For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
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Illustrative certificateNS-2026-06056Nordicstar Analytical Sciences
GHK-CU 50 MG
Illustrative certificateNS-2026-06057Nordicstar Analytical Sciences
GHK-CU 100 MG
Healthy Aging
Copper complex & extracellular-matrix biology
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For laboratory research use only.
Not for human consumption or clinical use.
The records shown here are illustrative. Request laboratory-issued documentation for your lot before ordering.
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Shipping information01 / The compound
Copper complex & extracellular-matrix biology
GHK is a tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine with affinity for copper(II) ions. When complexed with copper, it is generally referred to as GHK-Cu. The distinction matters because GHK and GHK-Cu are related forms, but research involving one should not automatically be attributed to the other.
GHK-Cu has been investigated extensively in connective-tissue and fibroblast models. Foundational studies reported effects on collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan synthesis, matrix metalloproteinases, and endogenous metalloproteinase inhibitors in experimental systems.
02 / Research profile
Copper Binding: GHK forms complexes with copper(II), and this metal-binding property is central to the identity of GHK-Cu and to much of the research surrounding the compound.
Extracellular-Matrix Biology: Published studies have examined GHK-Cu in relation to collagen, glycosaminoglycans, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in experimental systems.
Fibroblast Research: Cultured human fibroblast studies form an important part of the foundational GHK-Cu literature and have been used to investigate extracellular-matrix production and remodeling under controlled laboratory conditions.
Tissue-Remodeling Models: GHK-Cu has also been examined in preclinical wound and connective-tissue models where researchers measured changes in collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and related matrix components.
Research on GHK-Cu spans several areas of cellular and connective-tissue biology. Primary experimental literature includes cultured fibroblast studies and animal models examining extracellular-matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production and connective-tissue accumulation. Findings should be interpreted according to the specific experimental system and methodology used in each study.
In cultured dermal fibroblasts, GHK-Cu increased MMP-2 expression as well as secretion of the endogenous inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. The researchers interpreted these findings as evidence that GHK-Cu can influence both extracellular-matrix production and remodeling in this experimental system.
A foundational fibroblast study reported increased collagen synthesis after exposure to GHK-Cu in cultured cells. This study remains one of the primary experimental sources behind later research into the complex and connective-tissue biology.
In cultured normal human fibroblasts, GHK-Cu produced a dose-dependent increase in total glycosaminoglycan synthesis and preferentially increased extracellular dermatan sulfate and cell-associated heparan sulfate under the study conditions.
Animal wound-model research found increased extracellular-matrix accumulation, including collagen and glycosaminoglycans, following GHK-Cu administration within the experimental wound-chamber model. A later study also reported changes in decorin, biglycan, and glycosaminoglycan expression in rat wound tissue and fibroblast cultures. These findings should be interpreted within the specific preclinical models and experimental conditions used.
GHK-Cu has also been examined in experimental transport systems. An in-vitro study using a model membrane of the stratum corneum evaluated GHK-Cu and related copper complexes using diffusion methods and electrospray mass spectrometry. This work provides experimental context for studying copper-complex transport and membrane interaction. Results from model membranes should not be interpreted as evidence of transport, bioavailability or effects in humans.
Reading the evidence
GHK-Cu has a substantial experimental literature spanning cultured-cell systems, biochemical research and animal models. Evidence strength varies by research question, experimental system and methodology. Primary studies have examined extracellular-matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, matrix metalloproteinase activity and connective-tissue changes in cultured fibroblasts and animal wound models. Research into delivery and skin permeation remains an active area of investigation, with unresolved questions regarding formulation, transport and experimental reproducibility. Published findings should be interpreted as experimental evidence specific to the models and conditions used.
03 / Reference data
Reference specifications describe a compound. The final lot documentation identifies the material supplied.
| Compound | GHK-CU |
|---|---|
| Research area | Healthy Aging |
| CAS number | 49557-75-7 |
| Molecular formula | C14H24CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 420.0 g/mol |
| Physical form | Lyophilized |
| Vial options | 50 MG · 100 MG |
| Intended use | Laboratory research only |
Variant amounts are nominal catalog quantities. They are not instructions for use.
HPLC separates components under a defined method. Read the reported percentage alongside the chromatogram, wavelength, integration method, and scope of the test.
Mass spectrometry provides molecular-mass evidence. Identity and chromatographic purity answer different questions; one cannot stand in for the other.
Connect the product name, variant, lot identifier, report date, and issuing laboratory. A report is useful only when its sample can be linked to the material being reviewed.
Every GHK-CU lot is analyzed by Nordicstar Analytical Sciences for identity, content, and purity by HPLC with LC-MS confirmation. Each certificate carries a report number and verification key that can be checked at nordicstarlabs.com/verify. Research references below describe published science, not a certificate for a vial.
Read a COA with confidence| Presentation | Lot | HPLC purity | Tested | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MG Current lot | GLZ-26-GHKCU-1056 | 99.605% | 22 Sep 2026 | NS-2026-06057 |
| 50 MG Current lot | GLZ-26-GHKCU-1055 | 99.567% | 21 Sep 2026 | NS-2026-06056 |
| 50 MG | GLZ-26-GHKCU-745 | 99.622% | 20 Aug 2026 | NS-2026-06183 |
| 100 MG | GLZ-26-GHKCU-744 | 99.629% | 14 Aug 2026 | NS-2026-06185 |
| 50 MG | GLZ-26-GHKCU-645 | 99.591% | 09 Jul 2026 | NS-2026-06184 |
| 100 MG | GLZ-26-GHKCU-644 | 99.736% | 07 Jul 2026 | NS-2026-06186 |
05 / Storage & handling
Keep sealed research material protected from moisture, unnecessary light and temperature fluctuations. Use the storage conditions documented for the specific compound, formulation and lot.
Solution stability depends on solvent, concentration, container and experimental conditions. Use a validated laboratory protocol; a universal post-reconstitution shelf life is not established by the literature summaries.
Explore the handling guide06 / Common questions
GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). The peptide contains three amino-acid residues—glycine, histidine and lysine—and forms a coordination complex with copper(II).
No. GHK refers to the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide itself, while GHK-Cu refers to its copper complex. Research involving one form should not automatically be attributed to the other.
Copper Tripeptide-1 is a name used for copper-complexed GHK in chemical and cosmetic reference sources. GHK-Cu is also described as glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex.
07 / Further reading
Selected literature for context. Read each study’s methods, experimental model, and limitations alongside its findings.
Curated pairings
