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All products are for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption.

Copper(II)-binding tripeptide complex

GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed vials, boxed in tens, for laboratory research use only.

From $7.23 per vial · £5.71

$72.28 (£57.10) per box of 10 vials · 50 mg, 100 mg

Vial of GHK-Cu research peptide, supplied in boxes of 10

Overview

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed vials, boxed in tens, for laboratory research use only.

Laboratory research use onlyNobelPepLab supplies GHK-Cu strictly for in vitro and laboratory research. We do not provide dosing guidance, do not make health claims, and do not supply products for human or veterinary use.

GHK-Cu at a glance

CompoundGHK-Cu
Also known asCopper tripeptide-1, GHK copper peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, GHKCu
ClassificationCopper(II)-binding tripeptide complex
CAS number89030-95-5
Molecular formulaC14H24N6O4 . Cu
Molecular weight~403.9 g/mol
SequenceGly-His-Lys (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) complexed with Cu(II)
Purity99%+ by HPLC
Physical formLyophilised powder
Available strengths50 mg, 100 mg
Box quantity10 vials
Price from$7.23 per vial ($72.28 per box)
Research statusUsed as a cosmetic ingredient in many markets. Not an approved medicine. Most published work is in cell culture and skin models.
DocumentationBatch-specific COA (Janoshik or Freedom Diagnostic)

Nominal specifications. The authoritative figures for any given box are those printed on its batch COA.

Pricing

How much does GHK-Cu cost?

GHK-Cu starts at $7.23 per vial (£5.71), sold in boxes of 10 at $72.28. One box is the smallest order and there is no trade account or minimum spend. Larger volumes are negotiable.

GHK-Cu price by strength. Billed in USD; GBP shown as an indicative conversion. Each box contains 10 vials.
StrengthPer vialBox of 10
50 mg$7.23 £5.71$72.28 £57.10
100 mg$7.79 £6.15$77.85 £61.50

Handling

How should GHK-Cu be stored and reconstituted?

Lyophilised storage. Sealed vials are stable at room temperature for short periods during transit. For longer-term storage keep at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Reconstitution. Bacteriostatic or sterile water is introduced slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Do not inject the stream directly into the powder and do not shake.
Dissolving. Swirl gently until clear. Peptides are shear-sensitive; vigorous agitation can degrade the compound.
After reconstitution. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Reconstituted peptide has a materially shorter working life than the lyophilised form.
Freeze–thaw. Repeated cycles degrade peptides. Aliquot before freezing where a protocol requires multiple uses.

Research Context

What is GHK-Cu researched for?

Below is a plain-English summary of what published research has investigated, and what it has found. These are descriptions of research activity and published results. They are not claims about what GHK-Cu does, and nothing here is a statement that it is safe or effective for any purpose.

Research status Used as a cosmetic ingredient in many markets. Not an approved medicine. Most published work is in cell culture and skin models.

Collagen and extracellular matrix

In fibroblast culture GHK-Cu increases production of collagen and other structural proteins that form the scaffold around cells. This is the most reproduced finding and the reason the peptide appears in skincare formulation research. 1

Copper delivery

The peptide binds copper(II) tightly but reversibly, allowing it to carry the ion to enzymes that require it. Several of those enzymes are directly involved in building and cross-linking collagen, which links the two findings together.

Gene expression profiling

Broad screening studies report GHK-Cu shifting expression across a large number of genes in cultured human cells. That breadth is what pushed interest beyond its original wound-healing context, though it also makes specific effects harder to isolate. 1

References

  1. 1Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci (2018). PMC6073405

Links open the record on PubMed or PubMed Central. These are citations to published research, not claims about this product.

Read this before citing any of the abovePreclinical means the work was done in cells or animals. Results in those systems very often fail to reproduce in humans. NobelPepLab supplies GHK-Cu for laboratory research only, does not provide dosing guidance, and does not supply products for human or veterinary use.

Applications

Where GHK-Cu is used in the laboratory

  • Copper transport and metallopeptide coordination chemistry
  • Extracellular matrix and collagen synthesis studies in fibroblast culture
  • Gene expression profiling in dermal cell models
  • Antioxidant and metal-chelation research

Verification

Does GHK-Cu come with a COA?

Yes — every box. Each batch of GHK-Cu is analysed by Janoshik Analytical or Freedom Diagnostic. The certificate confirms identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC, and is tied to the batch number printed on the vial label. You can ask to see it before you order.

HPLC chromatogram with the quantified purity figure
Mass spectrometry confirming molecular weight against the theoretical value
Batch or lot reference matching the vial label
Laboratory letterhead, test date and analyst signature
Example Certificate of Analysis issued by Janoshik Analytical

Example COA. You receive the certificate matching your own batch.

Questions

GHK-Cu questions, answered

Why is reconstituted GHK-Cu blue?

The colour comes from the bound copper(II) ion. Copper complexes absorb light in the red region of the visible spectrum, so the solution appears blue. A distinctly blue solution on reconstitution is expected for GHK-Cu and is not a sign of contamination.

How much does GHK-Cu cost?

GHK-Cu starts at $7.23 per vial, sold in boxes of 10 vials at $72.28 per box (about £57.10). 2 strengths available: 50 mg, 100 mg. There is no minimum order.

What purity is your GHK-Cu?

All batches test at 99%+ purity. Every box ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis from Janoshik Analytical or Freedom Diagnostic, confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC.

Is there a minimum order for GHK-Cu?

No. You can order a single box of 10 vials. There is no trade account, bulk commitment or minimum spend.

How is GHK-Cu shipped?

Tracked and in discreet, plain packaging, dispatched within 1–3 working days. Delivery estimates are UK 5–7 working days, EU 8–10, USA 5–8 and rest of world 10–12. Full detail is on the shipping page.