Review Article
GHK-Cu may prevent oxidative stress in skin by regulating copper and modifying expression of numerous antioxidant genes
Pickart et al., 2018
Skin & AestheticsOTC CosmeticA
GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide GHK
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine with a high affinity for copper ions. Widely used in dermatology, it has demonstrated the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, promote wound healing, activate antioxidant enzymes, and reduce inflammatory skin damage. Commercially available OTC in cosmetic serums, creams, and injectable formulations.
Observational report only — live community data. Not medical advice. Does not recommend doses, protocols, or treatments.
- Studies cited
- 8
- Research grade
- A
- Experience
- 56
- Activity
- 55
Overall check-ins
Trackers & reports
Overview
About GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine with a high affinity for copper ions. Widely used in dermatology, it has demonstrated the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, promote wound healing, activate antioxidant enzymes, and reduce inflammatory skin damage. Commercially available OTC in cosmetic serums, creams, and injectable formulations.
- Category
- Skin & Aesthetics
- Regulatory status
- OTC Cosmetic
- Also known as
- Copper Peptide GHK
- Self-reports
- 120
Community
What 120 users report
120 community reports
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 3% · Mixed 97% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Mood
226
Recovery
226
Energy
1
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Injection site irritation
222
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 2–3 mg · Most common: 2–3 mg
Reports span 0 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
0–0.01 mg
1
0.025–0.05 mg
16
0.2–0.4 mg
4
0.6–1 mg
1
1–2 mg
71
2–3 mg
87
3–5 mg
43
5+ mg
5
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 89% said they felt similar to their last entry, 11% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 46 days · Based on 45 repeat reporters
Research
Cited research (6)
Source
PubMed
GHK-Cu in wound healing and tissue regeneration
Pickart, 2008
PubMed
GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways
Pickart et al., 2014
ClinicalTrials.gov
GHK-Cu copper peptide studies on ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov, 2024
PubMed
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
Pickart et al., 2015
PubMed
Biomimetic Hydrogel Scaffolds with Copper Peptide-Functionalized RADA16 Nanofiber Improve Wound Healing in Diabetes
Yang et al., 2022
Tools
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Frequently asked
What do PeptIQ users report about GHK-Cu?
This page summarizes 120 anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users who track GHK-Cu, including commonly reported effects and co-tracked peptides. These are observational patterns, not clinical outcomes.
How do side effects relate to overall experience for GHK-Cu?
PeptIQ separates overall check-in ratings (favorable, mixed, or unfavorable) from logged side effects like nausea or fatigue. Users often report benefits and side effects in the same check-in — a high experience score does not mean zero side effects were noted.
What research is cited for GHK-Cu?
6 sources are linked on this page, including PubMed articles, clinical trial registries, and FDA labels where applicable. Citations describe published research — not recommendations.
Is GHK-Cu safe to use?
This wiki does not assess safety or recommend use. GHK-Cu is listed as OTC Cosmetic. Consult a licensed clinician for personal medical decisions.
What are the purported benefits and uses of GHK-Cu?
Research, primarily in animal models, suggests GHK-Cu may have a wide range of therapeutic potentials due to its ability to promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), stimulate collagen synthesis, and modulate inflammatory responses.
SourceWhat is the legal status of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA for any human use. There is no legal basis for selling it as a drug, food, or dietary supplement in the United States. The FDA has classified GHK-Cu as a Category 2 bulk drug substance, which explicitly prohibits licensed compounding pharmacies from using it in compounded medications.
SourceWhat are the known or theoretical side effects and risks of GHK-Cu?
The safety and effectiveness of GHK-Cu have not been thoroughly evaluated in humans through rigorous clinical trials. This lack of human data means that safe dosages, short-term side effects, and long-term health consequences are largely unknown.
SourceWhat is the current state of research on GHK-Cu?
While there are over 200 published studies on GHK-Cu, the vast majority are animal or in vitro (cell) studies. These preclinical studies consistently show positive results across various tissue types. However, there is a significant lack of comprehensive human clinical trial data.
Source