GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (50mg): Copper Tripeptide Research Compound

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It was isolated from human plasma albumin by Loren Pickart in 1973 and is also found in saliva and urine, with reported plasma levels falling from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to around 80 ng/mL by age 60. That age-related decline is the reason most of the research interest exists: the peptide is studied as a signal that tissue uses to switch on repair and remodelling, and as a carrier that moves copper in and out of cells.

This vial contains 50mg of lyophilised GHK-Cu. Batch #199767 was tested by Janoshik Analytical on 9 July 2026 at 99.89% purity by HPLC with 48.88 mg of measured content, and a separate heavy-metals screen (batch #199768) found no lead, arsenic, cadmium or mercury. Both reports are linked in the specification table below. A 100mg vial is available for larger studies.

Key research areas

Skin and collagen remodelling. The best-known body of work. In fibroblast cultures GHK-Cu increases synthesis of collagen types I and III, elastin, decorin and glycosaminoglycans, and in human skin biopsy models it has been reported to thicken the dermis and improve elasticity. It is the ingredient listed as copper tripeptide-1 in cosmetic formulations, which is why many studies compare topical with injected or in-vitro delivery.

Wound healing. Rodent and rabbit wound models show faster closure, more granulation tissue and better organised collagen fibres. The proposed mechanism is a combination of chemoattraction of macrophages and mast cells into the wound, increased angiogenesis, and activation of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors so that damaged matrix is cleared and replaced.

Hair follicle biology. GHK-Cu enlarges hair follicles in mouse models and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase in follicle cultures. It is studied as a copper-carrying alternative to minoxidil-type growth stimulants, and the copper itself appears to be required for the effect.

Gene expression. A Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis found that GHK-Cu changed the expression of roughly 4,000 human genes, up-regulating genes involved in DNA repair, antioxidant defence and tissue remodelling while suppressing many associated with inflammation and fibrosis. This dataset is the basis for most of the newer work on lung fibrosis, nerve regeneration and ageing.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signalling. In cell models the peptide lowers TNF-alpha and IL-6 release, blocks the ferritin release of iron that drives oxidative damage, and raises expression of superoxide dismutase, the main copper-dependent antioxidant enzyme.

How GHK-Cu works

The tripeptide binds copper(II) with very high affinity, close to the binding strength of albumin, which lets it take copper from the bloodstream and deliver it to cells that need it for enzymes such as lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c oxidase. Separately from the copper, the GHK sequence itself acts as a signalling molecule: it is released when extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and SPARC are broken down at an injury site, so it behaves as a damage signal that tells surrounding fibroblasts, keratinocytes and immune cells to begin repair. Both actions are needed for the full effect seen in wound and skin models, which is why the copper complex rather than free GHK is the form used in research.

Researchers comparing GHK-Cu with BPC-157 usually frame it this way: BPC-157 is studied for tendon, gut and vascular repair through growth-factor pathways, while GHK-Cu is studied for skin, collagen and matrix remodelling. The two are often run together, and our GHK-Cu vs BPC-157 comparison sets out the differences in detail.

Specifications

Sizes and pricing

• 50mg vial — $89.99 (about $1.80 per mg)
• 100mg vial — $119.99 (about $1.20 per mg)

Multi-vial pricing (50mg): 2 vials $161.98 (10% off, $80.99 each), 3 vials $236.22 (12.5% off, $78.74 each), 4 vials $305.97 (15% off, $76.49 each). The discount is applied automatically in the cart.

The 50mg vial suits cell-culture and small-animal work where a 1 mg/mL stock is prepared and used within four weeks. The 100mg vial is the better value for topical-formulation studies or repeated-dose protocols that consume more peptide. GHK-Cu is also supplied as part of the KLOW blend (with BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV) and the GLOW Peptide Bundle.

Quality and COA verification

Every batch of GHK-Cu is tested by Janoshik Analytical before it is listed. HPLC establishes purity and quantifies the actual peptide content in the vial, and mass spectrometry confirms the identity of the copper complex against its expected molecular weight. A second test screens for heavy metals, which matters for a copper peptide because the raw copper source is the usual contamination route. The batch number on your vial can be checked against the published report on Janoshik's verification portal or in our COA library.

Vials are lyophilised, sealed and held in Australian stock, so there is no international transit before they reach your laboratory. Orders placed before 12pm on a business day are dispatched the same day on tracked delivery.

Frequently bought together

• KLOW (80mg) — $149.99, GHK-Cu combined with KPV, BPC-157 and TB-500 for combined repair models
• GLOW Peptide Bundle — $189.99, GHK-Cu paired with a BPC-157 and TB-500 blend at a bundle price
• BPC-157 (10mg) — $99.99, the tissue-repair peptide most often run alongside GHK-Cu in wound models
• Bacteriostatic Water (10mL) — $29.99, the recommended diluent for reconstitution

Research guides

• GHK-Cu research guide
• GHK-Cu vs BPC-157
• How to reconstitute peptides
• COA testing explained
• Peptide reconstitution calculator

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK is the free tripeptide (glycine, histidine, lysine). GHK-Cu is the same tripeptide bound to a copper(II) ion. Nearly all of the published skin, wound and gene-expression research uses the copper complex, because the copper delivery is part of the mechanism. The powder in this vial is the copper complex, which is why it reconstitutes to a blue solution.

How does GHK-Cu compare with BPC-157?
They are studied for different tissues. GHK-Cu research centres on skin, collagen, hair follicles and matrix remodelling; BPC-157 research centres on tendon, ligament, gut and blood-vessel repair. Many designs use both, and the KLOW and GLOW blends exist for that reason. Our comparison guide covers the mechanisms side by side.

Should I choose the 50mg or 100mg vial?
Pick by how much peptide the protocol consumes within 28 days of reconstitution. A 50mg vial made up at 1 mg/mL gives 50 mL of stock, which is enough for most cell-culture and small-animal work. Topical-formulation studies and longer repeated-dose designs usually consume more, and the 100mg vial costs $1.20 per mg against $1.80 per mg for the 50mg.

How is GHK-Cu reconstituted, and why does it turn blue?
Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently until clear. The blue colour is the copper(II) complex in solution and is expected; a colourless solution would suggest the copper has dissociated. Use our reconstitution calculator to work out concentration and draw volumes.

How stable is reconstituted GHK-Cu?
Refrigerated at 2–8°C and protected from light, the solution is stable for about four weeks. The copper complex is more robust than many peptides, but it should not be frozen after reconstitution and should be kept away from strong reducing agents, which can strip the copper.

What does GHK-Cu cost per mg?
$1.80 per mg in the 50mg vial and $1.20 per mg in the 100mg vial, with a further 10–15% off when two or more vials are ordered together.

Where can I buy GHK-Cu in Australia with a certificate of analysis?
Directly from this page. Omega Peptides Australia holds GHK-Cu in domestic stock, tests every batch at Janoshik Analytical, and publishes the purity and heavy-metals reports before the vial ships. Orders before 12pm are dispatched the same day.

⚠ For in-vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human or veterinary use.