Copper Tripeptide-1

Key Features & Properties

• Naturally occurring copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), first isolated from human plasma in 1973
• Strong copper chelation — high-affinity binding (log K ≈ 16.4) that delivers bioavailable, non-toxic Cu²⁺ while suppressing redox activity
• Intense blue color — visual marker of complex formation and purity
• Highly water-soluble — ideal for aqueous serums, creams, and lotions
• Stable in formulations at pH 5.5–7.0; sensitive to strong acids/bases and certain chelators
• Odor: Mild, characteristic (often acetic-like in powder form)
• Hygroscopic — store in airtight containers under cool, dry conditions

Prime Applications & Benefits

• Gold-standard anti-aging active in premium skincare — stimulates collagen I & IV, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts
• Promotes skin regeneration — accelerates wound healing, improves barrier function, reduces inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection
• Visible results — tightens loose skin, reverses thinning, smooths fine lines/wrinkles, enhances firmness/elasticity, and improves overall skin clarity & density
• Hair care powerhouse — enlarges hair follicles, increases hair growth/thickness; widely used in scalp serums and anti-hair loss products
• Versatile cosmetic ingredient — found in serums, creams, eye treatments, masks, and hair products at typical use levels of 0.05–1.0%
• Backed by decades of research — modulates thousands of genes toward youthful expression patterns; outperforms vitamin C and some retinoids in collagen stimulation in certain studies

Storage & Handling Recommendation: Store in a cool (2–8 °C), dry place, protected from light and moisture. Use airtight, light-resistant containers. For best stability in final formulations, maintain pH 5.5–7.0 and avoid strong chelators or extreme conditions.

Discover the legendary “blue copper peptide” — the pioneering regenerative ingredient discovered over 50 years ago that continues to redefine modern anti-aging and skin repair cosmetics!

Here are representative molecular structure diagrams and visuals of Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), the iconic blue copper peptide complex:

researchgate.net

chempep.com

researchgate.net