How tightly GHK holds copper, and what the number cannot tell you

Published 24 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
A stability constant is the equilibrium constant for metal binding: the higher it is, the smaller the fraction of free metal at equilibrium. GHK binds copper(II) strongly because its three nitrogen donors form two fused chelate rings. But a constant describes an equilibrium, not a lock; in the presence of other ligands, copper distributes according to all their constants and concentrations together.

What the constant is

The ratio of complex to free metal and free ligand at equilibrium, usually quoted as a logarithm. A value in the high teens means the free copper concentration is vanishingly small when peptide is in excess. Published values for GHK-Cu depend on the conditions of measurement, especially pH, so a conditional constant at a stated pH is the meaningful form.

This site does not quote a single number because the literature values are condition-dependent.

Why it is high

The chelate effect: binding through several donors from one molecule is entropically favoured over binding several separate ligands. Three nitrogens from one tripeptide, two chelate rings, a geometry copper(II) prefers. Small peptides with a histidine near the N-terminus are among the strongest natural copper binders for exactly this reason.

Albumin binds copper through a similar N-terminal motif.

What it does not mean

That copper cannot leave. In serum, albumin is present in vast excess; in a buffer, other chelators may be; in a blend, other peptides are. Copper distributes among all of them. A high constant means GHK competes well, not that it wins regardless.

GHK-Cu is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
GHK-Cu Pack50 mgAED 425In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

What the constant is?

The ratio of complex to free metal and free ligand at equilibrium, usually quoted as a logarithm. A value in the high teens means the free copper concentration is vanishingly small when peptide is in excess. Published values for GHK-Cu depend on the conditions of measurement, especially pH, so a conditional constant at a stated pH is the meaningful form.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

GHK-Cu Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.