What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). Also known as copper tripeptide-1, this copper peptide has been studied since the 1970s in models of wound healing, collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling, and it is one of the most widely used peptides in cosmetic research. This page explains where GHK-Cu comes from, how it binds copper, what it is studied for and how to handle it in the lab.

The GHK-Cu peptide at a glance

The GHK-Cu peptide consists of two parts: the tripeptide GHK – three amino acids, namely glycine, histidine and lysine – and a bound copper(II) ion. GHK has a strong affinity for copper, and the resulting complex is what researchers call GHK-Cu, copper peptide or copper tripeptide-1.

In the lab, GHK-Cu serves as a model compound in research on wound healing, the extracellular matrix and gene expression. It is a small, well-defined molecule, which makes it well suited to reproducible experiments.

• Full name: copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine
• Also known as: copper peptide, copper tripeptide-1, GHK-Cu peptide
• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (3 amino acids)
• Form: lyophilised powder; the copper complex is blue

Discovery and structure

GHK was first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart. With only three amino acids – glycine, L-histidine and L-lysine, linked in that order – it is a very small peptide, hence the chemical name glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.

Later research reported that plasma GHK levels decline with age. That observation is one of the reasons the peptide continues to attract attention in laboratory research.

How GHK binds copper

GHK has a strong affinity for copper(II) ions. When the two meet in solution, they form a complex: GHK-Cu. The complex has a characteristic blue colour, which makes GHK-Cu easy to recognise.

This copper-binding capacity is what sets GHK apart from other small peptides. That is why the peptide is often studied in its copper form, GHK-Cu – which is also the form Virexa Labs supplies.

Research areas

GHK-Cu has been investigated in a wide range of laboratory models. The main research areas are:

• Wound-healing models – repair processes in cell and tissue models
• Collagen synthesis – production of the main structural protein of connective tissue
• Glycosaminoglycan synthesis – building blocks of the extracellular matrix
• Tissue remodelling – breakdown and rebuilding of the extracellular matrix
• Gene expression – changes in gene activity, studied in cell models
• Cosmetic research – one of the most widely used peptides in the field

GHK-Cu in blends: Glow 70 and Glow 80

Besides pure GHK-Cu, Virexa Labs offers two research blends with GHK-Cu as the main component. Glow 70 combines 50 mg GHK-Cu with 10 mg BPC-157 and 10 mg TB-500 (70 mg in total). Glow 80 adds 10 mg KPV to the same base (80 mg in total). The blends are intended for experimental set-ups in which several peptides are studied together.

SNAP-8 is often mentioned alongside GHK-Cu in cosmetic research, but it is a different kind of molecule: acetyl octapeptide-3, an elongated analogue of acetyl hexapeptide-3, studied as a peptide that modulates the SNARE complex. GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide; SNAP-8 is an octapeptide without copper.

• GHK-Cu: copper complex of the tripeptide GHK
• Glow 70: GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 (50 + 10 + 10 mg)
• Glow 80: GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 + KPV (50 + 10 + 10 + 10 mg)
• SNAP-8: acetyl octapeptide-3, SNARE-complex modulating peptide

Storage, reconstitution and quality

Store lyophilised GHK-Cu at −20 °C, dry and protected from light; 2–8 °C is fine for short periods. Bacteriostatic water is usually used for reconstitution: add it slowly along the wall of the vial and swirl gently – don't shake. Keep the solution at 2–8 °C, use it within about four weeks and avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Looking to buy GHK-Cu for research? At Virexa Labs every batch is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity; the Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available on the product page. Delivery with tracking: 1–2 working days to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, 2–5 working days to Italy and Türkiye.

Findings from laboratory models are not evidence of effects in humans. GHK-Cu from Virexa Labs is a research reagent intended exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research – not for human or veterinary use.

Cosmetic research peptides

• GHK-Cu
• Glow 70
• Glow 80
• SNAP-8

Frequently asked questions

What does GHK stand for?

GHK stands for the three amino acids of the tripeptide: glycine (G), histidine (H) and lysine (K). The full name is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine; GHK-Cu is its copper(II) complex.

Is GHK-Cu the same as copper tripeptide-1?

Yes. Copper tripeptide-1 is another name for GHK-Cu that is widely used in cosmetic research. Both refer to the copper complex of GHK.

What is the difference between GHK-Cu and SNAP-8?

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide. SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is an octapeptide without copper, an elongated analogue of acetyl hexapeptide-3, studied as a modulator of the SNARE complex.

Is GHK-Cu intended for human use?

No. Our GHK-Cu is sold strictly for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use.

How should GHK-Cu be stored?

Lyophilised at −20 °C, dry and dark (2–8 °C for short periods). After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep it at 2–8 °C, use it within about four weeks and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.