Copper Peptides
A well-known serum ingredient that brands often highlight for smoother-looking skin and everyday repair.
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✨ real molecule sketch
Spotted this on a label?
Copper Tripeptide-1
That’s the INCI name—the official way it appears on the back of your serum or cream. Same ingredient, different marketing names.
Structure (cute edition)
✨ real molecule sketch
A tiny three-bead chain (glycine–histidine–lysine) with copper tucked in—the “GHK” you’ll see in ingredient lists.
INCI: COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 · ~3 amino acids in our simplified view
Research & public records
Counts and links from public databases (PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Wikidata, NIH drug nomenclature). Educational only — not medical advice.
Knowledge base: chemical compound — Wikipedia
PubMed: 72 indexed papers (search PubMed)
- Dipeptide photodegradation under copper ion influence suggests protective second-shell design in copper-binding proteins. · BMC chemistry
- Stability and Pseudocatecholase Activity of Artificial Bis-Histidyl Copper Peptides. · Inorganic chemistry
- Electrochemical regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain protein redox states using transmembrane copper peptides for myocardial infarction risk assessment. · Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Enhanced hair regrowth with five monthly sessions of minoxidil-dutasteride-copper peptides tattooing for androgenetic alopecia assessed by artificial intelligence and blinded evaluators. · JAAD international
- Rigid-flexible nanocarriers loaded with active peptides for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications in skin. · Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
- Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application. · Bioactive materials
- Unsubstantiated Claims About Dermatologic Applications of Copper Peptides in a Study of YouTube Videos. · Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery
- Imidazole-rich copper peptides as catalysts in xenobiotic degradation. · PloS one
Clinical trials: 36 studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (view search)
- Imaging of Patients With Known or Suspected Somatostatin Receptor Positive Neuroendocrine Tumors Using Cu64-DOTATATE · COMPLETED
- Acute Effects of Coffee on Appetite and Inflammation Markers, Glucose Metabolism and Energy Intake · COMPLETED
- Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing · RECRUITING
- The Clinical Study of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection in the Treatment of Wilson Disease · COMPLETED
- Penicillamine, Low Copper Diet, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Glioblastoma · COMPLETED
- Efficacy of 177-Lu-DOTA 0, Tyr 3 Octreotate · COMPLETED
- Effects on Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Following Gastric Bypass Alone vs Gastric Bypass Combined With Truncal Vagotomy · RECRUITING
- PET Imaging Study of 64Cu-GRIP B for Patients Receiving CD19-directed CAR-T Therapy · RECRUITING
ChEMBL: COPPER · max phase 4.0
What brands say it does
Copper peptides are short chains of amino acids paired with copper. In skin care they are usually marketed to support the skin's natural repair process and help skin look firmer and more even over time. Results vary by person, product strength, and how consistently you use it.
Where you’ll find it
Common in anti-aging serums, eye creams, and post-procedure recovery products. Look for GHK-Cu or "copper peptide" on the label.
Other names you might see
GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide-1
Where to buy
Real purchase links from Sephora, Ulta, Target, and Amazon — tap a product to check price and buy.
Compare with similar peptides
Similar peptides
Educational only—not medical advice. Results vary; talk to a dermatologist for personal recommendations.