GHK-Cu 100 mg – Copper tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) for research

What is GHK-Cu 100 mg (copper peptide)?

GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) bound to a copper ion (Cu²⁺). In the research literature it is described as one of the best-studied peptides of skin and tissue regeneration — studied for collagen and elastin synthesis, healing, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

GHK-Cu belongs to the category peptides for skin, sleep and libido — in the "skin" segment. It is also a key component of the regenerative complexes in the GLOW series: it is precisely GHK-Cu that distinguishes GLOW50 and GLOW70 from the "clean" repair pair BPC-157 + TB-500.

It is a research compound — it is not a medicinal product and holds no authorization for clinical use. The product offered by Peptology is a research-grade reagent, not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any skin or tissue conditions.

In the version offered by Peptology, GHK-Cu is available in a 100 mg vial as a lyophilized peptide with purity ≥ 99%, confirmed by independent laboratory analysis (CoA for every batch). The product is intended exclusively for scientific research and in vitro applications.

Variant: GHK-Cu 100 mg

This page concerns one dosage variant — GHK-Cu 100 mg. Each vial contains 100 mg of the lyophilized copper peptide. This is a large, "cycle-sized" amount — it allows time-spread regenerative protocols or the preparation of many smaller portions in one research series.

GHK-Cu is offered in the 100 mg variant. If instead of a single component you need a ready-made regenerative complex with GHK-Cu, check GLOW50 or GLOW70 (BPC-157 + GHK-Cu + TB-500).

How GHK-Cu works — the research mechanisms

In the research literature, GHK-Cu is described as a tissue-"remodeling" peptide. Below are the three most frequently studied elements of its action.

Why the role of copper matters

GHK has a high affinity for copper ions, and the GHK-Cu complex acts as a "carrier" of copper to cells. Copper is a cofactor of enzymes involved in the synthesis and cross-linking of collagen, which is why the combination of the peptide with copper is studied as particularly active in the context of skin and connective tissue remodeling.

In studies, GHK-Cu is often paired with the reparative peptides BPC-157 and TB-500 — it is precisely this trio that forms the GLOW50 / GLOW70 complexes. This data comes from preclinical studies and does not constitute a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (research framework)

GHK-Cu is a small tripeptide with an affinity for copper and connective tissue. The most important research characteristics:

• Structure: the Gly-His-Lys tripeptide bound to a copper ion (Cu²⁺)
• Targets: collagen/elastin synthesis, repair enzymes, anti-inflammatory pathways
• Role of copper: a carrier of Cu²⁺ ions, a cofactor of tissue-remodeling enzymes
• Forms of use in studies: injectable (targeted) and topical (0.1–1.0% formulations in dermatological studies)
• Reference concentration: 100 mg in 3 mL ≈ 33.3 mg/mL — a large dose requires precise calculation
• Route of administration in protocols: most often subcutaneous, per the research protocol

Comparison: GHK-Cu vs Epitalon vs MT-1

Within the same category (skin, sleep and libido), it is worth comparing GHK-Cu with two other peptides concerning the skin and aging processes — the anti-aging Epitalon and the "skin" MT-1. Each addresses a different aspect: skin structure, cellular aging or pigmentation.

In the skin/sleep/libido category, GHK-Cu is responsible for skin structure and rebuilding (collagen), Epitalon for cellular aging, and MT-1 for pigmentation. Separately, it is worth knowing that GHK-Cu is also a component of the regenerative complexes GLOW50 / GLOW70 (with BPC-157 and TB-500). The comparison is indicative in nature and does not constitute a recommendation for use.

Areas of research on GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu has been studied for decades, mainly in the context of the skin and tissue regeneration. Below are the most frequently explored directions — all at the research stage, without confirmed indications for the research-grade product.

Skin, collagen and rejuvenation

The main direction of research on GHK-Cu concerns collagen and elastin synthesis, improvement of skin structure and reduction of signs of aging. In dermatological formulations, concentrations on the order of 0.1–1.0% were studied.

Healing and tissue regeneration

In animal models, GHK-Cu was associated with accelerated wound healing, increased angiogenesis and collagen production, and reduction of inflammatory markers. It is also studied in the context of hair follicle condition.

Regulation of gene expression

In gene expression analyses, GHK-Cu was described as a compound modulating numerous genes associated with tissue repair and remodeling. These are laboratory observations (in vitro / preclinical), not confirmed effects in humans.

Note: The information is presented for scientific and informational purposes and is based on the preclinical literature and in vitro studies. It does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

GHK-Cu profile at a glance

• Copper tripeptide (GHK + Cu²⁺) — one of the best-studied peptides of skin regeneration
• Three studied areas: collagen/elastin synthesis, healing/microcirculation, anti-inflammatory action
• A carrier of copper — a cofactor of connective-tissue remodeling enzymes
• A component of the GLOW complexes — GLOW50 and GLOW70 (with BPC-157 and TB-500)
• Studied injectably and topically (dermatological formulations 0.1–1.0%)
• Every batch with a CoA and purity ≥ 99%

All information provided refers to the research literature on GHK-Cu and should not be interpreted as a promise of effect, an instruction for use or a claim about the effect of the research-grade product offered by Peptology.

Research dosing protocols

In research protocols, GHK-Cu is used after reconstitution of the lyophilizate, most often subcutaneously or topically:

• Injectable (targeted) or topical administration in dermatological formulations (studied concentrations 0.1–1.0%)
• The schedule is usually spread over time — effects on skin structure were observed after 2–4 weeks
• The large 100 mg vial allows flexible measurement of many smaller portions — calculate precisely in the peptide calculator
• Maximum 3 mL of solvent per vial (100 mg / 3 mL ≈ 33.3 mg/mL)

In combined protocols, GHK-Cu is sometimes paired with BPC-157 and TB-500 — ready-made equivalents of this combination are GLOW50 and GLOW70. These schedules come from the research literature and do not constitute a recommendation for self-administration.

Side effects and safety

In research observations, GHK-Cu is well tolerated with correct use. Side effects are usually mild, local and short-lived. The data concern research on the molecule.

Most reported symptoms are mild, local and transient. Because of the copper content, studies draw attention to caution in people with copper metabolism disorders. This information is scientific in nature and does not constitute an instruction for use.

Storage and reconstitution

GHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder of a characteristic blue color (from the copper ions) in a vial. In lyophilized form it is stable at room temperature, protected from light and moisture — refrigeration before reconstitution is not mandatory. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent used, with Peptide Matrix Water™ significantly extending the peptide's lifespan.

• Before reconstitution: room temperature, in the original packaging, protected from light and moisture. A refrigerator is not mandatory.
• After reconstitution with Peptide Matrix Water™: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 60 days under appropriate laboratory conditions — the stabilizing formula extends the peptide's lifespan relative to standard solvents.
• After reconstitution with bacteriostatic or sterile water: stability in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C for up to 28 days under appropriate conditions. Do not refreeze the reconstituted solution.
• Reconstitution: in a laboratory setting, Peptide Matrix Water™, bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection is usually used, depending on the protocol.
• Volume: maximum 3 mL of solvent (capacity of a standard vial). For a precise calculation of volume and units, use the peptide calculator.
• Homogenization: add the solvent slowly down the vial wall, without vigorous shaking, then wait 10–15 min. Swirl gently, do not shake.

Laboratory tip: With your order, you can add Peptide Matrix Water™ to the cart — a stabilizing solution designed for working with reconstituted research peptides. More in the article Bacteriostatic water vs acetic acid vs matrix water.

Frequently asked questions about GHK-Cu

What exactly is GHK-Cu?

It is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) bound to a copper ion. In studies it is associated with collagen and elastin synthesis, tissue healing, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. The results come from the research literature.

Why is GHK combined with copper?

GHK has a high affinity for copper ions, and copper is a cofactor of collagen synthesis and cross-linking enzymes. The GHK-Cu complex acts as a carrier of copper to the tissues — hence its studied activity in skin remodeling.

How does GHK-Cu differ from the GLOW complexes?

GHK-Cu is a single peptide. The GLOW50 and GLOW70 complexes combine GHK-Cu with the reparative peptides BPC-157 and TB-500 in one formula, adding a tissue-repair layer to the skin/collagen effect.

Can GHK-Cu be used topically?

In dermatological studies, concentrations on the order of 0.1–1.0% were used in topical formulations, while the injectable form is described as more targeted. This is research information, not a recommendation for use.

How is GHK-Cu stored and reconstituted?

The lyophilized vial is stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, stability depends on the solvent: with Peptide Matrix Water™ — up to 60 days in the refrigerator +2 °C to +8 °C; with bacteriostatic or sterile water — up to 28 days. Avoid refreezing.

Where to buy GHK-Cu for research?

Peptology offers GHK-Cu (100 mg) as a research peptide with confirmed purity ≥ 99% and independent laboratory analysis for every batch. Fast shipping, discreet packaging and certificates of purity with the product. For scientific background, also see the article Peptides — what they are, how they work, main categories and safety profile.

Related products in the Peptology catalog

Researchers working with GHK-Cu often also consider ready-made regenerative complexes with GHK-Cu and single reparative peptides. Each of the products below has a certificate of purity (CoA):

See the full catalog: Peptides for skin, sleep and libido · Peptides for energy and regeneration · Recovery and anabolic peptides · Blog on peptide research

Laboratory reconstitution

Laboratory protocol — reconstitution, research protocols, storage

Standardized protocol applicable to all research peptides in the Peptology catalogue. To calculate the solution concentration (mg/mL) for each vial, use the peptide reconstitution calculator.

60-second protocol

Quick reference

What you need

Five rules for reconstitution

Calculating concentration

Storage

Four mistakes to avoid

Shipping information

🚚 Shipping information

• Products in our warehouse – orders placed by 15:00 on working days are dispatched the same day, later orders on the next working day.

• Delivery with GLS to your address in 3–5 working days.

• Shipping costs €5 and is free from €50.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In what form is GHK-Cu supplied and how should it be stored?

It is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Store the unopened vial dry and protected from light, ideally at 2–8 °C. After laboratory reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the “Laboratory reconstitution” tab (up to 60 days with Peptide Matrix Water).

What purity does GHK-Cu have and how is it tested?

Every batch has a purity of 99% or higher, confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry (MS) and documented in a certificate of analysis (CoA). The report for the current batch is shown in the “Laboratory Analysis” tab.

Is GHK-Cu intended for research use only?

Yes. The product is supplied exclusively for laboratory and research use (in vitro). It is not a medicinal product and is not intended for administration to humans or animals. No prescription is required to order it.

Where can I buy GHK-Cu in Europe and what does it cost?

You can buy GHK-Cu in Europe online from Peptology, from 40,00 €. Delivery with GLS in 3–5 working days. Shipping is free from 50,00 €. Payment by card. Purity 99%+, with an HPLC report for every batch.

Laboratory Analysis

GHK-Cu - 100 mg - Batch - 0226 - Purity