Applications
GHK-CU (Copper Peptide) is widely used in cosmetic and skincare formulations for premium product development.
GHK-CU (Copper Peptide) — Cosmetic Peptide Raw Material
High-purity peptide API for cosmetic formulations and skincare research
Product Overview
Copper Tripeptide-1 (INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1), commercially known as GHK-Cu or Blue Copper Peptide, CAS 49557-75-7 (complex) / 300801-03-0 (acetate salt), sequence: Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺. CosIng listed (as Tripeptide-1 Copper) with INC (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) recognition.
A multifunctional repair peptide with dual anti-aging and skin-regenerating benefits. Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis for firming and anti-aging. Stimulates glycosaminoglycan synthesis to repair skin barrier. Anti-inflammatory and soothing, promotes wound healing, reduces redness and sensitivity. Antioxidant, scavenges free radicals. Also promotes hair follicle growth and improves hair loss.
Typical applications: Anti-aging serums, repair serums, ampoules, lyophilized powder, hair care products. Recommended concentration: 0.001% – 0.1%.
The fastest-growing cosmetic peptide over the past 3 years, popular for post-aesthetic repair and sensitive skin care. Also our core flagship product.
Product Identification and Specifications
| Product Name | GHK-CU (Copper Peptide) |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Synonyms | GHK-Cu, Copper Peptide, Copper Tripeptide-1, INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 401.91±1 g/mol |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys-Cu(II) |
| Sequence Length | 3 amino acids + copper ion |
| Key Modification | Copper (II) ion chelation at GHK tripeptide |
| Solubility | ≥100 mg/mL in water |
| Pharmacological Class | Copper-binding tripeptide / Cosmetic active |
| Indications | Skin repair, Anti-aging, Collagen stimulation, Wound healing |
| Appearance | Blue crystalline granules or powder with slight characteristic odor |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade / RUO |
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) that forms a stable complex with copper ions (Cu²⁺). The peptide acts as a copper transporter, delivering copper to cells where it serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes including lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), and cytochrome c oxidase (cellular energy production). GHK-Cu upregulates the expression of approximately 4,000 genes involved in tissue repair, antioxidant production, and anti-inflammatory responses. It stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis through TGF-β and integrin signaling pathways, while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α). The copper complex also promotes angiogenesis and wound healing via VEGF stimulation, and activates hair follicle stem cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Key Features and Benefits
| Feature | Description | Benefit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥99% Purity Verified | ≥99% purity confirmed by HPLC and LC-MS with full batch COA | Ensures consistent efficacy and safety in cosmetic formulations | |
| Complete QC Documentation | Full Certificate of Analysis with 12+ test parameters per batch | Supports regulatory compliance and quality assurance programs | |
| EU REACH / FDA Compliant | Manufacturing documentation supports global cosmetic regulations | Enables rapid market entry in North America, Europe, and Asia | |
| Multiple Dosage Forms | Available as raw powder and lyophilized powder | Flexibility for different formulation requirements and stability needs | |
| Scalable Production | Production capacity from gram to multi-kilogram batches | Supports projects from R&D phase through commercial launch | |
| 3-5 Day Lead Time | In-stock items ship within 3-5 business days globally | Minimizes inventory costs and accelerates product development timelines |
Applications and Formulations
Quality Standards and COA Specifications
| Test Item | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Blue crystalline granules or powder, slight characteristic odor | Visual Inspection |
| Identity (MS) | Molecular weight 401.91±1 Da | Mass Spectrometry |
| Identity (Chemical) | Dark brown precipitate with sodium sulfide | Chemical Reaction |
| Peptide Purity (HPLC) | ≥99.0% (typical 99.9%) | RP-HPLC |
| Copper (Cu) Content | 10.0% - 16.0% | ICP-MS |
| Tripeptide-1 Content | ≥66.0% | HPLC |
| Solubility (Water) | ≥100 mg/mL | Visual / Gravimetric |
| Acetic Acid | ≤2.5% (Not Detected) | HPLC |
| Water Content | ≤5.0% | Karl Fischer |
| pH (2mg/mL, Water, 25°C) | 5.5 - 7.5 | pH Meter |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤5 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total Aerobic Count | ≤200 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| Yeasts and Mold | ≤50 CFU/g | USP <61> |
Full batch-specific COA provided with each shipment. Contact us for historical COA requests.
Packaging and Storage
Packaging Details
Storage and Handling
Regulatory Documentation Support
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Full batch-specific COA with HPLC, MS, and microbial test results provided with every shipment
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Comprehensive safety documentation for handling, storage, and transport
EU REACH Compliance
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals documentation available
FDA Facility Registration
Manufacturing facility registered with US FDA for cosmetic ingredient production
ISO 9001 Quality Management
Quality management system certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards
Stability Data
Real-time and accelerated stability data available upon request
Global Export Capabilities
| Region | Capabilities | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
North America (USA, Canada) | Direct shipment with customs documentation; FDA-compliant COA provided | FDA-compliant COA, commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS |
Europe (EU, UK, Switzerland) | REACH-compliant documentation; CE-marked packaging available | REACH compliance statement, EDQM documentation, COA |
Asia-Pacific (Japan, Korea, Australia) | Regional logistics coordination; local language support | NMPA/PMDA-compliant packages, translated COA available |
Latin America (Brazil, Mexico) | MOH registration support; Spanish/Portuguese documentation | Spanish/Portuguese COA translations, MOH registration support |
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) | GCC registration support; halal certification available | SFDA-compliant documentation, halal certificate |
One-Stop Supply Chain Services
| Service | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| API Sourcing | Direct access to audited GMP manufacturing facilities with validated peptide synthesis capabilities | Ensures consistent quality and full traceability from synthesis to delivery |
| Quality Assurance | Independent batch release testing with full analytical documentation and certificate of analysis | Reduces quality risk and accelerates regulatory approval timelines |
| Technical Consultation | Dedicated account manager and technical team for formulation development and stability studies | Expert guidance throughout product development and commercialization |
| Regulatory Support | Complete CMC documentation, stability data, and regulatory filing assistance | Accelerates product registration in target global markets |
| Logistics Management | End-to-end cold chain logistics with temperature monitoring and customs brokerage | Ensures product integrity and on-time delivery worldwide |
Frequently Asked Questions
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