GHK-Cu Copper Peptide
Aug 20th 2026
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide complex composed of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine associated with a copper(II) ion. The base product record provides the compound’s generic identity, grade options, molecular specifications, storage details, and available Certificates of Analysis.
For research use only. Not for human or animal use.
Why GHK-Cu is called a copper peptide
GHK identifies the three-amino-acid sequence Gly-His-Lys. The Cu designation identifies the associated copper ion, commonly written as Cu2+. The resulting complex has a distinct blue appearance and is identified as GHK-Cu rather than as unbound GHK or elemental copper.
GHK was originally isolated from human plasma and has an affinity for copper(II) ions. That biochemical history supports research into copper binding and extracellular-matrix signaling, but it does not establish a direct cosmetic, anti-aging, inflammatory, or tissue result for this product.
Research context and model limits
A 1988 cell-culture study evaluated GHK-Cu in cultured fibroblasts and reported changes in collagen synthesis under the conditions tested. The observation was made in a controlled cellular model and was not a clinical result. Related laboratory literature has examined matrix-associated signaling and fibroblast behavior, with interpretation limited to the reported model, concentration range, and assay.
GHK-Cu can be evaluated as a research material for studying copper-peptide interactions, fibroblast models, and extracellular-matrix processes. Those research areas do not establish results for skin appearance, wound closure, recovery, or systemic effects.
Product specifications and documentation
The current GHK-Cu product record identifies:
- Sequence: Gly-His-Lys complexed with Cu2+
- Molecular formula: C14H22CuN6O4
- Molecular weight: 401.91 g/mol
- PubChem CID: 73587
- Physical appearance: blue powder
- Storage specification: at or below 4°C, tightly sealed and protected from heat and moisture
- Shelf-life specification: 36 months from manufacture when stored according to the product record
The selected grade controls the minimum purity specification and testing scope. Premium Lyophilized GHK-Cu has a minimum purity specification of at least 99% plus sterility and endotoxin testing. Standard Non-Lyophilized GHK-Cu is independently tested for purity and carries a minimum purity specification of at least 98.5%. Public COAs provide the batch-specific result for the applicable material and lot. Researchers comparing copper peptides or GHK-Cu for sale as laboratory materials can review current grade options and public COAs before requesting access to professional pricing.
Related GHK-Cu formats
GHK-Cu Capsules and GHK-Cu Spray have separate product records for their supplied packages. The base record provides generic GHK-Cu identity, while each format record provides package-specific details. A format may reference the COA for the underlying tested GHK-Cu material rather than a separate format-specific report.
The broader Research Peptides selection provides additional compound and format pathways.
Frequently asked questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys complexed with a copper(II) ion. It is supplied as a laboratory research material with product specifications and analytical documentation.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
The copper(II)-peptide complex gives GHK-Cu its characteristic blue appearance. Researchers can compare the supplied material with the physical description and lot information provided on the current product record.
What research models have examined GHK-Cu?
Published work includes cultured fibroblast models that measured collagen synthesis and other matrix-associated endpoints. Those findings remain specific to the reported cell systems and do not establish a direct personal outcome.
How do the base, capsule, and spray pages differ?
The base record provides generic molecular identity and grade details. The capsule and spray records provide their supplied-package details and may reference documentation for the underlying tested GHK-Cu material.
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