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Pick up to three peptides to see how their mechanisms, studied uses and evidence levels differ. Rows where the entries disagree are marked with a blue edge.
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Comparison
GHK-Cu
Cosmetic & dermatologic
Evidence level
Limited evidence
Approval status
Not approved
Mechanism of action
- 1.The peptide delivers copper to cells, and copper is a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen and elastin cross-linking.
- 2.Gene-expression studies show it shifts the activity of genes linked to tissue remodelling, inflammation and antioxidant defence.
- 3.It is reported to attract repair cells and support new blood-vessel formation in wound models.
- 4.In skin it is associated with increased collagen synthesis, which is the basis for cosmetic claims.
Studied for
- Skin firmness and wrinkles (topical cosmetic studies, generally small)
- Wound healing, including diabetic wound models
- Hair growth effects in laboratory and animal models
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant gene-expression effects
Reported effects
- Modest improvements in skin thickness and appearance in small topical studies
- Increased collagen markers in fibroblast cultures
- Improved wound contraction in animal models
- Hair-growth effects are mostly laboratory-level and unproven in people
Side effects
- Topical: redness, irritation and itching, especially with higher concentrations
- Copper sensitivity in some people
- Injection safety profile is not established
- Cosmetic products are not tested to the same standard as medicines
Research protocol
Research context only — cosmetic products apply it topically at concentrations usually between 0.05% and 2%. Injectable GHK-Cu has no approved human protocol and different risk entirely; laboratory and animal doses are not translatable to human use.
Research context only
Evidence justification
There is a reasonable body of mechanistic, animal and small cosmetic-trial data, but almost no large randomised controlled trials of clinical endpoints.