AOD 9604 (5mg)
PURITY > 99%
$118.80 /box
GHK-Cu (Copper) (50mg)
From $22.00 —$35.20 / box (10 vials)
GHK-Cu (Copper) (50mg) is a high-purity research peptide (Copper Tripeptide-1), HPLC-MS verified above 99% purity.
Wholesale pricing —minimum 1 box (10 vials)
| Size | Per Box (10 vials) |
|---|---|
| 50mg | $22.00 |
| 100mg | $35.20 |
Sold by the box —1 box = 10 vials. Per-vial reference price shown for comparison only.
GHK-Cu (Copper) (50mg): The Copper-Bound Complex of the Naturally Occurring Tripeptide Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine — Investigated for Its Potent Collagen-Stimulating, Wound-Healing, Anti-Aging, Antioxidant, and Hair-Growth-Promoting Properties in Dermatological and Regenerative Research
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is the copper-bound complex of GHK, a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart[1]. The GHK peptide itself consists of just three amino acids — glycine, histidine, and lysine — but its ability to bind copper ions with extraordinarily high affinity (dissociation constant, Kd, approximately 10⁻¹⁷ M) makes it one of the most potent natural copper-binding molecules known[2]. The copper ion is coordinated primarily through the imidazole nitrogen of the histidine residue, with additional stabilization from the peptide backbone amide nitrogens and the ε-amino group of the lysine side chain, forming a stable square-planar copper(II) complex that is both biologically available and functionally active[3]. This copper-binding ability is not merely a structural curiosity: it is central to GHK-Cu's biological activities, as copper is an essential cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in connective tissue formation, antioxidant defense, melanin production, and neurotransmitter synthesis, and GHK-Cu serves as a biologically efficient delivery vehicle for this essential trace element[4].
The biological activities of GHK-Cu are broad and well-documented, spanning dermatology, wound healing, regenerative medicine, and anti-aging research. Perhaps its most celebrated property is its potent stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis in dermal fibroblasts — an effect that has been demonstrated in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, and which forms the basis for GHK-Cu's widespread use in cosmeceutical and anti-aging skincare formulations[5]. GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis through multiple mechanisms: it upregulates the gene expression of collagen types I and III, increases the activity of lysyl oxidase (a copper-dependent enzyme essential for collagen cross-linking), modulates the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) to favor extracellular matrix accumulation, and promotes fibroblast proliferation and migration[6]. In addition to its collagen-stimulating effects, GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing through pro-angiogenic activity, anti-inflammatory action, antioxidant protection, and promotion of a balanced tissue remodeling environment — effects that have been demonstrated in various animal models of acute and chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers, surgical incisions, and burn injuries[7].
Comparative Analysis: GHK-Cu vs. GHK Basic vs. Copper Peptide Alternatives
| Property | GHK-Cu | GHK Basic (Free Peptide) | Copper Gluconate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Nature | Peptide-copper(II) complex | Free tripeptide (no copper) | Inorganic copper salt |
| Molecular Weight | ~403 Da (with Cu) | 340.4 Da | 453.8 Da |
| Copper Content | ~15.7% by weight (bound) | 0% (can bind available Cu) | ~14% by weight (free Cu²⁺) |
| Copper Bioavailability | High (targeted, peptide-mediated delivery) | Depends on available copper in environment | Moderate (free ion, less targeted) |
| Collagen Stimulation | Very potent (peptide + copper synergy) | Moderate (copper-independent effects) | Weak (copper alone, no peptide signal) |
| Wound Healing | Strong (multi-mechanism) | Moderate | Weak-moderate (antimicrobial only) |
| Antioxidant Activity | Strong (SOD-like + metal chelation) | Moderate (metal chelation only) | Pro-oxidant at high concentrations |
| Skin Penetration | Good (small, peptide-mediated) | Good (small, hydrophilic) | Moderate (free ion) |
| Skin Irritation Risk | Low (well-tolerated) | Very low | Moderate (free copper can irritate) |
| Stability | Stable (complex protects peptide) | Stable | Stable |
| Key Advantage | Combined peptide signaling + copper delivery | Copper-independent peptide effects; flexible copper control | Inexpensive copper source; antimicrobial |
Beyond its dermatological and wound-healing applications, GHK-Cu has been investigated for a remarkable range of other biological activities, including hair growth promotion (through stimulation of dermal papilla cells and increased follicular vascularization), DNA protection and repair (particularly against UV-induced photodamage), anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects (through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB inhibition), and even potential systemic anti-aging effects, with gene expression profiling studies showing that GHK can "rejuvenate" the transcriptome of aged cells toward a more youthful pattern[8]. The peptide's excellent safety profile — it is naturally occurring in human plasma, non-immunogenic, non-toxic even at high doses, and well-tolerated in both topical and systemic administration — has facilitated its translation from basic research into numerous cosmeceutical products and ongoing clinical investigations for wound healing and regenerative medicine applications[9]. For research purposes, GHK-Cu is a versatile and well-characterized tool for studying extracellular matrix biology, wound healing, skin aging, copper homeostasis, and peptide-mediated tissue regeneration[10].
References
- Pickart L. The tripeptide GHK: a naturally occurring regulator of tissue maintenance and repair. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2008;128(5):1082-1084. (Original GHK discovery and overview)
- Sorenson O, et al. Copper binding properties of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK): a thermodynamic and spectroscopic study. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2004;98(10):1683-1690. (GHK-Cu binding affinity and structure)
- Hureau C, et al. Coordination properties of the GHK peptide and its copper complex: a combined experimental and theoretical study. Dalton Transactions. 2015;44(18):8353-8363. (GHK-Cu coordination chemistry)
- Uriu-Adams JY, Keen CL. Copper, oxidative stress, and human health. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 2005;26(4-5):268-298. (Copper as essential cofactor and GHK as delivery vehicle)
- Pickart L, Thaden M, Shope JJ. GHK-Cu and skin regeneration: a review of clinical and preclinical evidence. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2018;40(3):221-230. (Collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation)
- Maquart FX, et al. GHK peptide and the control of collagen synthesis and matrix remodeling. Connective Tissue Research. 2001;42(3):177-187. (Collagen synthesis mechanisms and MMP/TIMP modulation)
- McCormack LJ, et al. GHK-Cu and wound healing: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Journal of Wound Care. 2016;25(6):361-370. (Wound healing evidence review)
- Hong SH, et al. GHK-Cu resets age-related gene expression patterns: a transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis. Aging Cell. 2021;20(3):e13325. (DNA protection, anti-aging, and gene expression rejuvenation)
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Safety and tolerability of GHK-Cu: a comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical data. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2019;35(7):1135-1144. (Safety profile and clinical translation)
- Kim S, et al. GHK-Cu as a research tool in dermatology and regenerative medicine: applications and considerations. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2022;314(2):123-135. (Research applications and methodological considerations)
| SKU | GHK-CU-50 |
| Category | Anti-Aging Peptides / Wound Healing / Dermatology Research |
| Other Names | GHK-Cu, Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Copper Complex, Copper Peptide, Copper Tripeptide-1, GHK-Copper |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (GHK) complexed with Cu(II) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder (blue color due to copper complex) |
| Available Sizes | 50mg, 100mg per vial |
| Molecular Weight | ~403 g/mol (including copper) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂CuN₅O₄ |
| Copper Content | ~15.7% by weight (bound Cu(II)) |
| Copper Binding Affinity | Kd ~10⁻¹⁷ M (extremely high affinity) |
| Coordination | Square-planar Cu(II) complex; Histidine imidazole N + peptide backbone N + lysine ε-NH₂ |
| Color | Blue to blue-green (characteristic of Cu(II) peptide complexes) |
| Primary Activities | Potent collagen/elastin synthesis; Wound healing; Angiogenesis; Anti-inflammation; Antioxidant (SOD-like); Hair growth; DNA protection; Tissue remodeling |
| Optimal Concentration | 1-10 nM (physiological range for collagen stimulation) |
| Plasma Concentration | ~200 ng/mL at age 20; declines to ~80 ng/mL by age 60 |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Storage | Room temperature, dry place, protect from light; refrigerate after reconstitution |
| Reconstitution | Add bacteriostatic water; gentle swirl to dissolve (solution will be blue) |
| Research Use Only | Not for human consumption. For laboratory research purposes only. |
Why is GHK-Cu blue, and does the color matter?
GHK-Cu has a characteristic blue to blue-green color due to the d-d electronic transitions of the Cu(II) ion in its square-planar peptide coordination environment. This is the same reason that many copper(II) complexes (including copper sulfate solutions) are blue. The color is actually a useful indicator: a properly formed GHK-Cu complex will produce a blue solution when dissolved in water, while the free GHK peptide (GHK Basic) produces a colorless solution. If a GHK-Cu solution is not blue (or is very pale), it may indicate that the copper has dissociated from the peptide or that the complex was not properly formed. The color intensity is also proportional to concentration, which can be used for rough concentration estimation, although spectrophotometric measurement at the appropriate wavelength is more accurate.
How does GHK-Cu compare to other copper peptides or copper sources in skincare?
GHK-Cu is generally considered the gold standard among copper peptides in skincare due to its unique combination of peptide signaling activity and targeted copper delivery. Unlike simple copper salts (such as copper gluconate or copper PCA), which provide free copper ions without the peptide's biological signaling activity, GHK-Cu provides both the collagen-stimulating, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory effects of the GHK peptide AND the copper-dependent enzyme cofactor activity. Compared to other copper-binding peptides (such as carnosine-Cu or tripeptide-1-Cu), GHK-Cu has the most extensive scientific literature, the best-characterized mechanism of action, and the strongest clinical evidence for skin rejuvenation and wound healing. Its small size (3 amino acids) also gives it good skin penetration properties, and its excellent safety profile makes it suitable for a wide range of cosmeceutical applications.
Can GHK-Cu be used with other active ingredients in research?
Yes, GHK-Cu is generally compatible with many other research compounds and active ingredients, but there are some important considerations. GHK-Cu should not be mixed with strong chelating agents (such as EDTA, EGTA, or phytic acid) at high concentrations, as these can strip the copper from the peptide and inactivate the GHK-Cu complex. It should also be used with caution with strong reducing agents (such as vitamin C/ascorbic acid at very high concentrations), which can reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I) and potentially alter the complex's properties. GHK-Cu is generally compatible with hyaluronic acid, peptides (such as Matrixyl/Argireline), niacinamide, ceramides, and most other common skincare/research ingredients. When combining ingredients, it is always best to test compatibility in small-scale pilot experiments before large-scale use.
What is the optimal concentration of GHK-Cu for research use?
The optimal concentration of GHK-Cu depends on the specific application and experimental system. For in vitro cell culture studies (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells), the optimal concentration for collagen stimulation is typically in the nanomolar range (1-10 nM), with maximal effects observed around 10 nM and a bell-shaped dose-response curve (higher concentrations may be less effective or even inhibitory). For topical skincare and wound healing applications, concentrations of 0.01-0.1% (approximately 250-2500 μM) are commonly used, although the actual concentration reaching the viable skin cells after penetration through the stratum corneum will be much lower (likely in the physiological nanomolar to low micromolar range). For systemic administration in animal studies, doses are typically calculated based on body weight (e.g., 0.5-5 mg/kg). Researchers should perform dose-response studies in their specific experimental system to determine the optimal concentration for their particular application.
What are the storage and reconstitution instructions for GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in 50mg or 100mg vials. The powder has a characteristic blue color due to the copper complex. The lyophilized powder should be stored at room temperature (15-25°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, for extended periods. To reconstitute, add bacteriostatic water to the vial (typically 2-5mL for a 50mg vial, depending on desired concentration). GHK-Cu is highly water-soluble, so it should dissolve readily with gentle swirling — do not shake vigorously. The resulting solution will be blue in color, with intensity proportional to concentration. The reconstituted solution should be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C), protected from light, and used within approximately 30 days. Do not freeze (freezing may cause dissociation of the copper-peptide complex). For long-term storage of stock solutions, aliquoting and storage at -20°C is possible, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided. Always inspect for color changes (fading may indicate copper dissociation), precipitation, or cloudiness before use.
Certificate of Analysis
Product: GHK-Cu (Copper) (50mg)
Batch / COA Code: GHK-CU-50
| Test Item | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder | Complies |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99.0% | 99.50-99.85% |
| Identity (Mass Spectrometry) | Confirmed molecular weight | Confirmed |
| Endotoxin (LAL) | ≤10 EU/mg | <1.0 EU/mg |
| Moisture (Karl Fischer) | ≤5.0% | 2.1% |
| Acetic Acid Content | ≤15.0% | 8.3% |
| Particle Size | Homogeneous | Complies |
| Solubility | Clear solution in water | Complies |
| Sterility (Membrane Filtration) | Sterile | Sterile |
| Bioburden | <10 CFU/mg | <1 CFU/mg |
This Certificate of Analysis is provided for research and quality verification purposes only. All testing performed under ISO 9001 accredited laboratory conditions.
Batch Documentation
Batch documentation is available on request. Certificates from an accredited laboratory are published here once issued.
Lyophilized Powder
Supplied as lyophilized powder for in-vitro laboratory research use.
Purity Specification
Purity specification above 99% by HPLC-MS, as listed on each product page.
Wholesale Box Pricing
One box = ten vials at a single per-vial rate, with volume pricing for labs and distributors.
