Skin / cosmetic
GHK-Cu
Also known as Copper peptide
Copper-binding tripeptide used in topical cosmetics and studied for skin remodeling.
Where the evidence comes from
26 verified records from 9 countries. The number of studies or countries is not proof that GHK-Cu works or is safe.
Human clinical trial: 3 · Animal study: 13 · Observational human study: 2 · Narrative review: 6 · Other: 1 · Randomized clinical trial: 1
What is known
Editorial summary not yet written.
What remains uncertain
Editorial summary not yet written.
Conflicting findings
Editorial summary not yet written.
U.S. regulatory status (FDA)
Compound
Product or formulation
FDA status
FDA-approved branded drug
Approved indication
Metara availability (compounded formulation)
Research material (research use only)
Source
Last verified
Notes
Approval applies only to the exact finished drug, formulation and indication. A shared active ingredient does not make a compounded version, blend or other use FDA-approved. Pharmacy or research-material availability is not FDA approval.
International regulatory status
Kept separate from U.S. status. The regulator's country is not the same as where studies took place.
No sourced international decisions recorded yet.
Continue your research
These are two different pathways, not two ways to get the same thing. Neither changes the FDA status shown above.
Clinical care
Available through Metara Health
Explore clinician-guided care and available pharmacy options.
EXPLORE METARA HEALTH →Research materials
Available through BioNex Peptides
Explore research-use materials, lot-specific analytical testing and research documentation.
EXPLORE BIONEX →Limitations
Human data are mostly small cosmetic studies; injectable use lacks clinical trials.
Human clinical evidence (6)
A Two-part Study Investigating the Effect of the X39 Patch on Circulating Blood Levels of GHK and GHK-Cu in a Healthy Adult Population
LifeWave, Inc. · ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07706361
This registered human trial plans to compare the X39 patch with a placebo patch to assess changes in blood levels of GHK and GHK-Cu in healthy adults. It has not yet begun recruiting, and no results are reported.
A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, Split-Wound Study of Topical GHK-Cu (Copper(II)-Peptide Complex) Gel to Accelerate Re-Epithelialization of Standardized Acute Skin Wounds in Healthy Adults
Hudson Biotech · ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07437586
This human trial is testing whether GHK-Cu gel can safely speed healing of small skin wounds in healthy adults compared with a matching gel without GHK-Cu. The trial is recruiting, and no results are reported.
Copper Complexes with New Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Hyaluronan Conjugates Show Antioxidant Properties and Osteogenic and Angiogenic Synergistic Effects.
Greco V, Lanza V, Tomasello B, Naletova I, Cairns WRL, Sciuto S, Rizzarelli E · Bioconjugate chemistry · DOI 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00545
This laboratory study tested newly made compounds linking GHK to hyaluronic acid and binding them to copper; it was not a human observational study. The compounds enhanced the components' chemical and biological properties in laboratory tests. Copper promoted production and release of factors involved in nerve support, blood vessel growth, and bone formation.
A Phase IV Open-label Trial Assessing the Impact on Skin Quality, Hydration, and Barrier of Three (3) Hydrafacial Treatments in Adults of Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-VI
Austin Institute for Clinical Research · ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05932732
This completed, open-label human study assessed Hydrafacial treatments for skin quality, hydration, skin barrier function, and satisfaction in healthy adults across different skin types. The abstract describes the study plan but reports no results.
Ternary Cu2+ Complexes of Human Serum Albumin and Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine.
Bossak-Ahmad K, Bal W, Frączyk T, Drew SC · Inorganic chemistry · DOI 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c03084
This laboratory study examined how copper, the peptide GHK, and human serum albumin bind together, rather than studying outcomes in people. It identified complexes linking copper-bound GHK to specific sites on albumin. These complexes may help transport exchangeable copper and the functional form of GHK in the blood.
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin.
Miller TR, Wagner JD, Baack BR, Eisbach KJ · Archives of facial plastic surgery · DOI 10.1001/archfaci.8.4.252
This randomized human study compared skin-care regimens with or without GHK-Cu after carbon dioxide laser resurfacing around the mouth. GHK-Cu offered no significant improvement in redness resolution or objectively assessed wrinkles and overall skin quality compared with the control regimen. However, patient satisfaction was significantly higher with GHK-Cu.
Systematic & narrative reviews (6)
Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective.
Mortazavi SM, Mohammadi Vadoud SA, Moghimi HR · BioImpacts · DOI 10.34172/bi.30071
This review examines laboratory cell studies of GHK and its derivatives, including GHK-Cu, as potential anti-wrinkle ingredients. Cell findings support anti-wrinkle activity, but the authors highlight an absence of clinical studies of GHK-Cu and Pal-GHK. They also describe limitations in skin penetration and formulation stability.
Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?
Ogórek K, Nowak K, Wadych E, Ruzik L, Timerbaev AR, Matczuk M · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · DOI 10.3390/molecules30010136
This review examined methods for studying how GHK-Cu crosses the skin barrier, either alone or enclosed in tiny fat-based carriers called liposomes. GHK-Cu has limited skin penetration, and liposomes may improve it. However, the review found little research on transport of liposome-encapsulated GHK-Cu, highlighting a need for better assessment methods.
The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide.
Dou Y, Lee A, Zhu L, Morton J, Ladiges W · Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics · DOI 10.31491/apt.2020.03.014
This review examined the potential anti-aging effects of GHK and its copper-bound form, GHK-Cu, drawing on laboratory and animal research. It describes wound-healing, tissue-remodeling, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, while preliminary observations suggest GHK may partly reverse cognitive impairment in aging mice. The authors call for further preclinical and human studies.
Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data
Pickart L, Margolina A. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences
This review examined regenerative and protective actions of GHK-Cu in relation to new gene data; the title does not specify the populations or experimental models involved. The abstract was not available, so results are not summarized.
The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A · Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity · DOI 10.1155/2012/324832
This review discusses GHK and GHK-Cu research, including human tissue and gene-expression findings, in relation to aging and cognitive health. It describes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gene-regulating properties and proposes GHK as a possible agent against age-related nerve degeneration and cognitive decline. The abstract does not report demonstrated cognitive benefits in people.
The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.
Pickart L · Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer edition · DOI 10.1163/156856208784909435
This review summarizes research on GHK and its copper-bound form, GHK-Cu, in cells, experimental models, and humans. It reports effects on inflammation, tissue repair, and wound healing. Controlled studies of aging skin reported improved firmness and elasticity and reduced wrinkles, sun damage, and excess pigmentation.
Laboratory, animal & other research (14)
The GHK-Cu delays aging in Caenorhabditis elegans via coordinated regulation of mitochondrial function and activation of DAF-16/SKN-1 pathways
Wen H, Zhao K, Luo X, Pu J, Li Y, Dou Y, He J, Nie X, Ke Y, Zhou W · Biogerontology · DOI 10.1007/s10522-026-10444-x
This animal study examined GHK-Cu and aging in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. GHK-Cu significantly extended lifespan and improved several aging-related measures, including movement and resistance to heat and oxidative stress. These effects involved preserved mitochondrial function and activation of the DAF-16 and SKN-1 pathways; human aging was not studied.
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2<sup>+</sup> (GHK-Cu) Attenuates CuSO<sub>4</sub> or LPS induced-inflammation in Zebrafish larvae model
Hu J, Zhang C, Wang F · European journal of pharmacology · DOI 10.1016/j.ejphar.2026.178880
This animal study tested GHK-Cu in zebrafish larvae with chemically induced acute inflammation. GHK-Cu reduced immune-cell migration, decreased pro-inflammatory signals, increased an anti-inflammatory signal, and reduced oxidative stress. It also reduced activity in the JAK1 signaling pathway.
An injectable hydroxyapatite microsphere filler loaded with GHK-Cu tripeptide for anti-Inflammatory and antioxidant
Hu D, Zhang X, Gong S, Ma W, Cheng B, Yang J, Yan L, Li B, Qiu T, Wang X · Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces · DOI 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2025.114982
This animal and laboratory study tested a soft-tissue filler containing GHK-Cu attached to hydroxyapatite microspheres in experimental inflammation models. The filler reduced inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen molecules, increased activity of an antioxidant enzyme, and showed significant collagen deposition. These findings support its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the tested models.
Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine prevents copper- and zinc-induced protein aggregation and central nervous system cell death in vitro.
Min JH, Sarlus H, Harris RA · Metallomics : integrated biometal science · DOI 10.1016/0162-0134(90)80043-W
This laboratory study tested GHK in central nervous system cells and protein experiments exposed to copper or zinc. GHK prevented metal-induced cell death and protein clumping, and it also reversed existing protein clumps. It reduced copper-related toxicity under inflammatory conditions and protected against toxicity involving copper and paraquat.
The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6.
Bian Y, Deng M, Liu J, Li J, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Liao L, Miao J, Li R, Zhou X, Hou G · Redox biology · DOI 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103237
This animal and laboratory study tested GHK-Cu in mice with silica-induced lung disease and in cultured immune cells. GHK-Cu bound to the protein peroxiredoxin 6 and reduced lung inflammation and scarring in mice without significant whole-body toxicity. These effects were partly linked to reduced oxidative stress in lung immune cells.
Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway.
Deng M, Zhang Q, Yan L, Bian Y, Li R, Gao J, Wang Y, Miao J, Li J, Zhou X, Hou G · Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle · DOI 10.1002/jcsm.13213
This study measured blood GHK in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tested GHK-Cu in smoke-exposed mice and cultured muscle cells. Human GHK levels were lower than in healthy controls and were associated with muscle mass. In animal and laboratory experiments, GHK-Cu protected against muscle dysfunction through activation of SIRT1, a protein involved in cellular regulation.
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress pathway.
Zhang Q, Yan L, Lu J, Zhou X · Frontiers in molecular biosciences · DOI 10.26355/eurrev_202204_28481
This animal and laboratory study tested GHK-Cu in cigarette-smoke-exposed mice and cultured human lung cells. GHK-Cu reduced emphysema-related lung damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in mice, and also reduced oxidative stress in the cells. These effects involved reduced inflammatory signaling and increased activity of antioxidant-defense pathways.
Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways
Ma WH, Li M, Ma HF, Li W, Liu L, Yin Y, Zhou XM, Hou G · Life sciences · DOI 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117139
This animal study tested GHK-Cu in mice with bleomycin-induced lung scarring. GHK-Cu reduced inflammation, collagen buildup, and scarring-related tissue changes, while partially preventing cell changes that contribute to fibrosis. The authors linked these protective effects to pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and scar formation.
Browse worldwide evidence → · Search and filter all GHK-Cu studies →
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Profile last reviewed September 26, 2026. Educational content only. Not medical advice, a dosing protocol or a treatment recommendation.