GHK-Cu
Small human studies of topical skin products. No trials of injected GHK-Cu.
At a glance. A naturally occurring copper peptide with genuine skincare research behind it, and injectable use running well ahead of the evidence. Sold by AVERON as GHK-C.
Written and maintained by the AVERON Research Desk · Last reviewed September 2026
What it is
GHK is a tripeptide made of glycine, histidine and lysine. It binds copper strongly, and the copper complex is called GHK-Cu. It was first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. Levels in the blood are reported to decline with age.
In solution, GHK-Cu is blue, because of the copper.
What researchers study it for
Skin ageing, collagen production, wound healing and hair growth.
What the research shows
In laboratory and animal studies, GHK-Cu has been reported to stimulate the production of collagen and other components of the skin's structure, to support wound healing and to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Research on gene expression suggests it influences a large number of genes involved in tissue repair.
In people, the evidence comes from small studies of creams and serums applied to the skin. These studies, reviewed by Pickart and Margolina in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2018, reported improvements in measures such as skin thickness, fine lines and firmness over periods of around twelve weeks. They were small, and several were conducted or funded by parties with commercial interests.
There are no published controlled trials of injected GHK-Cu.
What it does not do, and what is not known
- It does not tighten loose or sagging skin. This is the most common misconception. Its reported effects are on collagen quality and fine lines, not on skin laxity. Sagging skin is a question for a dermatologist or surgeon.
- There is no human evidence for injected GHK-Cu. The human data come from topical products.
- It does not work quickly. Topical studies measured changes over about three months.
- Results from topical use cannot be assumed to apply to other routes.
- It is not a treatment for any skin disease.
Adverse effects reported in research
Topical products are generally well tolerated in the published studies. There is no systematic safety data for injected GHK-Cu. Because it carries copper, it is not appropriate for people with Wilson's disease or other disorders of copper metabolism.
Regulatory and anti-doping status
Regulatory: Used widely as a cosmetic ingredient in topical skincare. Not approved as a medicine anywhere, including in injectable form.
Anti-doping: Not named on WADA's Prohibited List. WADA's category S0 covers pharmacological substances without approval for human therapeutic use, so athletes in tested sport should check with their anti-doping organisation before any use.
At AVERON
Supplied as research-grade material under the name GHK-C, 100 mg. It is also a component of the GLOW and KLOW blends.
Independent lab report: 84555_HP4TKIPGYX9Z
Frequently asked questions
Doses mentioned on this page are the arms of published studies, given to describe their results. They are not guidance.