A tripeptide that promotes wound healing and skin regeneration. GHK-Cu enhances collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and reduces inflammation.

Common Name:
GHK-Cu, Copper Peptide

Compound Name:
Copper Tripeptide-1

Chemical Formula:
C14H24N6O4Cu

Molecular Weight:
403.9 g/mol

Sequence and Amino Acid Composition:

• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys
• Amino Acid Profile:
  • Glycine (G):
    • Frequency: 1
    • Properties: Smallest amino acid, provides flexibility.
    • Role in the Peptide: Facilitates the attachment of copper and enhances skin penetration.
  • Histidine (H):
    • Frequency: 1
    • Properties: Contains an imidazole ring capable of binding metal ions.
    • Role in the Peptide: Central to copper binding; crucial for the peptide’s biological activity.
  • Lysine (K):
    • Frequency: 1
    • Properties: Positively charged, involved in binding and structural roles in proteins.
    • Role in the Peptide: Helps stabilize the copper complex and enhance cell signaling.

Structure:
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide complexed with a copper ion, enhancing its stability and biological activity. The peptide binds copper through the imidazole ring of histidine and the amino group of lysine.

Synthesis Method:
Synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis, allowing for precise control over the amino acid sequence and high purity of the final product.

Solubility:
Soluble in water and compatible with most cosmetic formulations.

Stability:
Stable under typical cosmetic storage conditions. Copper may oxidize over time, so it is best stored in airtight containers away from light.

Function:
GHK-Cu plays multiple roles in the body, primarily related to its healing properties. It stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts, promotes angiogenesis, and supports anti-inflammatory responses. It also has antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals.

Benefits and Uses:

• Widely used in anti-aging skincare products for its ability to promote collagen synthesis, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness.
• Employed in wound healing products due to its ability to accelerate tissue repair.
• Investigated for potential use in hair growth products, stimulating follicle cell activity.

Side Effects:
Generally well-tolerated when used topically; however, excessive use can lead to skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Copper can be toxic in high amounts, so formulation concentrations must be carefully controlled.

Regulatory Status:
Widely recognized and used in cosmetic products globally. Not classified as a drug, so it does not require FDA approval for use in cosmetics.

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