GHK-Cu
50 mg · Lyophilized powder
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Copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys.
Need larger quantities? Wholesale pricing for qualified businesses
For laboratory research use only by qualified researchers. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, dietary supplement, cosmetic or food. Not evaluated by the FDA for any use.
Quick Summary
Not an approved drug — mostly lab dataGHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a small peptide found naturally in human plasma. It has been studied mainly in cell cultures and animal wound models, and in small human studies of topical cosmetic products. It is not an approved drug.
Areas of research
- Connective-tissue biology
- Wound healing
- Skin research
- Gene-expression profiling
- Amount
- 50 mg
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- References
- 3 cited
- COA
- Batch report pending
- Free U.S. shipping on orders of $150 or more
- Lyophilized powder in a sealed vial
Research Use Notice. This product is intended for laboratory and research purposes. It is not intended for human consumption or personal medical use. Product information is provided for scientific and educational context only. See our Research Use Policy.
Why Researchers Study It
- Copper binding by a small peptide found naturally in human plasma
- Collagen and matrix production by cultured fibroblasts
- Wound repair in animal and cell models
- Gene-expression changes reported in genomic datasets
- Topical formulations, in small human cosmetic studies
What It Is
GHK is a tripeptide made of glycine, histidine and lysine.
GHK is a tripeptide made of glycine, histidine and lysine. It binds copper(II), and the copper complex is called GHK-Cu.
GHK was originally isolated from human plasma. The same three-amino-acid sequence also occurs within the α2 chain of type I collagen.
A 1988 cell study reported that GHK-Cu increased collagen production by cultured fibroblasts at very low concentrations without changing cell numbers. Later work examined animal wound models and broad changes in gene expression.
GHK-Cu is used as an ingredient in topical cosmetic products, and most human data come from that setting. It has no approved drug use.
How It Works
3 established · 3 proposed or under investigation
Established
- GHK-Cu is a copper complex of the tripeptide GHK, which occurs naturally in human plasma
- The GHK sequence is part of the α2 chain of type I collagen
- No mechanism has been established in controlled human studies
Proposed / under investigation
- Stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, shown in cell culture
- May be released from collagen by protein-cutting enzymes at injury sites (hypothesis raised by the 1988 authors)
- Shifts expression of many repair-related genes, based on gene-expression database analyses
Research Status & Evidence
Not an approved drug — mostly lab data
Cell and animal studies make up most of the evidence. Human data come mainly from topical cosmetic products; FDA notes limited human data for injectable GHK-Cu.
Types of evidence
- Available: Cell & lab studies
- Available: Animal studies
- Available: Early human studies
- Not available: Clinical trials
- Not available: Approved medical use
Most evidence comes from cell culture and animal wound studies. Human data are mainly small studies of topical cosmetic products. FDA notes limited human data for injectable GHK-Cu and a possible immunogenicity risk from aggregation.
Areas of research
- Connective-tissue biologycollagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures
- Wound healinganimal and cell models
- Skin researchsmall human studies of topical cosmetic products
- Gene-expression profilingGHK transcriptional data
Limitations
- Not an FDA-approved drug for any use
- Human data relate mainly to topical cosmetic products; FDA notes limited human data for injectable use
- FDA's compounding safety-risk page lists injectable GHK-Cu among withdrawn Category 2 nominations, noting possible immunogenicity from aggregation
- Cell and animal findings have not been confirmed in controlled human trials
Specifications
50 mg · Lyophilized powder
- Product
- GHK-Cu
- Category
- Peptides
- Size
- 50 mg
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- Synonyms
- Copper peptide GHK; Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II); GHK copper complex; Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+; Copper peptide GHK-Cu
- Sequence
- Gly-His-Lys (GHK), as its copper(II) complex
- SKU
- REN-GHKCU-50
Molecular data: Sequence per Maquart 1988 and Pickart & Margolina 2018. Formula, weight and CAS number are not listed because they were not verified for the copper complex.
Testing & COA Batch report pending
Research References (3)
Linked sources · last reviewed October 2026
- Pickart & Margolina. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci 2018 · PubMed 29986520
- Maquart FX et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett 1988 · PubMed 3169264
- FDA. Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks (updated April 2026) · fda.gov
Summaries are written by Renuvia Labs from the sources above for educational context only. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a tripeptide of glycine, histidine and lysine (Gly-His-Lys) that was originally isolated from human plasma. It binds copper(II), and that copper complex is called GHK-Cu.
Is GHK-Cu the same as GHK?
They are related but not identical. GHK is the tripeptide on its own; GHK-Cu is the tripeptide bound to a copper(II) ion. This listing is the copper complex.
When will GHK-Cu be available?
GHK-Cu is sold out right now. Use "Email me when it's available" on this page and we send one email when it is back in stock. Every lot is listed in the COA library with its Certificate of Analysis once the lab issues it.
What size is the GHK-Cu vial?
GHK-Cu is supplied as a single 50 mg lyophilized vial (50 mg total content stated on the label).
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a small peptide found naturally in human plasma. It has been studied mainly in cell cultures and animal wound models, and in small human studies of topical cosmetic products. It is not an approved drug.
Is there a GHK-Cu coupon or discount code?
There is no public coupon code. New customers get a first-order discount for joining the Renuvia email list, volume pricing starts at 2 vials of GHK-Cu, and U.S. shipping is free over $150. Codes on third-party coupon sites are not valid here.
What are other names for GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is also referred to as Copper peptide GHK, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II), GHK copper complex, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+, Copper peptide GHK-Cu.
What sizes is Renuvia Labs GHK-Cu available in?
GHK-Cu is listed in 50 mg, supplied as lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial. It is sold for laboratory research use only.
Where is the Certificate of Analysis for GHK-Cu?
Certificates of Analysis are published per lot in the Renuvia Labs COA library, searchable by product, SKU or lot number. GHK-Cu shows "pending" there until the current lot's report exists; it is then linked on this page too.
Is this in stock?
Yes, unless the page says sold out. You reserve it with no payment today, and we email payment instructions in approximately 1–2 business days. Your order ships once payment arrives.
What form is this product supplied in?
Peptides and research compounds ship as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed glass vial. The fill amount printed on the product page and label is the total content of the vial.
Is this product for human use?
No. All Renuvia Labs products are sold strictly for laboratory research use. They are not for human or animal consumption and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Do you offer volume pricing?
Yes. Per-vial pricing drops automatically at 2, 3 and 5 vials of the same product; the current tiers are shown next to the price. For larger quantities, see our wholesale program.
How much is shipping?
Free U.S. shipping on orders of $150 or more; $8.95 flat rate below that.
Do you ship outside the U.S.?
No. Renuvia Labs ships to U.S. addresses only. Research institutions outside the U.S. can enquire through the wholesale program.
