Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1

Also known as: GHK-Cu, Pep-Cu

PeptidespeptidebiotechModerate evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

1/5

Best applied

Effective range

0.5%–3%

How It Works

A naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) bound to copper. Stimulates wound healing, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defenses.

GHK-Cu activates fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans; modulates inflammatory cytokines; up-regulates antioxidant enzyme expression.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Stimulates collagen and elastin
Accelerates healing
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Hair-growth adjuvant

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingWound healingPost-procedure recovery

Best For

Mature
Sensitive
Post-procedure

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

5/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–3%

Seasonal Use

Year-round; powerful overnight regenerative.

Nutrition Connection

Dietary copper: shellfish, liver, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate.

Skin Signals When You Need It

Slow healing
Hair thinning

For Estheticians & Professionals

Never co-formulate with LAA, LAA reduces Cu²⁺ and destabilises the complex. AM Vit C / PM Cu peptides split works fine.

Notable Research

Pickart et al. 2015, GHK-Cu accelerated wound healing and dermal collagen in vivo

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu).

1 peer-reviewed study

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.

Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Peptides (Matrixyl)Hyaluronic Acid Niacinamide

Conflicts With

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)Strong acidsRetinoids (same layer)

Your Skin Compatibility