Bridges cosmetic search demand and peptide chemistry education.
Also known as: copper peptide · GHK copper
Part of the Cosmetic & skin peptides cluster
Overview
GHK-Cu is a copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, extensively discussed in skin biology and cosmetic science literature.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Endogenous tripeptide complexed with copper(II)
Primary research or clinical context: Widely discussed in cosmetic science; topical formulations common
Chemistry
The GHK sequence binds copper(II) ions. Research explores roles in extracellular matrix remodeling and antioxidant-related pathways in skin models.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for GHK-Cu (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
GHK
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about GHK-Cu
What is GHK-Cu?+
GHK-Cu is a copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, extensively discussed in skin biology and cosmetic science literature.
Is GHK-Cu an approved medicine?+
GHK-Cu is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Widely discussed in cosmetic science; topical formulations common. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of GHK-Cu?+
GHK-Cu is commonly described as approximately 3 amino acids (Cosmetic / research peptide).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Wikipedia — Copper peptide GHK-Cu
- 2.PubChem — compound summary for glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK tripeptide, CID 73587)
- 3.Pickart (2008). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed
- 4.Pickart et al. (2018). Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci
- 5.Maquart et al. (1988). Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett
- 6.Maquart et al. (1993). In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds. J Clin Invest
- 7.Fu et al. (2015). Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction. J Orthop Res
- 8.Jiang et al. (2023). Synergy of GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via fibroblast and ex-vivo skin tests. J Cosmet Dermatol
- 9.Pickart et al. (2014). GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. Biomed Res Int
- 10.Dou et al. (2020). The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiol Ther
- 11.Beretta et al. (2008). Acrolein sequestering ability of the endogenous tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK): characterization of conjugation products by ESI-MSn and theoretical calculations. J Pharm Biomed Anal
- 12.Pickart et al. (2015). GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int
- 13.Pickart et al. (2017). The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sci
- 14.Pickart et al. (2012). The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health. Oxid Med Cell Longev
- 15.Pyo et al. (2007). The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res
- 16.Conato et al. (2001). Copper complexes of glycyl-histidyl-lysine and two of its synthetic analogues: chemical behaviour and biological activity. Biochim Biophys Acta
- 17.Wegrowski et al. (1992). Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. Life Sci
- 18.Mortazavi et al. (2025). Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective. Bioimpacts