Copper tripeptide-1
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with solid evidence for topical skin benefits — but injectable/systemic 'longevity' use is largely unstudied in humans.
✦ 2 min read · 2 sourcesWhat it is
GHK-Cu is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper, present naturally in human plasma and isolated in 1973 by Loren Pickart. Plasma levels fall with age (~200 µg/L in young adults to ~80 µg/L by 60–80).
How it works
It stimulates synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and decorin while modulating tissue-remodeling enzymes, promotes blood-vessel and nerve outgrowth, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects — partly by safely delivering copper into cells.
What the evidence shows
Evidence is strongest for topical skin use — human cosmetic trials report increased collagen, reduced fine lines, and improved firmness, which is why it's a mainstream skincare ingredient. The widely cited 'resets gene expression toward a younger pattern' claim is a computational gene-signature result, not a demonstrated clinical effect. There are no large controlled human trials of systemic/injectable GHK-Cu for longevity.
Quick check
Four questions, ~60 seconds, with a sourced result.
The honest take
Good topical-skin data; systemic longevity unstudied
Status & safety
Legal and common as 'copper tripeptide-1' in topical cosmetics. No FDA-approved GHK-Cu drug for anti-aging or any systemic use. Injectable forms are sold as research chemicals with thin human safety data; regulatory status is shifting — verify current listings.
Summaries of published, third-party research for educational purposes. Not medical advice; not a claim of efficacy or safety for any use.
New, plain-language summaries as the literature develops. Educational only — no products, nothing for sale.
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