GHK-Cu — Copper-Binding Tripeptide
- HPLC ≥ 98% verified purity
- Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis
- 24-hour nationwide UAE delivery
- Cash on delivery (COD)
- Free shipping over AED 700
- Cold-chain protected shipping
About GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex present in human plasma — declining sharply with age.
GHK-Cu is the copper-bound form of the human tripeptide Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK), first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Pickart. The tripeptide has an extraordinarily high affinity for divalent copper (Cu²⁺), spontaneously forming the GHK-Cu complex that is the biologically active species.
Plasma levels of GHK average around 200 ng/mL at age 20, dropping to ~80 ng/mL by age 60 — a decline that correlates with reduced tissue regeneration capacity. GHK-Cu has been studied for over four decades in dermatology, wound healing, and gene-expression research.
Research mechanism
Documented research activities of GHK-Cu include:
- Genomic-scale modulation — a 2010 Pickart paper documented GHK-Cu modulating expression of over 4,000 human genes
- Collagen & elastin synthesis — stimulating fibroblast production of extracellular matrix proteins
- Anti-oxidant pathways — copper-mediated activation of SOD and other defence systems
- Hair follicle stem cell activation — increased dermal papilla cell proliferation in published in vitro studies
- Wound-healing acceleration — documented in extensive dermal repair literature
GHK-Cu vs other dermal repair peptides
GHK-Cu is the most heavily-published copper tripeptide, but it sits alongside a family of cosmetic-research peptides with different mechanisms. The table summarises how it compares.
| Peptide | Type / Class | Primary Mechanism | Key Research Endpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Copper tripeptide | Modulates ~4,000 genes; fibroblast activation; ECM synthesis | Wound healing, hair follicle, anti-aging gene expression |
| Matrixyl (pal-KTTKS) | Pentapeptide | Collagen I/III biosynthesis signal | Topical anti-wrinkle (cosmetic-research) |
| Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) | Hexapeptide | SNAP-25 / SNARE inhibition (muscle relaxation) | Expression-line reduction research |
| EGF (epidermal growth factor) | Growth factor protein (53 aa) | EGFR receptor agonism | Keratinocyte proliferation, wound closure |
For a full breakdown of the GHK-Cu literature — what the famous 4,000-gene figure really says, the Pickart studies, and how GHK-Cu compares to other dermal peptides — read: GHK-Cu Copper Peptide: 4,000 Genes and What the Research Actually Shows
Common companion peptides for GHK-Cu research
In our customer protocols, GHK-Cu is most often paired with:
Research applications
- Dermatology and skin-repair research
- Wound healing and scar reduction studies
- Hair follicle and alopecia research
- Gene-expression and transcriptomic studies
- Anti-aging and senescence research
- Collagen and extracellular matrix research
Product specifications
Selected research references
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108.
- Pickart L et al. Effect of human plasma copper tripeptide on stem-cell properties and gene expression. Biotechnology. 2010 — genome-wide expression analysis showing modulation of >4,000 human genes.
- Maquart FX et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by a triglycyl-histidyl-lysyl-copper complex. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346.
Frequently asked questions
How is GHK-Cu supplied?
Each REVIVE vial contains 50 mg of lyophilized GHK-Cu at ≥ 98% HPLC purity with a lot-level COA. The powder has a characteristic blue tint due to the copper complex. Store at −20°C, desiccated, and protect from light.
How do I reconstitute GHK-Cu?
Add 2–3 mL of sterile water along the vial wall. Swirl gently — the solution will be blue. Refrigerate after reconstitution and protect from light. Use within 30 days for research stability.
Why does GHK-Cu look blue?
The blue colour comes from the Cu²⁺ copper ion bound to the GHK tripeptide. This is the biologically active form — uncomplexed GHK powder (without copper) is white. The blue tint confirms the copper complex is intact.
Do you deliver GHK-Cu in UAE?
Yes — 24h delivery to all 7 emirates. AED 40 delivery, free over AED 700. Cash on delivery.
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24-hour delivery to all 7 emirates · Cash on delivery · Free shipping over AED 700
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