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GHK-Cu

Also called: Copper peptide GHK-Cu, Copper tripeptide-1, GHK

By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated July 28, 2026

Peptides like GHK-Cu, biomimetic formulations (QR678 Neo), and DNA-derived molecules (PN/PDRN) are emerging supportive treatments for hair loss and scalp health. They are not approved cures for androgenetic alopecia and cannot regrow hair in completely bald areas where follicles are already dead.

Instead, they may help support weakened hair follicles, improve the scalp environment, and aid in recovery after a hair transplant. They should be viewed as add-ons to proven medical treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride, not as replacements.

Unapproved research peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 lack human evidence for hair loss and should be avoided.

Research-stageEarly-stage — studied in cell or animal models, not yet tested in humans. Verified confidence80–100 — backed by strong, well-corroborated sources (peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines). Our highest confidence tier.
Where to Source GHK-Cu
Tested purity COA available Fast shipping

What GHK-Cu Helps With

The benefits people report — backed by research.

Skin, hair & cosmetic (46)

Hair Growth 80/100· 4 srcImproves skin health 85/100· 2 srcIncreased hair density and thickness via follicle stem cell activation 80/100· 2 srcEnlarges hair follicle size and stimulates hair growth 70/100· 2 srcSignificant wrinkle reduction 90/100GHK-Cu increases integrin expression and p63 positivity in keratinocytes 90/100Reduction in wrinkle depth 85/100Hair growth increase 85/100Modulates follicular transitions 85/100Transcriptional modulation 85/100Minimal local irritation at cosmetic concentrations 85/100GHK-Cu influences >30% of age-dysregulated genes 85/100GHK-Cu acts as a copper transport vehicle to enzymes like superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase 85/100Follicular enlargement in primates 85/100Promotion of hair growth and thickness 85/100Hair growth and restoration 80/100Hair follicle growth stimulation 80/100Reduces Wrinkle Depth 80/100Promotes elastin production 80/100Supports glycosaminoglycan synthesis 80/100Promotes elastin production and glycosaminoglycan synthesis 80/100Hair Follicle Growth & Anagen Extension 80/100Moisture retention 75/100Hair regrowth 75/100Scalp environment support and follicle repair signaling 75/100Approx 30–40% reduction in fine line depth at 12 weeks 75/100Increases hair count, shaft diameter, and prolongs anagen phase in androgenetic alopecia 75/100Hair Follicle Stimulation 75/100GHK-Cu stimulates follicle size enlargement and keratinocyte proliferation 75/100GHK-Cu extends the anagen phase of hair follicles 75/100Hair follicle and dermal papilla signaling 72/100Donor scalp rejuvenation and graft storage medium optimization 70/100Enhances ECM components 70/100Thymulin modulates human hair follicle growth directly through local follicle-level signaling 70/100Supports liver health 70/100Improvement in terminal hair count, density, and hair shaft diameter when used as a holding solution during FUE hair transplantation 70/100GHK-Cu improves plasma stability compared to GHK alone 70/100Scalp repair, hydration, and tissue quality improvement 65/100Stimulates hair follicle enlargement and transition to the growth phase 65/100GHK-Cu stimulates follicular keratinocyte proliferation and increases hair follicle size 65/100GHK-Cu extends the anagen phase of hair growth 65/100IGF-1 promotes anagen phase entry and inhibits catagen 65/100Reduces fine lines and wrinkles 60/100Extension of anagen phase in rodents 60/100GHK-Cu stimulates hair growth and enlarges follicle size 60/100GHK-Cu modulates genes involved in stem cell activation and tissue regeneration 60/100

Tissue & wound healing (18)

Heals wounds faster 85/100· 13 srcBoosts collagen production 95/100· 3 srcUpregulates dermal matrix components, improving skin firmness and repairReduces inflammation 85/100· 2 srcLung Tissue Protection and Repair 65/100· 2 srcSpeeds up healing 95/100Tissue healing and regeneration 85/100Boosts blood flow to injuries 85/100Improves skin health 85/100Tissue repair signals in preclinical models 85/100Modulates over 4,000 human genes for tissue repair and antioxidant defense 85/100Facilitates stem cell movement and differentiation 80/100Accelerates re-epithelialization and granulation in chronic diabetic foot ulcers 80/100Speeds recovery 75/100Repairs tendons and ligaments 75/100Influences TGF-beta signaling for balanced tissue repair 70/100Modulates hundreds of genes associated with tissue repair, antioxidant defence, and cancer-related pathways 70/100Scalp tissue repair, hydration, and inflammatory balance 65/100Gene expression modulation 60/100

Antioxidant / oxidative stress (12)

Antioxidant activity 85/100· 2 srcAntioxidant Defense Enhancement 85/100· 2 srcAntioxidant protection 80/100· 2 srcCopper-dependent antioxidant chemistry 85/100Antioxidant signaling and reactive carbonyl species quenching 85/100Promotes antioxidant defenses by restoring SOD activity and glutathione levels 85/100Antioxidant Defense and Reduction of Lipid Peroxidation 85/100Direct ROS scavenging 85/100Stimulating antioxidant gene activity 85/100Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Degenerative Conditions of Aging 70/100Protects your cells 70/100Antioxidant Effects 60/100

Neuroprotection & cognitive (8)

Modulation of genes associated with pain and opioid activity 85/100· 2 srcSupports brain health 80/100· 2 srcAttenuates behavioral and neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease 85/100Anxiolytic effects 75/100Neuroprotective Effects 75/100GHK-Cu attenuates neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease in mice models 75/100Neuroprotective potential 70/100Neuroprotection 60/100

Anti-inflammatory (7)

Reduces inflammation 85/100· 4 srcModulates inflammatory responses 80/100· 2 srcSuppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines 85/100Protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting excessive inflammatory responses 85/100Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines activity 85/100Suppressing inflammatory cytokines 85/100Exerts a protective effect against acute lung injury by inhibiting excessive inflammatory responses 75/100

Anti-aging & longevity (5)

Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Applications 85/100· 2 srcImproves skin health 85/100Regenerative, protective, and anti-aging effects 85/100Reduction in visible signs of aging 85/100Gene modulation 80/100

Cardiovascular & vascular (3)

Boosts blood flow to injuries 85/100Enhances capillary density and nutrient diffusion 80/100Angiogenic Support 70/100

Musculoskeletal (3)

Repairs tendons and ligaments 75/100Modulates matrix metalloproteinases 72/100Supports bone healing 60/100

Cancer / tumor (2)

Anti-Cancer Actions 85/100Anti-Cancer Properties 65/100

Other Benefits (9)

Tissue Remodeling and Organ Protection 85/100· 2 srcStimulates genes 95/100Superoxide dismutase activity 60/100Reverses age-related fibrosis 85/100Regenerative and Protective Actions 85/100Gene-expression effects on defined pathways 85/100Supports liver health 80/100Interacts with 5-alpha-reductase 75/100Strengthens immunity 60/100
GHK-Cu — skin

How People Use It

Under the skin

  • -20°C for 12-24 months; -80°C for extended storage

For research purposes only. Not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before use.

Get GHK-Cu for Your Research

Compare research-grade suppliers with third-party COAs and published purity data. For in-vitro and laboratory research use only — not for human consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Technical Details & Research (click to expand)

Amino Acid Sequence

GHK-Cu3 residues
G
H
K
Hydrophobic Acidic Basic Polar Aromatic

Mechanism of Action

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) that binds Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) and modulates expression of numerous genes involved in tissue repair. Stimulates synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans; promotes wound healing and angiogenesis; modulates metalloproteinases (e.g., MMP-2). Evidence is largely in vitro, animal, and small clinical/topical cosmetic studies.

Known Side Effects

All Dosing Protocols

Glycine-Histidine-Lysine (GHK) — SubQ 95/100

Research Citations (171)

  • Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

    Review2018 Key study 85/100
    Source

  • GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

    Review2015 83/100
    Source

  • Skin Regenerative and Anti-Cancer Actions of Copper Peptides

    Review2018 76/100
    Source

  • GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

    2015 85/100
    Source

  • The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling

    2008 90/100
    Source

  • Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells

    1973 90/100
    Source

  • Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake

    1980 90/100
    Source

  • Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex

    1988 90/100
    Source

  • The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds

    2003 90/100
    Source

  • Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

    2018 90/100
    Source

  • Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+

    1988 90/100
    Source

  • Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin

    2009 90/100
    Source

  • New anti-RNS and -RCS products for cosmetic treatment

    2005 90/100
    Source

  • Biologically active peptides: from a laboratory bench curiosity to a functional skin care product

    2000 90/100
    Source

  • Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper

    1994 90/100
    Source

History & Milestones

Key moments in GHK-Cu’s research and regulatory timeline — sourced and dated.

  1. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptidePublicationJan 1, 2020
    90/100↗ source
  2. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene DataPublicationJan 1, 2018
    90/100↗ source
  3. The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in micePublicationJan 1, 2017
    90/100↗ source
  4. GHK peptide inhibits bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in micePublicationJan 1, 2017
    90/100↗ source
  5. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin RegenerationPublicationJan 1, 2015
    85/100↗ source
  6. Enhanced trophic factor secretion by mesenchymal stem/stromal cells with Glycine-Histidine-Lysine (GHK)-modified alginate hydrogelsPublicationJan 1, 2014
    95/100↗ source
  7. A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHKPublicationJan 1, 2012
    95/100↗ source
  8. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skinPublicationJan 1, 2009
    90/100↗ source
  9. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodelingPublicationJan 1, 2008
    90/100↗ source
  10. The effects of topical tripeptide copper complex and helium-neon laser on wound healing in rabbitsPublicationJan 1, 2008
    90/100↗ source
  11. New anti-RNS and -RCS products for cosmetic treatmentPublicationJan 1, 2005
    90/100↗ source
  12. The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open woundsPublicationJan 1, 2003
    90/100↗ source
  13. The naturally occurring peptide GHK reverses age-related fibrosis by modulating myofibroblast functionPublicationJan 1, 2002
    85/100↗ source
  14. Biologically active peptides: from a laboratory bench curiosity to a functional skin care productPublicationJan 1, 2000
    90/100↗ source
  15. Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copperPublicationJan 1, 1994
    90/100↗ source
  16. In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complexPublicationJan 1, 1994
    90/100↗ source
  17. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complexPublicationJan 1, 1988
    90/100↗ source
  18. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+PublicationJan 1, 1988
    90/100↗ source
  19. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptakePublicationJan 1, 1980
    90/100↗ source
  20. Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cellsPublicationJan 1, 1973
    90/100↗ source

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