99.4%+ Purity Third-Party Tested 2-3 Day Shipping Secure Checkout Free Shipping on Orders $200+ 99.4%+ Purity Third-Party Tested 2-3 Day Shipping Secure Checkout Free Shipping on Orders $200+
Peptide Guides

What is GHK-Cu (copper peptide)?

GHK-Cu is the peptide behind the phrase copper peptide. Here is what it is made of, why copper is part of the name, and where it fits in research.

5 min read Reviewed for accuracy Research Use Only
The short answer

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide: the peptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) bound to a copper ion. It is studied in skin and collagen research and supplied for research use only.

What it is made of

The name spells out the structure. GHK is a tripeptide of three amino acids: glycine, histidine, and lysine. Cu is copper, which the peptide binds tightly. Together they form the copper complex GHK-Cu.

A naturally occurring peptide

GHK occurs naturally in human plasma, and it is often noted that its levels decline with age. That natural origin is part of why the copper-bound form has drawn research interest.

GHK-Cu copper peptide vial from Axis Peptide Labs
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide studied in skin and collagen research. View it in the catalog →

Browse research-grade peptides

Every Axis compound is third-party tested to 99.4%+ purity, with a certificate of analysis on every batch.

Shop the catalog

How it is studied

In the laboratory, GHK-Cu is studied in skin, collagen, and cosmetic research, which is why it is often grouped among carrier or copper peptides. As with any research peptide, it is a study tool, not a therapeutic, and it should come with a certificate of analysis.

Key takeaways

  • GHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide: glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper.
  • GHK is glycine, histidine, and lysine; Cu is copper.
  • GHK occurs naturally in human plasma and declines with age.
  • It is studied in skin and collagen research, for research use only.

A note on research use

The peptides supplied by Axis Peptide Labs are reference compounds for laboratory and research use only. They are intended for qualified researchers working in academic, institutional, and analytical settings. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical products, and they are not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Documented identity and documented purity are what matter most when sourcing a compound, both of which are published on the Axis certificates of analysis page.

Every compound is tested. Every certificate is public.

Browse the Axis Peptide Labs catalog of third-party tested research peptides, each with a published certificate of analysis.

Axis Peptide Labs supplies reference compounds for laboratory, academic, and institutional research only. All products are for research and identification purposes only. They are not for human or veterinary use, and are not a food, cosmetic, drug, or medical product. This article is educational and does not constitute medical, health, or usage advice.

Axis Peptide Labs
0
Welcome offer

10% off your first order

Join the Axis research list for batch COAs, restock alerts, and your one-time welcome discount.

Research use only. One discount per customer. Unsubscribe anytime.

Your 10% off is ready

Tap the code to copy it, then paste it at checkout. We’ve also emailed it to you.

Copied ✓ Shop the catalog →
One discount per customer. Valid on your first order.