GHK-Cu
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex
GHK-Cu is a copper-tripeptide complex studied in cell models of collagen production. Cosmetic use and systemic injection have different evidence and risk profiles.
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Research areas
Evidence matrix
- Molecular identity
- Confirmed
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the Gly-His-Lys tripeptide. The topical study formulation is not equivalent to injectable products.
- Human research
- Very limited
- Replication
- Single research group
- Clinical endpoints
- Symptom- or function-related
- Safety
- Not adequately studied
- Approval
- No documented approval
The dimensions are presented separately and are not combined into an overall score.
Route context
A small topical human study after laser resurfacing investigated the copper-tripeptide complex. It establishes neither benefit nor safety of injections.
- FDA: Injectable GHK-Cu safety informationRegulatory source2024
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Accessed:
- Topical copper tripeptide after CO2 laser resurfacing: small randomized studyHuman study2006
U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed)
Accessed:
Research gaps
- ·Only small, route-specific clinical data
- ·FDA notes limited human data for injectable GHK-Cu
- ·No verified systemic dose from the reviewed sources
Mechanism
GHK binds copper. Increased collagen synthesis was observed in fibroblast cultures; this does not establish systemic benefit.
- GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblast culturesLaboratory study1988
U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed)
Accessed:
Study protocols
No sufficiently supported, exactly citable study protocols are available.
Calculator
Arithmetic based only on your entries. Not a dose or use recommendation.
Reported adverse effects
- ·The safety profile of systemic injection is not adequately studied.
Contraindications and warnings
- ·Contraindications for this use cannot be reliably determined from the available data.
Interactions
- ·Interactions for the research or product forms described here have not been adequately studied.
Research gaps
- ·Only small, route-specific clinical data
- ·FDA notes limited human data for injectable GHK-Cu
- ·No verified systemic dose from the reviewed sources
- FDA: Injectable GHK-Cu safety informationRegulatory source2024
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Accessed:
Sources
Sources checked: · Version 3
- GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblast culturesLaboratory study1988
U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed)
Accessed:
- FDA: Injectable GHK-Cu safety informationRegulatory source2024
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Accessed:
- Topical copper tripeptide after CO2 laser resurfacing: small randomized studyHuman study2006
U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed)
Accessed: