GHK-CU’s biological activity originates from the stable coordinate covalent chelation of Cu²+ cation by the histidine imidazole side chain within the three-residue linear GHK tripeptide sequence:
- Short linear 3-amino-acid tripeptide backbone (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine) naturally isolated from human plasma, with high aqueous solubility in neutral and slightly acidic cosmetic formulation buffers.
- Copper(II) chelation creates a redox-active metallopeptide complex capable of modulating tissue metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) balance, the core molecular pathway regulating dermal collagen degradation and synthesis rates.
- Low molecular weight enables transdermal penetration research in ex-vivo human skin explant models, a primary experimental focus for cosmetic peptide delivery system laboratories.
- Endogenous origin minimizes off-target toxic signaling in mammalian dermal tissue, creating a low-toxicity reference compound for long-term skin aging chronic exposure studies.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | GHK-CU Copper Peptide, Glycyl Histidyl Lysine Copper(II) Complex |
| CAS Registry Number | 49557-75-7 |
| Tripeptide molecular formula | C14H24N6O4 |
| Copper complex molecular weight | 340.9 g/mol |
| Peptide length | 3 amino acid tripeptide |
| Compound class | Endogenous plasma-derived copper metallopeptide, cosmetic anti-aging raw peptide |
| Primary molecular targets | MMP/TIMP matrix balance, NRF2 antioxidant pathway, TGF-β collagen synthesis signaling |
| Physical form | Pale blue crystalline lyophilised powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble in pH 4.0–7.5 aqueous cosmetic formulation buffers |
| Light sensitivity | Requires sealed dark storage to prevent copper complex photodegradation |
| Purity standard | ≥99% HPLC tripeptide content per batch COA |
| Standard CU-series vial stock sizes | CU50 (50mg), CU100 (100mg) |
GHK-CU’s dermal regenerative mechanisms are documented across hundreds of peer-reviewed cosmetic science, dermatology and ex-vivo skin explant research publications spanning 40 years of metallopeptide investigation. Core research applications include anti-wrinkle formulation screening, UV photoaging repair, atopic dermatitis barrier recovery and transdermal delivery nanoparticle testing.
Original GHK-CU discovery research by Dr. Loren Pickart identified the tripeptide-copper complex’s unique ability to balance skin collagen breakdown and synthesis, establishing its foundational role in modern cosmetic peptide raw material science. Follow-up human clinical ex-vivo skin explant trials validated dose-dependent elastin fiber deposition, reduced UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression and enhanced antioxidant cellular defense in photo-damaged dermal tissue.
GHK-CU is frequently co-formulated with Snap-8, Epithalon and SS-31 for multi-target anti-aging laboratory formulation research. Zypep Peptides supplies standalone CU50 copper peptide vials as well as pre-mixed multi-peptide anti-aging compound blends for cosmetic R&D convenience.
Zypep Peptides manufactures factory-direct bulk GHK-CU lyophilized powder for cosmetic formulation labs, dermatology research institutes and global cosmetic raw material distributors. Submit raw material volume inquiries via the website online chat dialog to receive bulk pricing tiers, full copper complex batch COA and worldwide shipping quotations. All CU-series products labeled FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH & FORMULATION USE ONLY, not for direct human topical or injectable therapeutic administration.
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