GHK-Cu
Research OnlyGHK-Cu is the copper complex of the GHK tripeptide. Cell and animal studies support matrix-remodeling mechanisms, while small topical human studies give mixed results; these findings do not establish injected GHK-Cu efficacy or safety.
Copper Peptide GHK · Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper
The cited topical human trials did not establish the tested objective skin or wound benefits; evidence is formulation-specific.
- Preclinical
- 27%
- Human research
- 18%
Based on 11 cited sources
11 visible records: nine publications, one registration and one FDA record. Two direct human papers and three direct preclinical papers are distinguished from contextual or secondary sources. Publication and registration records are not necessarily independent trials.
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK). Findings for free GHK, a specific topical formulation and an injected copper complex should be assessed separately. The complex increased collagen and other extracellular-matrix measures in a rat wound-chamber experiment. That supports a mechanistic hypothesis, not a patient benefit. PMID:8227353
What human topical studies found
In a randomized study after CO2 laser resurfacing, 13 participants completed topical regimens with or without GHK-Cu. Blinded objective assessments found no significant between-group improvement in erythema, wrinkles or overall skin quality; a patient questionnaire favored the GHK-Cu regimen for perceived skin quality. In an 86-person randomized venous-ulcer trial, tripeptide-copper cream did not outperform vehicle, while silver sulfadiazine reduced ulcer area more. These different settings and formulations cannot establish a broad skin or wound-healing effect. PMID:16847171 · PMID:1495150
Gene-expression reports and fibroblast experiments remain useful for mechanism research, but a count of changed transcripts does not demonstrate clinical regeneration or rejuvenation. Reviews summarizing cosmetic claims are secondary sources and should not be counted as independent human trials. PMID:22937864
Route and safety boundary
FDA separately flags GHK-Cu for injectable routes in its compounding safety review, citing possible immunogenicity from aggregation and peptide-related impurities and limited human safety information. Cosmetic use does not validate injectable use. No clinical combination evidence was identified for the other peptides previously listed on this page. FDA compounding safety review
| NCT ID | Title | Peptide | Phase | Status | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07437586 | Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing Acute Standardized Cutaneous Wounds (Punch-biopsy Wounds) | GHK-Cu | Phase 2 | Recruiting | Mar 2028 (estimated) |
Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing
Key Studies Cited
Use the source links in the research discussion above to inspect the referenced records.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength labels summarize the cited material for this entry and should be read alongside its population, model, and study limitations.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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Compare GHK-Cu
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Compared With
3 comparisonsConditions Studied
5 entries- GHK-Cu for Skin Aging Cell and animal work suggests effects on extracellular-matrix production. Human topical evidence is smaller and mixed. In a 13-per…
- GHK-Cu for Wound Healing GHK-Cu increased matrix accumulation in rat wound chambers, but this does not establish faster healing in patients. In an 86-perso…
- GHK-Cu for Hair Growth Reviews discuss GHK-Cu as a possible hair-growth ingredient, but the cited reviews do not establish that copper-bound GHK treats p…
- GHK-Cu for Scar Treatment Rat wound-chamber and fibroblast experiments found changes in matrix components after GHK-Cu exposure. Those measures do not estab…
- GHK-Cu for Skin Repair GHK-Cu altered matrix accumulation and fibroblast readouts in experimental wound systems. A small topical study after laser resurf…