GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a small peptide naturally found in your blood, saliva, and urine that decreases significantly as you age. It's often called the "fountain of youth" peptide because of its remarkable regenerative properties. **What makes it special?** GHK-Cu is one of the most researched peptides in skincare and wound healing. It works by binding to copper, then delivering that copper to tissues where it activates repair processes. Think of it as a master switch that turns on your body's healing and rejuvenation programs. **What the research shows:** • Stimulates production of collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin firm) • Accelerates wound healing across multiple tissue types • Can influence the expression of over 4,000 human genes — essentially "resetting" cells toward healthier patterns • Attracts immune cells to injury sites to speed repair • Shows anti-inflammatory effects by reducing free radicals **Where you'll find it:** Popular in anti-aging serums, wound healing products, and hair growth treatments. Available in topical and injectable forms. **Why levels matter:** At age 20, you have about 200 ng/mL in plasma. By age 60, that drops to around 80 ng/mL — potentially contributing to slower healing and aging skin. --- **Sources:** Pickart L, et al. (2015) Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. DOI:10.1155/2015/648108 | Pickart L, et al. (2008) Journal of Biomaterials Science. DOI:10.1163/156856208784909435

Human data are limited to small studies and a recruiting phase 2 trial; much of the literature is narrative-review based; topical vs injectable use must be distinguished — systemic claims are unproven; long-term safety of injected copper peptides is unstudied.

GHK is a natural tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) found in human plasma; plasma levels decline with age (early studies report ~200 ng/mL at age 20 vs ~80 ng/mL at age 60). It binds copper(II) and is used topically in cosmetics; pharmacokinetics of injectable GHK-Cu in humans are not well characterized.