GHK-Cu · Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex
A naturally occurring copper peptide with tissue repair and anti-aging effects in skin; systemic longevity claims are mostly preclinical.
Short answer
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex) is a peptide bioregulator with evidence grade D, meaning it is primarily supported by animal studies. We track 1 produkter containing GHK-Cu. Typical doses range from 5 to 5 mg per portion. The top-ranked product scores 4.3 out of 10 on our composite scale (dose, evidence, price, testing, transparency). Prices range up to $134.99 per månad.
Top GHK-Cu produkter
| Product | Varumärke | Dose | Pris/mo | 3rd-party tested | Poäng |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 5 mg | $134.99 | No | 4.3 |
Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard. Se how we score.
What it is
GHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide found naturally in human blood. Levels drop with age. It has been shown to promote wound healing, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair. Most human data comes from topical skin applications.
Why people take it
In cell and animal studies, GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 genes related to tissue repair, anti-inflammation, and collagen production. Topical GHK-Cu has solid evidence for skin rejuvenation. Oral or injectable systemic anti-aging claims are mostly preclinical.
Our verdict
Strong topical evidence for skin benefits. Systemic longevity claims are early-stage and mostly mechanistic. If taken orally, absorption and bioavailability are uncertain.
Structure & class
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(II), a tripeptide-copper complex. Endogenous levels decline from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60. Modulates gene expression via unidentified receptor mechanisms.
Mechanism & clinical data
Pickart 2012 compiled in vitro data showing GHK-Cu modulates expression of over 4,000 genes. Multiple small studies show accelerated wound healing and tissue regeneration. Human trials are mostly small or topical.
Pharmacokinetics
Short; tissue-specific. Rapidly incorporated into tissue repair sites.
Dose & forms
What to watch out for
Oral bioavailability is uncertain. Injectable forms are not approved as dietary supplements in most jurisdictions. Copper toxicity risk if taken long-term at high doses.
Where this dose comes from
The trial dose above is our editorial pick from the published human trials for this ingredient. We choose the dose that the best-available studies used on the endpoint most relevant to longevity. The range shows the lowest and highest doses tested in published trials. The landmark studies below are the papers we read to set it. You can click through and check our work.
When new trials publish, our automated sweeps flag them. If a new study materially changes the dose, we update it through editorial review and record the old dose, new dose, and the triggering study in every affected product's recommendation history. The dose is never changed automatically.
Regelverk status
Timeline
Regelverk events, evidence grade changes, and key research milestones for GHK-Cu, most recent first. Every entry links to its primär source.
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EU Court sharpens the bar for botanical health claimsA Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in april 2025 further tightened the requirements for how botanical ingredients (herbs, plant extracts) can be marketed with health claims in the EU, effectively removing much of the flexibility of the on-hold list.
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EU report identifies 117 supplement substances as potential health risksThe HoA Working Group on Food Supplements (26 European countries) published its first report evaluating 117 substances used in food supplements. Of these, 65 were assessed as likely novel foods, 6 were already regulated, 34 had insufficient data, and 12 were prioritized for Article 8 restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The 12 priority substances include ashwagandha, curcumin, melatonin, piperine, St. John's wort, coumarin, p-synephrine, maca, holy basil, Melaleuca, black cohosh, and L-tryptophan. The report drew on 1,500 RASFF alerts reviewed between 2017 and mid-2022.
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Pickart 2012 (J Aging Res)Review: GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes, promoting tissue repair, anti-inflammatory responses, and collagen synthesis. Blood levels decline with age.
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EU Health Claims Regulation adoptedRegulation (EC) No 1924/2006 laid down harmonised rules for nutrition and health claims made on foods, including supplements. Only claims listed in the EU Register of authorised claims can be used. Rejected botanical claims are held in a separate on-hold list.
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EU introduces the Novel Food RegulationRegulation (EC) No 258/97 required any food or food ingredient without a history of consumption in the EU before 15 maj 1997 to be authorised before being placed on the market. This is the framework that captures NMN, spermidine as a supplement ingredient, urolithin A, and many other longevity actives.
Landmark studies
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Pickart 2012 (J Aging Res)
Review: GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes, promoting tissue repair, anti-inflammatory responses, and collagen synthesis. Blood levels decline with age.
Läs studie →
Found in these produkter (1)
Alla produkter in our catalog that contain GHK-Cu, ranked by our overall score. Ranking is editorial, never paid.
Buying guides and comparisons
Related ingredients
Se alla in Peptid bioregulator →Molekyler in the same class, plus the actives most often formulated alongside GHK-Cu in our catalogue.
Nothing else in the database sits close enough to this molecule to list.
Frequently asked questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide found naturally in human blood. Levels drop with age. It has been shown to promote wound healing, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair. Most human data comes from topical skin applications.
What dose of GHK-Cu should I take?
The trial dose in published human studies is 5 mg per dag, with a range of 1 to 10 mg per dag. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement.
Is GHK-Cu safe?
Oral bioavailability is uncertain. Injectable forms are not approved as dietary supplements in most jurisdictions. Copper toxicity risk if taken long-term at high doses.
What is the best GHK-Cu supplement?
We track 1 produkter containing GHK-Cu. The top-ranked product scores 4.3 out of 10 on our composite scale, which evaluates dose, evidence, price, third-party testing, and transparency. See the comparison table above. Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard.
What is the evidence grade for GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu has evidence grade D, meaning it is primarily supported by animal studies. Grade A means replicated human RCTs with hard endpoints. Grade B means human RCTs with biomarker outcomes. Grade C means mixed or small human trials. See our evidence grading methodology.
Data verification
Bevisning grades are reviewed when new human RCTs are published. Product counts update automatically as new produkter are added. Dose ranges reflect published trial data, not brand recommendations. Read how we verify.