serotonergic, or immunomodulating meds/supplements, treat uncertainty as a reason to slow down and verify with a clinician.
Medication classes
Supplement classes
Other peptides
None
Developmental exposure may carry higher and less predictable risk than adult exposure. Long-term effects on growth, endocrine signaling, and neurodevelopment are not well studied and may be irreversible.
PMC · Grade: human_observational · Year: 2018
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Skin
Review covering skin-related evidence and mechanisms; mixes human, preclinical, and mechanistic data.
PMC · Grade: in_vitro · Year: 2010
Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer and delivery conditions
Penetration/delivery study relevant to topical delivery variability.
DOI · Grade: human_interventional
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on photoaged skin (clinical cosmetic study)
Clinical cosmetic study; objective wrinkle/skin-quality outcomes may be mixed; patient-reported satisfaction may differ from measured changes.
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is widely used topically in skincare. Human evidence is mixed and formulation-dependent. It is not an FDA-approved therapeutic drug. Primarily used as a topical cosmetic ingredient. Not an FDA-approved therapeutic drug; outcomes depend heavily on formulation and delivery.
Pep-Talk is informational only and not medical advice. We make no warranties and are not liable for actions you take. You are responsible for your decisions and outcomes.
Community notes
Educational discussion only. No dosing, protocols, schedules, or instructions. Submissions are moderated before appearing.
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