Peptide · Research Monograph · Copper-binding tripeptide

GHK-Cu

Collagen Synthesis Studies

Also known as Copper Peptide · GHK-Copper · Copper Tripeptide-1

GHK-Cu is a copper peptide made of three amino acids. It occurs naturally and was first isolated from human plasma in 1973. It is among the more extensively characterised peptides in dermal research. Studies have measured how much collagen skin cells produce after exposure, and how the surrounding tissue structure changes. Levels in plasma fall with age, and that finding is what drove most of the research that followed.

Formula
C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
Mol. weight
403.9 Da
Length
3 residues
CAS
49557-75-7
View product & pricing → Lot records & COAs

For laboratory research use only - not for human or animal use

GHK-Cu vial from the Eon Peptides research catalog
Fig. 1GHK-Cu · 50mg / 100mg · catalog photograph
Available in the Eon catalog - GHK-Cu from $30.00 View certificate of analysisILS Laboratories · 99.50% purity · Lot GHK-Cu-101926-50

The molecule, in three dimensions

C14H24CuN6O4403.9
Drag to turn
Residues · hover to locate3 residues
Heavy atoms
25
Bonds
24
Composition
C14 Cu1 N6 O4
Rings
1
Metal centre
Cu(II), three N donors
Chain length
3 residues

Every heavy atom is placed from the sequence with ideal bond lengths and angles, so the connectivity is exact. The pose is idealised, a compact Cu(II) chelate, and is not a measured conformation. Identity for the lot in stock is confirmed by LC-MS on its certificate.

Structure viewer →
Fig. 2Ball-and-stick model of GHK-Cu: 25 heavy atoms and 24 bonds placed from the 3-residue sequence with ideal geometry. Hydrogens are not drawn.

Molecular data

Molecular formulaC₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
Molecular weight403.9 Da
SequenceGly-His-Lys-Cu(II)
Sequence length3 residues
CAS / identifier49557-75-7
Physical formLyophilized powder
Available sizes50mg, 100mg

The sequence

GHK-Cu is published as a 3-residue sequence, coordinating Cu(II). It is set below in reading order, ten residues to a row, numbered from the N-terminus. Every position is a standard L-amino acid.

Fig. 3Primary sequence of GHK-Cu as published in the catalogue specification, 3 residues, numbered from the N-terminus. A filled square marks a residue with no one-letter code.

One-letterGHK

Residues
3
Published as
Three-letter code
Termini
Not stated in the specification
Metal centre
Cu(II)
  • Cu(II) coordinated metal centre, not a backbone residue

How it works

  1. Copper Delivery

    Copper Transport & Signaling

    GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions and delivers them to cells. Copper-dependent enzymes involved in collagen crosslinking, antioxidant activity and tissue remodelling have been measured following exposure.

    • High-affinity copper(II) binding
    • Lysyl oxidase activity measured in collagen crosslinking
    • Superoxide dismutase activity measured
  2. Collagen Synthesis

    ECM Remodelling

    Fibroblast production of type I and III collagen, glycosaminoglycans and decorin has been measured in culture, alongside changes in extracellular matrix architecture.

    • 70% higher collagen synthesis vs controls in fibroblast culture
    • Glycosaminoglycan production measured
    • Decorin synthesis for matrix organization
  3. Gene Modulation

    Genomic Reprogramming

    Gene expression work reports changes across 4,000+ human genes following GHK-Cu exposure - among the broadest transcriptional footprints recorded for a short peptide.

    • 4,000+ genes with altered expression
    • Raised DNA repair gene expression reported
    • Suppresses inflammatory gene expression

What the research shows

  1. Dermatology

    Dermal Models

    Collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis measured in fibroblast culture. Studied extensively in wound-closure and dermal-ageing models.

  2. Trichology

    Hair Follicle Models

    Associated with larger follicle size, follicle growth and hair-cycle transition in preclinical models.

  3. Genomics

    Gene Expression

    Expression changes reported across 4,000+ genes, including DNA repair, antioxidant and inflammatory pathways.

  4. Antioxidant

    Antioxidant Enzyme Activity

    Chelates free copper, with lower oxidative-damage markers and raised superoxide dismutase activity measured in the same systems.

Specification

SequenceGly-His-Lys-Cu(II)
Molecular Weight403.9 Da
Molecular FormulaC₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
FormLyophilized powder
Purity≥99% (HPLC verified)
TestingThird-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin
Storage-20°C for up to 24 months
SolubilityWater-soluble
COAIncluded with every order

How it's tested

Every lot of GHK-Cu released to the catalog carries a third-party certificate of analysis. 14 documented lots are on file for this compound, with reported HPLC purity from 99.50% to 99.95% (mean 99.78%), issued by ILS Laboratories, Accurate Test Labs and Freedom Diagnostics. 10 of 14 certificates record identity as confirmed.

Documented lots
14
Reported purity
99.50% to 99.95%
Mean purity
99.78%
Issuing labs
ILS Laboratories, Accurate Test Labs, Freedom Diagnostics
100% 99% 98% 99.78% Lot GHK50-02062026-J · 2026-02-11 · 99.54%Lot 900001 · 2026-02-18 · 99.79%Lot GHK100-032026-4 · 2026-03-10 · 99.79%Lot GHK100-032026-1 · 2026-03-24 · 99.63%Lot 2604200589 · 2026-04-20 · 99.90%Lot Auth2605110196 · 2026-05-11 · 99.75%Lot Whol2605120139 · 2026-05-12 · 99.86%Lot Upti2606220279 · 2026-06-22 · 99.95%Lot CU81026-50 · 2026-08-14 · 99.59%Lot A6S43W · 2026-08-18 · 99.88%Lot CU-090226-100 · 2026-09-03 · 99.93%Lot CU-090226-50 · 2026-09-03 · 99.92%Lot GHK-Cu-101926-50 · 2026-10-19 · 99.50%Lot GHK-Cu-101926-100 · 2026-10-19 · 99.90% 2026-02-11 2026-10-19
Fig. 4Reported HPLC purity of all 14 documented lots, plotted on the date each certificate was issued, 2026-02-11 to 2026-10-19. One point is one certificate; the points are not joined because the archive records lots, not a continuous measurement. Vertical window 98.00% to 100%, dashed rule is the mean at 99.78%.

All certificates in the COA library →

Frequently asked questions

What is GHK-Cu and where does it come from?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It is found in human blood, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels declining from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60.

What has research shown about GHK-Cu?

Preclinical research has studied GHK-Cu in wound-closure and dermal models, including collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; recruitment of immune and endothelial cells to injury sites; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; and expression changes across over 4,000 genes.

Is GHK-Cu FDA approved?

GHK-Cu is not FDA approved as a drug. It is available as a research peptide and is also found in some cosmetic formulations. The lyophilized material sold here is for in vitro research purposes only.

How is GHK-Cu used in research settings?

GHK-Cu has been studied in cultured cell systems and in animal models, with copper binding, collagen-related gene expression and tissue-remodelling endpoints. Concentrations and endpoints differ between experiments.

What is the molecular structure of GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu consists of three amino acids - glycine, histidine, and lysine - complexed with a copper(II) ion. The molecular formula is C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ with a molecular weight of approximately 403.9 Da. The histidine residue provides the primary copper-binding site.

How should GHK-Cu be stored?

Lyophilized GHK-Cu should be stored at -20°C for maximum stability (up to 24 months). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light.

Other entries in this volume that bear on GHK-Cu, with the reason each one is listed.

For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.