GHK-Cu: the copper peptide, and what the gene data says

What it is

GHK-Cu is a three-amino-acid peptide bound to copper that the body makes naturally, and that declines with age. This paper reviews what it does: it is reported to stimulate collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, support skin fibroblasts, encourage blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, and calm inflammatory signaling. The gene-expression data suggests it touches a very large number of pathways at once.

What kind of evidence this is

A narrative review, written by the scientist who discovered the peptide. Most of the actions listed come from cell and animal studies plus gene-expression profiling. The human evidence that exists is largely for topical, cosmetic use: skin firmness, fine lines, wound and post-procedure healing. Claims about lungs, liver, anxiety, pain and cancer are mechanistic and preclinical.

The Luxe read

Copper peptides in a serum have a reasonable cosmetic track record and a low-risk profile. That is the lane with data. Injectable GHK-Cu is a different product with far less clinical support, and it sits on the FDA's compounding watch list, which we cover in the Peptide Cheat Sheet. Interesting molecule, oversold in some corners, and the paper itself is a case for reading who wrote the review.

Questions worth asking

• Topical or injectable? The evidence does not transfer between them.
• Which of these claims has a human trial behind it, and which has a petri dish?
• What concentration, and does the product publish it?