Skin & Hair
Copper peptide for skin and hair
A naturally occurring copper peptide that supports collagen, skin firmness and hair density.
Ships as a freeze-dried powder. Need water to mix it? Add Reconstitution Solution.
The science
Evidence level
1/5
Preclinical
Substantial laboratory, animal and topical cosmetic research; injected GHK-Cu has not been tested in controlled human trials.
4,000+1
human genes GHK can up- or down-regulate, per gene-expression analysis
p63+2
stem-cell marker increased in human keratinocytes and skin equivalents
6 wk3
to stiffer ligament grafts and tighter knees in rats after ACL reconstruction
Mechanism of action
Targets & pathways
GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while regulating the metalloproteinases that clear damaged matrix1.
Gene-expression analyses link GHK to up- or down-regulation of at least 4,000 human genes, a breadth that helps explain its wide-ranging repair effects1.
What the research shows
Reviewed studies report accelerated healing of skin, hair follicles, the gut lining and bone in animal models.
After ACL reconstruction in 72 rats, GHK-Cu produced stiffer grafts and less knee laxity at 6 weeks.
Reviews GHK-Cu’s roles in skin regeneration, from wound healing and matrix remodelling to the regulation of more than 4,000 human genes.
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.
BioMed research international · 2015
PubMed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviews discovery, copper coordination and proposed oxidative-stress biology without proving systemic rejuvenation.
The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health.
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity · 2012
PubMed ↗ (opens in a new tab)In 72 rats after ACL reconstruction, GHK-Cu produced stiffer grafts and less knee laxity at 6 weeks; the effect had faded by 12 weeks.
Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction.
Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society · 2015
PubMed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Questions
The cited evidence does not establish a controlled human injected hair-regrowth outcome.
It helps distinguish peptide-associated skin-cell effects from the contributions of the copper complex.
GLOW adds BPC-157 and TB-500. Component mechanisms do not establish that the combination improves skin or recovery outcomes.
No. Route, exposure and formulation differ, so cosmetic topical observations cannot validate systemic use.
Not necessarily. Healthy remodelling depends on synthesis, degradation and organization; the cited biology involves more than synthesis alone.
