How to Reconstitute GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II), also written as copper tripeptide-1 or GHK-Cu2+) is a tripeptide–copper complex in which the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine sequence coordinates a copper(II) ion. Its sequence is Gly-His-Lys, and its molecular formula is C14H22CuN6O4, with a molecular weight of approximately 402.9 g/mol. The compound is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research and is typically reconstituted in sterile water or a suitable aqueous buffer before use in in vitro or ex vivo experiments.

The work on GHK-Cu centres on its interactions with copper-dependent and inflammatory signalling pathways, including the SIRT1/STAT3 axis in experimental colitis and the DAF-16/SKN-1 pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans [6][11].

Research Studies

GHK-Cu and circulating GHK levels in healthy adults

A two-part clinical trial is investigating GHK and GHK-Cu blood levels before and after intervention in healthy adults, and the efficacy of an X39 patch on those levels compared with a placebo patch. The main questions are the change in GHK and GHK-Cu levels from baseline to Day 8, and the difference in that change between the X39 patch and placebo. Participants complete a questionnaire and use the X39 patch [1]. This study is registered but does not yet report results.

GHK-Cu and Th2 cytokines in atopic dermatitis models

A complex of Torilis japonica extract and GHK-Cu was formulated and examined for anti-atopic and skin-regenerative properties using a TNF-α/IFN-γ–stimulated keratinocyte model. The extract–GHK-Cu complex attenuated Th2 cytokines and promoted keratinocyte recovery, and the authors proposed it as a potential antioxidant strategy for atopic dermatitis [2]. This work is in vitro and does not establish clinical efficacy.

GHK-Cu and hippocampal aging in middle-aged mice

Middle-aged mice treated with GHK-Cu administered intraperitoneally or intranasally showed behavioural rescue but divergent hippocampal aging programs [3]. The finding is animal-only and does not translate directly to human outcomes.

GHK-Cu and laccase-like activity in colorimetric sensing

GHK-Cu was shown to possess laccase-like properties. In enzymatic reaction kinetics, GHK-Cu had a Vmax of 1.735 × 10^-4 mM·s^-1 and a Km of 0.061 mM, indicating good substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency. A colorimetric method was then developed for rapid detection of epinephrine (EP) and 2-aminophenol (2-AP), with a linear response range for EP of 20–240 μM and a limit of detection of 9.5 μM, and linear response ranges for 2-AP of 14–100 μM [4]. This is an analytical chemistry application, not a therapeutic finding.

GHK-Cu and acute skin wound healing in healthy adults

A clinical trial is evaluating whether a topical gel containing GHK-Cu can safely speed up healing of small, standardized skin wounds in healthy adults compared with a matching vehicle gel. Participants receive two small punch-biopsy wounds on the upper arm, each randomly assigned to GHK-Cu gel or vehicle gel under identical dressings. Wounds are photographed and assessed over 3 weeks, with a follow-up visit to evaluate scar quality [5]. This study is registered but does not yet report results.

GHK-Cu and colitis in a murine model

In a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine model of ulcerative colitis, GHK-Cu was evaluated for therapeutic potential with emphasis on its regulatory effects on the NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway. The study was designed to systematically assess GHK-Cu in BALB/c mice [6]. This is an animal model and does not establish human efficacy.

GHK-Cu and skin permeation in liposomal formulations

A review discusses the difficulty of delivering cosmetically active compounds to deeper skin layers, noting that GHK-Cu is fairly hydrophilic with limited permeation through the lipophilic stratum corneum. Liposomes capable of encapsulating GHK-Cu may improve its permeation potential [7]. This is a review of formulation science, not a clinical trial.

GHK-Cu and therapeutic peptides in gerontology

A narrative review of therapeutic peptides in gerontology examined mechanisms, clinical applications, evidence base, and safety profiles of peptides with demonstrated or potential applications in healthy aging and age-related conditions. The review searched PubMed, Scopus, and regulatory databases from inception through January 2026 [8]. GHK-Cu is discussed within this broader context; the review does not report primary data on GHK-Cu.

GHK-Cu and regenerative potential in aesthetic medicine

A review reports that GHK-Cu has demonstrated regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in preclinical models, prompting its increasing integration into aesthetic medicine [9]. This is a reference-only item and does not constitute clinical evidence.

GHK-Cu and skin beneficial effects in cosmetic formulations

A study aimed to expand the skin beneficial effects of a Thermus thermophilus and Bacillus subtilis mixed-culture ferment extract by combining it with the tripeptide GHK-Cu. The background notes that skin aging is driven by factors including chronic inflammation and UV exposure, and that cosmetic formulations often target multiple pathways simultaneously [10]. This is a reference-only item.

GHK-Cu and aging in Caenorhabditis elegans

GHK-Cu was reported to delay aging in Caenorhabditis elegans via coordinated regulation of mitochondrial function and activation of DAF-16/SKN-1 pathways. The background notes that aging is characterized by progressive functional decline and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases, with oxidative stress as a key contributing factor, and that GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide present in human plasma and urine [11]. This is a reference-only item and is animal-only.

GHK-Cu and inflammation in zebrafish larvae

GHK-Cu was reported to attenuate CuSO4- or LPS-induced inflammation in a zebrafish larvae model. The background describes inflammation as a basic defence mechanism against internal and external threats, with unresolved or excessive inflammation leading to irreversible tissue damage, and GHK-Cu as a bioactive tripeptide complex known for anti-aging and tissue repair properties [12]. This is a reference-only item and is animal-only.

If you are reading this for personal health reasons

This material is sold for laboratory research only. We do not provide dosing or medical guidance. Anyone considering a compound for themselves should speak to a licensed clinician.

Sources

• [1] Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu Levels in Healthy Adults
• [2] A Torilis japonica Extract-GHK-Cu Complex Attenuates Th2 Cytokines and Promotes Keratinocyte Recovery: A Potential Antioxidant Strategy for Atopic Dermatitis.
• [3] Middle-aged mice treated with GHK-Cu peptide administered intraperitoneally or intranasally show behavioral rescue but divergent hippocampal aging programs
• [4] The Laccase-like Property of GHK-Cu and Its Applications in Colorimetric Sensing of Phenolic Compounds.
• [5] Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing
• [6] Exploring the beneficial effects of GHK-Cu on an experimental model of colitis and the underlying mechanisms.
• [7] Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?
• [8] Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging.
• [9] The Regenerative Potential of GHK-Cu in Aesthetic Medicine.
• [10] Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu.
• [11] The GHK-Cu delays aging in Caenorhabditis elegans via coordinated regulation of mitochondrial function and activation of DAF-16/SKN-1 pathways.
• [12] Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) Attenuates CuSO4 or LPS induced-inflammation in Zebrafish larvae model.