Copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu2+); endogenous matrikine; cosmetic ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1
GHK-Cu
Unclearaka Copper Tripeptide-1, GHK-copper, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper, Cu-GHK, prezatide copper acetate
GHK is a tripeptide present in human plasma that declines with age and binds copper to form GHK-Cu. It has extensive mechanistic and preclinical support for skin regeneration and wound healing and is used topically in cosmetics, but rigorous large-scale clinical trials are limited.
Mechanism
GHK-Cu signals dermal fibroblasts to increase collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates matrix metalloproteinases, and in gene-array studies shifts expression of a large fraction of human genes (reported ~30-60%) toward a regenerative profile; it also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and copper-delivery roles. Mechanism is comparatively well studied in vitro and in skin models, though clinical efficacy evidence remains modest.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Not an approved drug; topical form regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (Copper Tripeptide-1); injectable GHK-Cu was on the 503A Category 2 list (2023) and removed in April 2026 after nominations were withdrawn.
- Australia (TGA)Permitted topically as a cosmetic ingredient; no approved medicinal (e.g., injectable) product.
- European Union (EMA)Permitted cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1); no medicinal marketing authorisation.
- WADANot specifically named on the Prohibited List.
Key Studies
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data (opens in a new tab) (Pickart & Margolina, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018;19(7):1987; PMID 29986520; DOI 10.3390/ijms19071987)
- GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration (opens in a new tab) (BioMed Research International 2015; PMCID PMC4508379)
- The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide (opens in a new tab) (Aging Pathobiol Ther 2020;2(1):58-61; PMID 35083444)
Related Clinical Trials
- Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu Levels in Healthy AdultsN/A · Not Yet Recruiting
- Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound HealingPhase 2 · Recruiting
- Trial Assessing the Impact on Facial Skin Quality, Hydration, and Skin Barrier of Three (3) Hydrafacial Treatments in Adults of All Skin Types.Phase 4 · Completed
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Common Questions
- What is GHK-Cu?
- GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used as a topical cosmetic ingredient (Copper Tripeptide-1) that stimulates collagen and modulates gene expression in skin studies. It is not an approved drug for any medical indication; its regulatory status is split, sold legally in topical cosmetics but with only limited clinical (mostly small cosmetic) efficacy data.
- Is GHK-Cu approved for medical use?
- GHK-Cu does not have a settled approval status and is not an approved medicine for general clinical use. United States (FDA): Not an approved drug; topical form regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (Copper Tripeptide-1); injectable GHK-Cu was on the 503A Category 2 list (2023) and removed in April 2026 after nominations were withdrawn. European Union (EMA): Permitted cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1); no medicinal marketing authorisation. Australia (TGA): Permitted topically as a cosmetic ingredient; no approved medicinal (e.g., injectable) product.
- How does GHK-Cu work?
- GHK-Cu signals dermal fibroblasts to increase collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates matrix metalloproteinases, and in gene-array studies shifts expression of a large fraction of human genes (reported ~30-60%) toward a regenerative profile; it also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and copper-delivery roles. Mechanism is comparatively well studied in vitro and in skin models, though clinical efficacy evidence remains modest.
- Is GHK-Cu legal in Australia?
- GHK-Cu in Australia (TGA): Permitted topically as a cosmetic ingredient; no approved medicinal (e.g., injectable) product.
- Is GHK-Cu banned in sport?
- GHK-Cu under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code: Not specifically named on the Prohibited List.