Library / GHK-Cu
Some human studies
GHK-Cu
Natural copper-binding tripeptide · Skin & tanning · Copper peptide
What it is
A three-amino-acid peptide that binds copper and is found naturally in blood, with levels falling with age.
What research covers
Best studied in skin care, where small human studies of creams show improvements in firmness and wound healing. Evidence for injected use is limited.
Reported side effects
- Skin irritation (topical)
- Injection-site reactions
Not suitable for, or talk to a doctor first
- Wilson's disease or other copper disorders
- Pregnancy
Legal status
| Australia | Common in cosmetic creams. Injectable products are not approved. |
|---|---|
| United States | Common in cosmetics. Injectable products are not FDA-approved. |
| Sport | Not prohibited by WADA at the time of writing. |
Rules change. Check with the TGA (Australia), your local regulator, or WADA for sport.
Key references
- Pickart & Margolina. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci, 2018.
General information, not advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing or stopping anything.