GHK-Cu is glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper, a small tripeptide-copper complex isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. It is the most-studied cosmetic peptide. The complex appears to signal collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and angiogenesis in skin cells. Cosmetic serums and creams typically declare GHK-Cu in the INCI list under "Copper Tripeptide-1". Topical concentration varies from trace (bottom-third INCI position) to 2 percent declared (Skin Biology Super Cop) for the highest-concentration UK-available products.

FAQ · Cosmetic peptides

What is GHK-Cu?

The molecule

GHK is a three-amino-acid peptide: glycine, histidine, lysine. It chelates copper with very high affinity, forming the GHK-Cu complex. The copper-bound form has biological signal-peptide activity that the free GHK does not replicate. The complex is the active form in cosmetic and wound-care research.

What the literature shows

· In-vitro: upregulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cultured skin cells.
· Animal models: accelerates wound healing in rats and mice.
· Small human trials (mostly industry-funded): skin firmness, barrier repair, and elasticity improvements.
· Large independent RCTs on cosmetic outcomes are limited.

Where to find it in UK products

Stocked across Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Boots, Space NK, Beauty Pie, and Amazon UK. The most-cited UK products are The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1 percent, Niod CAIS 2, Medik8 Liquid Peptides, and Skin Biology Super Cop. INCI position matters more than brand: top-8 INCI position is meaningful concentration; bottom-third is trace.

What is GHK-Cu?

The molecule

What the literature shows

Where to find it in UK products

Shop UK peptides, collagen and GLP-1 routes

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