What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a small tripeptide — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine — bound to a copper(II) ion. It occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine, first isolated from blood plasma and characterized by Dr. Loren Pickart in the 1970s. Circulating GHK-Cu concentration is highest in young adulthood and declines with age, a pattern that has made it a longstanding subject of tissue-aging and regenerative research.
What it's studied for in research
In laboratory and preclinical settings, GHK-Cu has been investigated across several overlapping areas of interest:
- Wound healing and tissue repair — studied for its role in signaling pathways connected to dermal and connective tissue regeneration.
- Collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis — research has examined its effect on collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production in fibroblast models.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity — investigated for potential effects on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory signaling in cell culture models.
- Angiogenesis — studied in connection with new blood vessel formation in tissue-repair models.
Because of this research profile, GHK-Cu is also a common ingredient in topical cosmetic formulations studying skin appearance and elasticity — a separate application from the laboratory research use this page and our products are intended for.
How we test it
Every batch of GHK-Cu we list is sent to an independent third-party laboratory for HPLC purity analysis before it's made available for purchase. The certificate of analysis for the current lot — including purity, content, and batch number — is published in our COA library, searchable by lot number.
Related reading
GHK-Cu vs BPC-157: how their research focus differs →
Frequently asked
What form does GHK-Cu ship in?
As a lyophilized (freeze-dried) blue-white powder, requiring reconstitution with a sterile diluent — such as bacteriostatic water — before use in laboratory protocols.
How should it be stored?
Lyophilized GHK-Cu should be stored at -20°C, protected from light, prior to reconstitution. Follow your lab's standard handling procedures once reconstituted.
Is a COA available for every batch?
Yes. Every lot we sell is independently tested before listing, and the full report is published in our COA library before that batch goes on sale.