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GHK-Cu

Also known as Copper peptide, Copper tripeptide-1

A reasonable skincare ingredient with thin but real human data. Injecting it is a different product with almost no safety evidence.

Information only. Not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change anything.

This profile covers two very different products. Creams and serums are cosmetics. Injectable versions are unapproved drugs.

What people claim

  • Firms skin and smooths wrinkles
  • Speeds wound healing
  • Regrows hair
  • Injected, it rejuvenates the whole body

What the evidence shows

  • Reviews describe 12-week facial cream studies in about 70 women with better fine lines and skin density. These are small cosmetic studies, not large independent trials.[1]
  • A randomized trial after CO2 laser resurfacing found no objective improvement in wrinkles or skin quality, although patients were more satisfied.[2]
  • We found no solid human trial showing hair regrowth. That claim rests mainly on lab research.[1]
  • For injected GHK-Cu, FDA describes human data as limited.[3]

Known risks

  • Creams and serums: skin irritation is possible, as with most actives.
  • Injected: FDA flags possible immune reactions caused by aggregation and impurities.[3]
  • Unapproved injectables have not been evaluated for safety, quality or effectiveness.[4]

Reported side effects

Moderated user reports are not open yet, so nothing is shown here. They will be labelled as unverified personal accounts.

Legal status

A summary, not legal advice. Rules change, and sport bans are separate.

United States

Cosmetic, injectable unapproved

Fine as a cosmetic ingredient. Injectable GHK-Cu is unapproved and is not one of the six peptides in the Oct 2026 HHS policy.

United Kingdom

Cosmetic, injectable unlicensed

Fine as a cosmetic ingredient. No licensed injectable medicine.

Australia

Cosmetic, injectable unapproved

Skincare is sold normally. TGA names injectable GHK-Cu among unapproved peptide products it has not evaluated.

European Union

Cosmetic, injectable not authorised

Listed as a cosmetic ingredient. No authorised injectable medicine.

Sources

  1. 1.GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regenerationBioMed Research International, 2015
  2. 2.Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skinArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 2006
  3. 3.Bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risksUS FDA
  4. 4.Importing, compounding and supplying unapproved peptide productsTGA Australia

Profile last checked 7 Nov 2026.