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Peptide

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide). Copper-binding tripeptide used topically for skin remodeling.

How it works. Copper carrier that activates fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Topical improves skin elasticity and wound healing (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: Topical 0.05–2% serum.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Collagen peptides, Vitamin C.

Common forms. Available as Topical serum, Injectable (off-label).

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide). Copper-binding tripeptide used topically for skin remodeling.

3-residue chainC14H21CuN6O4- · 400.90 g/mol

What it is

Copper-binding tripeptide used topically for skin remodeling.

Food sources

Synthetic

Goals

Skin, Hair & Nails

How it works

Copper carrier that activates fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Pathways

  • Collagen synthesis ↑

Effects

  • +Skin remodeling supports

What the research supports

Topical improves skin elasticity and wound healingmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Topical 0.05–2% serum
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the topical serum form.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Skin irritation

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Collagen peptidesProvides amino acid substrate for connective tissue synthesis.
  • Vitamin CRequired cofactor for collagen hydroxylation.

Common forms

  • Topical serum
  • Injectable (off-label)

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Topical improves skin elasticity and wound healing ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and "Topical improves skin elasticity and wound healing". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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