Research Guide · Skin & Matrix
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide and one of the most studied peptides in skin-matrix and wound-model research. It is also the backbone of the GLOW and KLOW blends.
GHK-Cu 50mg is listed with our other lyophilized peptide vials for research.
← All research guidesWhat GHK-Cu is
GHK is a three-amino-acid peptide: glycine, histidine and lysine (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). It binds copper(II) ions with high affinity, and the copper complex is called GHK-Cu. The copper is why the lyophilized powder and reconstituted solution have a characteristic blue tint, which is normal.
GHK was first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. Later work by Pickart and colleagues reported that plasma levels of GHK are considerably lower in older adults than in younger ones, which is one reason it became a subject of aging-related research.
What the research has examined
- Fibroblast cultures: studies of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan production by skin fibroblasts.
- Wound models: animal wound-contraction and tissue-remodeling studies.
- Gene-expression analysis: computational work using the Broad Institute's Connectivity Map reported that GHK is associated with changes in the expression of a large number of human genes, which has driven much of the recent interest.
- Topical cosmetic science: GHK-Cu is widely used as an ingredient in topical skincare formulations, a separate field from injectable research material.
Why 50mg?
GHK-Cu is commonly supplied in larger quantities than peptides such as BPC-157 because it is a small, inexpensive-to-synthesize tripeptide and is often used at higher concentrations in culture and formulation work. Our vial contains 50mg of lyophilized GHK-Cu.
GHK-Cu in blends
GHK-Cu is the 50mg base of both our GLOW (GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-500) and KLOW (GLOW plus KPV) blends. See GLOW vs KLOW for how they compare.
Quick facts
- Sequence: Gly-His-Lys, bound to copper(II)
- Discovered: 1973, human plasma (Pickart)
- Appearance: blue powder/solution from the copper complex
- Ageless vial: 50mg, lyophilized
Shop the research compounds
Lyophilized vial · $39.99GLOW Blend 70mg
GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 · $79.99KLOW Blend 80mg
GLOW + KPV · $119.99
Related research guides
Research use only. All Ageless products are sold strictly for in vitro and laboratory research by qualified researchers 21+. They are not drugs, supplements, or cosmetics, and are not for human or veterinary use. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim of safety or efficacy in people.
