GHK-Cu vs Copper Peptide-1
GHK-Cu and Copper Peptide-1 refer to the same molecular entity but represent different nomenclature systems. GHK-Cu is the biochemical designation, while Copper Peptide-1 is a cosmetic industry term. Understanding the naming conventions prevents confusion when evaluating products, ingredients, and research literature.
Chemical Identity
Section titled “Chemical Identity”GHK-Cu: The Biochemical Designation
Section titled “GHK-Cu: The Biochemical Designation”GHK-Cu is the standard biochemical name for the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:
- Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (tripeptide)
- Metal: Cu²⁺ (copper(II))
- Stoichiometry: 1:1 peptide:metal complex
- Molecular formula: C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
- Molecular weight: 340.9 Da
- CAS number: 49557-75-7
- pKa: 8.5 (imidazole nitrogen)
The name GHK is derived from the single-letter codes of its amino acids: Glycine-Histidine-K lysine.
Copper Peptide-1: The Cosmetic Industry Term
Section titled “Copper Peptide-1: The Cosmetic Industry Term”Copper Peptide-1 is an INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) designation used in cosmetic formulations:
- INCI name: Copper Tripeptide-1
- Trade name: GHK-Cu, Copper Peptide
- Usage: Primarily in cosmetic and skincare products
- Regulation: Cosmeceutical ingredient (not a drug)
The “1” in Copper Peptide-1 does not indicate a specific isomer or variant — it is simply an INCI numbering convention.
Nomenclature Systems
Section titled “Nomenclature Systems”| System | Name | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemical | GHK-Cu | Research literature |
| IUPAC | Copper(II) glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysinate | Chemistry |
| INCI | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Cosmetic labeling |
| Trade | GHK-Cu, Copper Peptide | Marketing |
| Abbreviation | GHK | Informal |
Molecular Structure
Section titled “Molecular Structure”Peptide Component
Section titled “Peptide Component”GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine:
- N-terminal: Glycine (smallest amino acid, flexible backbone)
- Middle: Histidine (imidazole ring, metal coordination)
- C-terminal: Lysine (ε-amino group, positive charge)
Copper Coordination
Section titled “Copper Coordination”The Cu²⁺ ion coordinates through:
- Histidine Nε2 (imidazole nitrogen)
- Histidine Nα (amino nitrogen)
- Glycine carbonyl oxygen (backbone)
- Two water molecules (axial positions)
This square pyramidal coordination geometry produces a characteristic blue color (λmax ~530 nm).
Biological Activity Comparison
Section titled “Biological Activity Comparison”Both GHK-Cu and Copper Peptide-1 produce identical biological effects:
| Activity | Mechanism | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wound healing | Cu²⁺ delivery + GHK signaling | Strong (clinical) |
| Collagen synthesis | TGF-β1 upregulation | Strong (in vitro) |
| Elastin production | Stimulates elastin mRNA | Moderate |
| GAG synthesis | Hyaluronic acid production | Moderate |
| Anti-inflammatory | Reduces TNF-α, IL-6 | Strong |
| Antioxidant | SOD mimetic activity | Moderate |
| Remodeling | MMP regulation | Moderate |
Skin Benefits
Section titled “Skin Benefits”Collagen and Elastin
Section titled “Collagen and Elastin”- Collagen I: 1.5–2× increase in synthesis
- Collagen III: 1.5× increase in synthesis
- Elastin: 2–3× increase in synthesis
- Mechanism: TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 upregulation
Wound Healing
Section titled “Wound Healing”- Angiogenesis: Promotes new blood vessel formation
- Re-epithelialization: Accelerates keratinocyte migration
- Scarring: Reduces hypertrophic scar formation
- Clinical evidence: Effective in chronic wounds, burns, surgical wounds
Anti-Aging
Section titled “Anti-Aging”- Wrinkle reduction: 20–30% reduction in fine lines over 8–12 weeks
- Firmness: Improved skin elasticity
- Pigmentation: Mild brightening effect
- Pore size: Reduced appearance
Concentration and Formulation
Section titled “Concentration and Formulation”GHK-Cu (Research/Pharmaceutical)
Section titled “GHK-Cu (Research/Pharmaceutical)”| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Working concentration | 1–10 µM (0.3–3.4 µg/mL) |
| Formulation | Aqueous solution, serum |
| pH | 4.0–5.5 (optimal stability) |
| Storage | 2–8°C, protected from light |
| Stability | Moderate (copper dissociation over time) |
Copper Peptide-1 (Cosmetic)
Section titled “Copper Peptide-1 (Cosmetic)”| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical concentration | 0.01–1% (100–10,000 ppm) |
| Formulation | Serums, creams, masks |
| pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Storage | Room temperature |
| Stability | Enhanced with chelators |
Concentration Equivalency
Section titled “Concentration Equivalency”| Copper Peptide-1 (%) | GHK-Cu (µM) | GHK-Cu (µg/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01% | 293 µM | 100 µg/mL |
| 0.1% | 2,930 µM | 1,000 µg/mL |
| 1% | 29,300 µM | 10,000 µg/mL |
Most cosmetic products use 0.01–0.1% Copper Peptide-1, corresponding to 293–2,930 µM GHK-Cu.
Stability Considerations
Section titled “Stability Considerations”GHK-Cu Stability Challenges
Section titled “GHK-Cu Stability Challenges”- Copper dissociation: pH-dependent (stable below pH 6.0)
- Oxidation: Histidine susceptible to oxidation
- Light sensitivity: Copper complex absorbs UV/visible light
- Shelf life: 6–12 months (refrigerated)
Formulation Strategies
Section titled “Formulation Strategies”- pH optimization: Maintain pH 4.0–5.5
- Chelators: EDTA, citric acid to stabilize copper
- Antioxidants: BHT, vitamin E to prevent oxidation
- Packaging: Opaque, airless containers
- Lyophilization: For long-term storage
Dosage Forms
Section titled “Dosage Forms”Research Grade
Section titled “Research Grade”- Lyophilized powder: >98% purity
- Stock solution: 1–10 mM in water or buffer
- Working solution: Diluted to 1–10 µM
Cosmetic Grade
Section titled “Cosmetic Grade”- Serums: 0.01–0.1% Copper Peptide-1
- Creams: 0.005–0.05% Copper Peptide-1
- Masks: 0.05–0.1% Copper Peptide-1
- Eye creams: 0.01–0.05% Copper Peptide-1
Comparison Table
Section titled “Comparison Table”| Feature | GHK-Cu | Copper Peptide-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical identity | Identical | Identical |
| Molecular formula | C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ | C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ |
| MW | 340.9 Da | 340.9 Da |
| Primary context | Research | Cosmetics |
| Nomenclature | Biochemical | INCI |
| Biological activity | Identical | Identical |
| Typical concentration | 1–10 µM | 0.01–1% |
| Formulation | Serums, buffers | Serums, creams |
| Regulation | Research chemical | Cosmeceutical |
References
Section titled “References”- Pickart L, Margolina A. “GHK-Cu and skin aging.” Cosmetics 2018;5:50.
- Pickart L, Margolina A. “The anti-aging, wound healing, and antimicrobial potential of the copper peptide GHK-Cu.” Biomedicines 2020;8:343.
- Campbell I. “Copper peptides for skin: a review.” J Cosmet Dermatol 2021;20:2567-2573.
- Leyden J, et al. “Copper peptide formulations for skin rejuvenation.” Dermatol Ther 2019;32:e12981.
- Pickart L. “The human tripeptide GHK and tissue remodeling.” J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 2008;19:969-988.