GHK-Cu.
A copper-chelating tripeptide found naturally in human plasma, saliva, and wound fluid. Studied across skin repair, hair regrowth, and tissue regeneration for over five decades — one of the most researched endogenous peptides in cosmetic and wound biology.
Want the full narrative? Read the GHK-Cu Research Guide for the published-study discussion and mechanism deep-dive.
- Key Signals
- Collagen · Wound · Hair
- Origin
- Endogenous (human plasma)
- Investigator
- Loren Pickart, 1973
- Class
- Copper-binding tripeptide
- Status (UAE)
- Research compound (off-label)
The Wound Healer Hidden in Plain Sight
Pickart identifies GHK as a plasma tripeptide that restores youthful liver function in aged tissue samples — 1973.
The Cu²⁺ chelation mechanism is characterised — enabling cuproenzyme activation critical to wound healing.
Adopted in cosmetic formulations globally; small human trials confirm collagen upregulation and elasticity gains.
A tripeptide with a copper payload
Gly · His · Lys · Cu²⁺
C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄ · MW 340.8 Da
A tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) forming a stable complex with copper ions. Detected in human plasma at nanomolar concentrations; levels rise sharply at wound sites — a key endogenous signal for tissue remodelling.
Cosmetics buried the bigger story.
Most in vivo evidence is preclinical; human skin trials exist but are small and often industry-funded.
- Collagen I & III upregulated
- Wound closure in rodents
- Hair follicle growth ex vivo
- IL-6 and TNF-α reduced
- SOD1 activation via Cu
- Skin elasticity improved
- Fine lines reduced (small n)
- Used in wound dressings
- Hair density gains (pilot)
- Neuroprotective gene effects
- Anti-cancer gene expression
- Systemic anti-aging claims
- Organ protection (limited)
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GHK-Cu's Unusual Legal Position
In the UAE, research-grade peptides occupy a defined regulatory category distinct from licensed medicines. Compounds sold under this classification — including those offered by Dubai Peptides — are intended exclusively for qualified research applications, not for human administration.
GHK-Cu occupies an unusual regulatory split. Topically, it is a recognised cosmetic active — freely sold in serums and creams globally, no prescription required. That cosmetic status does not extend to injectable use. All injectable GHK-Cu on this platform is supplied as a research-grade chemical — a different product in a different regulatory category, regardless of what the topical serums on a pharmacy shelf may suggest.
Pickart identifies GHK in human plasma; patents the first copper peptide wound-healing compound.
GHK-Cu enters prestige skincare; ProCyte Corp licenses the compound for cosmetic wound and skin products.
An injectable compounding market for GHK-Cu exists in the UAE, separate from its MOHAP-listed cosmetic classification described above.