NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

GHK-Cu stands for Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(II), a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It was first discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. The "Cu" in GHK-Cu refers to copper ion (Cu²⁺), which is essential for many enzymatic and regenerative processes in the body.

GHK-Cu has a broad range of regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-repairing properties and is widely studied in the fields of cosmetic science, wound healing, and anti-aging medicine.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu binds to and transports copper to cells, where it:

1. Activates Tissue Remodeling

   • Stimulates production of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components.

2. Promotes Gene Expression

   • Regulates over 4,000 human genes, with a balance of upregulating regenerative and protective genes and downregulating inflammatory and degenerative ones.

3. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Effects

   • Reduces oxidative stress and suppresses inflammatory cytokines.

4. Stimulates Stem Cell Proliferation

   • Encourages the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are key to wound repair and skin renewal.

5. Enhances Copper-Dependent Enzyme Activity

   • Essential for enzymes like lysyl oxidase (for collagen cross-linking) and superoxide dismutase (for antioxidant defense).

Potential Benefits and Applications

1. Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging

• Increases skin elasticity, thickness, and firmness

• Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation

• Enhances skin hydration and barrier repair

2. Hair Regrowth

• Stimulates dermal papilla cells in hair follicles

• Encourages thicker, denser, and healthier hair

• Used in topical solutions for androgenic alopecia and hair thinning

3. Wound Healing

• Accelerates wound closure and scar reduction

• Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)

• Effective in burns, diabetic ulcers, and post-surgical recovery

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties

• Reduces chronic inflammation

• Protects against free radical damage and environmental stressors (e.g., UV light)

5. Potential Internal Applications (Experimental)

• Liver and lung regeneration

• DNA repair and protection

• Anti-cancer potential (via gene regulation and tissue normalization)

Dosage & Administration

Topical Use (Most Common)

• Serum/Cream Concentration: 0.05% to 0.5% GHK-Cu

• Applied once or twice daily for skin or scalp benefits

Injectable/Oral Use (Experimental/Research-Only)

• Subcutaneous injection: ~1–2 mg daily or several times per week

• Oral supplements: Not widely available or bioavailable

⚠️ Injectable and oral use are not FDA-approved for therapeutic applications and should only be used under medical or research supervision.

Side Effects and Safety

• Well-tolerated in topical use

• Rare allergic reactions (rash, redness)

• Injectable use may cause local irritation; systemic effects are largely unknown due to limited human studies

Comparison with Other Peptides

Scientific References

1. Pickart, L., & Margolina, A. (2018). GHK-Cu may prevent oxidative stress in skin by regulating copper and gene expression. Cosmetics, 5(1), 11.

   • DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics5010011

2. Pickart, L. (2009). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 20(12), 1683-1706.

   • DOI: 10.1163/092050609X12457414151050

3. Borkow, G., & Gabbay, J. (2009). Copper, an ancient remedy returning to fight microbial, fungal and viral infections. Current Chemical Biology, 3(3), 272-278.