Description
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine, the best-known copper peptide in skin and connective-tissue research. Pure Peptides Canada supplies it as a lyophilized research reagent in 50 and 100 mg vials, with an independent Janoshik HPLC and mass-spectrometry report, CAD pricing and tracked shipping from inside Canada.
GHK-Cu at a glance
- What it is: the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys bound to a copper(II) ion. GHK was first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973.
- What researchers study: collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts, wound-healing models, copper transport and gene-expression profiling.
- Evidence level: substantial cell and animal work, plus small human studies of topical cosmetic formulations.
- Supplied as: sealed lyophilized powder in 50 or 100 mg, single vial or box of 10.
- Delivery: ships from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 · glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) · copper peptide
- G
- H
- K
- Cu²⁺
Gly-His-Lys tripeptide with a coordinated copper(II) ion (dashed).
- Peptide
- Gly-His-Lys (GHK), 3 amino acids
- GHK formula
- C14H24N6O4, 340.38 g/mol
- Copper complex
- Mass depends on peptide-to-copper ratio and salt form; see the lab report
- CAS number
- 49557-75-7 (GHK)
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
- Sizes
- 50 mg · 100 mg (single or box of 10)
- SKU
- PP-GHKCU
Where the evidence stands
- Cell studies
- Animal models
- Small human studies
- Approved medicine
Human data comes from small studies of topical cosmetic creams. GHK-Cu is not an authorized drug in Canada.
What is GHK-Cu?
In 1973 Loren Pickart noticed that a fraction of human plasma made aged liver tissue produce proteins more like young tissue. The active factor turned out to be a tiny tripeptide, glycyl-histidyl-lysine, with a strong affinity for copper(II). GHK binds copper through the glycine amino group, the histidine ring and the peptide backbone, and the resulting complex is what most laboratory protocols mean by GHK-Cu. Circulating GHK levels have been reported to fall with age, which is part of why it became a staple of skin-ageing research.
Under the INCI name copper tripeptide-1 it is also a common ingredient in topical cosmetics. This vial is not a cosmetic. It is a characterized research reagent for in-vitro and analytical work.
What GHK-Cu research looks at
- Extracellular matrix: collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cultured fibroblasts.
- Wound-healing models: tissue remodelling and angiogenesis in animal studies.
- Gene expression: microarray and Connectivity Map analyses suggesting GHK shifts the expression of large gene sets.
- Copper biology: how a small peptide carries and delivers copper ions in biological systems.
- Comparisons: the free GHK peptide versus the copper complex, and related copper peptides such as AHK-Cu.
Regulatory status: GHK-Cu is not an authorized drug in Canada, and Health Canada’s April 2026 public advisory on unauthorized injectable peptides names it. We sell this product strictly as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Why researchers order GHK-Cu from Pure Peptides Canada
Choose 50 or 100 mg above. Orders over $299 ship free across Canada.
See lab resultsGHK-Cu FAQ
Where can I buy GHK-Cu in Canada?
Pure Peptides Canada stocks GHK-Cu as a lyophilized research reagent in 50 and 100 mg vials and ships it from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine on its own. GHK-Cu is that peptide bound to a copper(II) ion. Protocols that specify GHK-Cu need the copper complex, which is what this listing supplies.
Is GHK-Cu the same as a copper peptide?
GHK-Cu is the most studied copper peptide, and it is sold in cosmetics as copper tripeptide-1. Other copper peptides exist, such as AHK-Cu, which uses alanine in place of glycine.
Is this GHK-Cu third-party tested?
Yes. The listing links an HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity report from Janoshik Analytical, an independent lab. Our COA guide explains how to read it.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
The copper(II) ion gives the complex its characteristic blue colour, both as a powder and in solution. Free GHK without copper is white.
Can GHK-Cu be used in people or animals?
No. This product is for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not a drug, cosmetic, supplement or food. We do not provide dosing or administration information.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Further reading: GHK-Cu vs AHK-Cu: what the research actually separates.
Ashley H. –
Best product ive used ever! Skin is glowing after 4-5 weeks.. I threw out most of my other skin care products. I also use a GHK-cu face cream on top of this but I bought somewhere else. It’s cleared my face completely. This product does wonders for your skin!!