GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Molecular Research Profile ยท Target purity > 99.0% ยท Half-life Rapid
Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that stimulates collagen synthesis, DNA repair, and skin tissue remodeling.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Molecular Formula, Structure & Chemical Identity
Reference identifiers researchers use to verify that a vial matches what a vendor claims to have shipped. Cross-check these values against any Certificate of Analysis before accepting a purity figure.
| Molecular Formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 401.9 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Amino Acid Count | 3 |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Gly-His-Lys + Cu(II) |
| Sequence (1-letter) | GHK |
| Also Known As | Copper tripeptide-1, GHK-Copper, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) |
| PubChem CID | 71587328 ↗ |
NOTE: Specs are for the copper(II) complex. The free GHK tripeptide without copper is C14H24N6O4, 340.4 g/mol, CAS 49557-75-7.
Identifiers verified against the NIH PubChem compound database. Molecular weights independently recalculated from the molecular formula using IUPAC 2021 standard atomic weights.
How to Read a GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Certificate of Analysis
A COA is only meaningful if the identifiers on it match the compound you ordered. Four checks, in order.
- 1. Identity โ does the formula match?The COA header should state C14H22CuN6O4 and a molecular weight near 401.9 g/mol, with CAS 89030-95-5. A mismatch means you are not looking at a COA for this compound.
- 2. Purity โ HPLC chromatogram, not just a numberA printed “> 99.0%” with no chromatogram is a marketing claim. Demand the actual HPLC trace: a single dominant peak, labelled retention time, and an integration table. Shoulders or unlabelled side peaks are unreported impurities.
- 3. Mass confirmation โ does MS agree with the formula?Mass spectrometry should report an observed mass consistent with the expected 401.9 g/mol. Peptides are frequently reported as multiply charged ions, so the raw m/z value will be lower than the neutral mass. An unexplained offset is a red flag.
- 4. Provenance โ who signed it, and for which batch?A valid COA names the testing laboratory, carries a batch or lot number that matches your vial label, and is dated. A vendor-produced PDF with no lab identity and no batch number is not third-party evidence.
Full methodology in ourguide to the 5 COA red flags researchers miss, or verify the reconstitution math with thepeptide reconstitution calculator.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide with high affinity for copper(II) ions. First isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, it declines with age โ plasma levels at age 60 are approximately 40% of levels at age 20. The peptide functions as a copper-transport molecule, delivering copper ions to cellular enzymes involved in tissue repair and antioxidant defense.
Key mechanisms include: activation of metalloproteinases (MMPs) that remodel extracellular matrix proteins; stimulation of collagen type I, II, and IV synthesis in fibroblasts; upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other antioxidant enzymes; and modulation of gene expression patterns associated with wound healing and tissue regeneration. In vitro, GHK-Cu has been shown to reset gene-expression profiles of aged fibroblasts to patterns characteristic of young cells.
Research History & Context
GHC-Cu has been studied for over 50 years across dermatology, wound-healing, and anti-aging research. It is commercially available as a cosmeceutical ingredient in topical formulations, but its systemic research profile differs significantly โ when administered as a research peptide rather than a topical, it distributes systemically and produces copper-dependent effects not achievable through transdermal application.
Preclinical studies have documented accelerated wound closure, increased hair-follicle size, and improved dermal collagen density. The compound's safety profile is well-characterized, with no significant adverse findings at research doses.
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilized GHK-Cu at -20ยฐC, protected from light. The copper component makes this peptide slightly more sensitive to oxidation than non-metalated peptides โ ensure the vial stopper is properly sealed and consider adding a desicant pack to the storage container.
Reconstituted GHK-Cu has a characteristic deep blue color due to the copper complex โ this is normal and expected. A color shift toward green/turquoise may indicate oxidation or pH changes. Store reconstituted solution at 2โ8ยฐC, use within 21 days. Some researchers report a mild stinging or injection-site reaction; this is typically attributed to the copper ion and is not indicative of contamination.
Reconstitution & Research Dosing
For GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide), the standard laboratory reconstitution is 3.0 ml BAC water for 50mg vial. A typical research study window uses 1.5 - 2.5 mg / daily.
For a 50mg GHK-Cu vial, add 3.0 ml BAC water (16.7 mg/ml). Due to the relatively high concentration, ensure complete dissolution โ GHK-Cu may take 1โ2 minutes longer to fully dissolve than non-metalated peptides. Do not heat the solution; gentle swirling at room temperature is sufficient.
Use the Reconstitution Calculator for exact syringe units →Audited Vendors Stocking GHK-Cu
Each review checks whether the testing lab is named and whether COAs can be verified at the issuing lab.
Related GHK-Cu Research
GHK-Cu FAQ
QWhat is the molecular formula of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)?
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) has the molecular formula C14H22CuN6O4 and a molecular weight of approximately 401.9 g/mol. Its CAS registry number is 89030-95-5. It is a 3-residue peptide with the sequence Gly-His-Lys + Cu(II).
QHow do you verify a GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Certificate of Analysis?
Check four things in order. First, identity: the COA must state C14H22CuN6O4 and CAS 89030-95-5. Second, purity: require the actual HPLC chromatogram with retention time and integration table, not just a printed percentage. Third, mass confirmation: the mass spectrometry result must agree with the expected molecular weight of 401.9 g/mol, allowing for multiply charged ions. Fourth, provenance: the COA must name the testing laboratory and carry a batch number matching your vial label.
QWhat purity should GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) be?
Research-grade GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) should meet a purity target of > 99.0%, confirmed by third-party HPLC analysis rather than a vendor self-declaration. A purity claim without an accompanying chromatogram carries no evidential weight.
QHow much bacteriostatic water do you add to GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)?
The standard reconstitution for GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is 3.0 ml BAC water for 50mg vial. For a 50mg GHK-Cu vial, add 3.0 ml BAC water (16.7 mg/ml). Due to the relatively high concentration, ensure complete dissolution โ GHK-Cu may take 1โ2 minutes longer to fully dissolve than non-metalated peptides. Do not heat the solution; gentle swirling at room temperature is sufficient.
Explore Related Research Compounds
Research Use Only (RUO): GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is discussed strictly as an in-vitro laboratory research compound. Nothing on this page constitutes human or clinical administration guidance. Always verify purity through independent third-party HPLC/MS analysis before use.