Longevity In Vitro Research Only

GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide Science for Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging

4,000+ Human Genes Regulated

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine) first identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. Plasma levels peak at approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 and decline dramatically to ~80 ng/mL by age 60 — one of the most well-documented age-related peptide losses. Gene array analysis has confirmed GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, including those governing collagen synthesis, DNA repair, and anti-inflammatory signaling.

For in vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. All findings described are from preclinical or in vitro models.

MECHANISMS OF ACTION

In vitro and preclinical mechanistic observations

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Collagen & Elastin Synthesis

Activates TGF-β signaling and directly stimulates fibroblasts to produce type I, III, and IV collagen and elastin, increasing dermal matrix density.

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DNA Repair Gene Activation

Activates TP53, ERCC genes and other DNA repair pathways, acting as a gene-expression modulator that resets aging skin toward a more youthful transcriptomic profile.

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Antioxidant Defense Upregulation

Chelates free copper ions (preventing oxidative damage) and upregulates superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase — key antioxidant enzymes that decline with age.

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Hair Follicle Stimulation

GHK-Cu enlarges hair follicle size and extends the anagen growth phase, with one pilot study reporting a 121% increase in hair growth at 6 months.

KEY RESEARCH DATA

Quantitative findings from published preclinical research

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4,000+

Genes Regulated

Pickart & Margolina (2018)

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60%

Plasma Level Decline by 60

vs. peak at age 20

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70%

COPD Gene Reversal

Campbell et al. (2012)

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121%

Hair Growth Increase

Topical pilot study, 6 months

GHK-Cu Gene Expression Activity (Pickart & Margolina 2018)

Activated (Pro-repair)

Inhibited (Pro-inflammatory)

Unchanged

Gene array analysis — GHK-Cu reset aging skin gene expression. Source: Biomolecules 2018; PMID 29794443.

PRECLINICAL SAFETY PROFILE

Observed tolerability data from in vitro and animal model research

98%

Tolerability (Topical)

Low Severity

91%

Tolerability (Injectable)

Low Severity

Skin Irritation Risk

Low Severity

Safety data reflects preclinical observations only. Human clinical safety profiles may differ substantially. For in vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.