Skin · Wounds

GHK-Cu (copper peptide)

Peptilex evidence grade ABCDEUpdated 19 Oct 2026 How grades work

Type: Natural tripeptide (glycine–histidine–lysine) bound to copper
Main use or focus: Skin aging (topical); wound healing; hair
Also known as: Copper peptide

Key results

Median wound closureDiabetic foot ulcers · randomized · GHK-Cu gel vs gel base

GHK-CuGel base

GHK-CuMulder et al.

98.5%

60.8%

Source: Mulder et al. · Wound Repair Regen 1994

12 weeks

of cream use improved firmness, skin density and fine lines

Human studiesSkin studies

Where it stands

One of the best-studied skincare peptides: 12-week cream studies improved firmness, skin density and fine lines, and in diabetic foot ulcers a GHK-Cu gel reached 98.5% median wound closure vs 60.8%.

Go deeper

Full profile in the book

What it is, how it acts, the key studies, risks and open questions.

Peptilex – The Peptide Encyclopedia

34 peptides – from semaglutide to BPC-157 – in one book
An evidence grade (A–E) and the key studies for every peptide
Where each one stands in 2026 – US, EU and Switzerland

View on Amazon

Formats: Kindle · Paperback · Hardcover

Amazon store: amazon.com · Change store

Research at a glance

Publications by typePubMed, all years

All papers178

Human studies67

Animal studies only32

Randomized trials1

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews0

Source: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov via the Peptilex study database

Registered trials by phaseClinicalTrials.gov · name in study title

ongoing / startingcompleted / other

Other1

Source: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov via the Peptilex study database

Trial starts per yearClinicalTrials.gov · by start date (planned starts included)

12027

Source: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov via the Peptilex study database

Registered trials

ClinicalTrials.gov · name in study title · ongoing first

Study	Phase	Status	Participants	Start
Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu Levels in Healthy Adults NCT07706361LifeWave, Inc.	–	Starting soon	100	Jan 2027

1 further registry entry from a sponsor we could not verify is not listed.

Latest key papers

PubMed · newest first

2026
GHK-Cu as a Bioactive Metallopeptide and Drug-Delivery Cargo: Coordination Chemistry, Formulation Science, Therapeutic Evidence, and a Translational Roadmap
ReviewMateescu DM et al. · PharmaceuticsPMID 42797253
2026
A Systematic Review of the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications of GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper Complex) in Topical Microneedle Delivery: A Case for Expanded Clinical Trials
Systematic reviewNajafi N et al. · Archives of Internal Medicine ResearchPMID 42787770
2006
Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin
Human RCTMiller TR et al. · Archives of Facial Plastic SurgeryPMID 16847171

In the research news

17 Oct 20262 new

Related peptides

CPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)CAcetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)BCollagen peptides AAfamelanotide DMelanotan II