Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is a copper-binding peptide widely used in advanced anti-aging skincare, skin-conditioning treatments, and scalp and haircare formulations. It consists of the naturally occurring tripeptide Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK) complexed with copper ions. Known for its distinctive blue colour, GHK-Cu is valued in cosmetic formulations for its skin-conditioning, antioxidant, and skin-renewal-supporting properties. It is frequently incorporated into facial serums, anti-aging creams, eye treatments, scalp serums, and professional cosmetic products. Copper Tripeptide-1 has been investigated for its involvement in processes associated with collagen production, extracellular matrix maintenance, and skin repair. While laboratory and preliminary clinical findings are promising, evidence for substantial wrinkle reduction or hair regrowth in humans remains limited.
Product Information
Product Name: Copper Tripeptide-1 / GHK-Cu
INCI Name: Copper Tripeptide-1
CAS Number: 89030-95-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight: Approximately 401.91 g/mol
Appearance: Typically blue to deep-blue powder
Solubility: Water-soluble, subject to supplier specifications
Product Category: Cosmetic Peptide / Skin-Conditioning Ingredient
Benefits & Uses in Skincare
1. Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Care
Used in formulations targeting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Supports the appearance of smoother, firmer-looking skin.
Popular in anti-aging facial serums and creams.
Studied for its potential influence on collagen-related skin processes.
2. Skin Firmness & Elasticity
Used in skin-firming cosmetic treatments.
Helps support the appearance of healthier, more resilient skin.
Suitable for mature skin formulations.
Often combined with moisturizing ingredients to improve skin texture.
3. Skin Renewal & Conditioning
Supports skin-conditioning formulations.
Studied for biological pathways associated with skin repair.
Suitable for cosmetic products designed to improve the appearance of stressed or aging skin.
Helps complement barrier-supporting skincare routines.
4. Antioxidant Skincare
Investigated for antioxidant-related activity.
Used in cosmetic formulations intended to protect against the visible effects of environmental stress.
Suitable for daily facial skincare and anti-aging treatments.
5. Facial Serums & Eye Care
Ideal for lightweight water-based facial serums.
Used in moisturizing eye-area formulations.
Suitable for products targeting the appearance of fine lines.
Can be incorporated into peptide-based skincare complexes.
Benefits & Uses in Haircare
1. Scalp Conditioning
Used in specialized scalp serums and treatments.
Helps support scalp-conditioning formulations.
Suitable for lightweight, leave-on scalp products.
2. Hair Density & Fuller-Looking Hair
Investigated for potential hair-follicle-related activity.
Used in cosmetic formulations marketed for fuller-looking hair.
Human evidence for actual hair regrowth remains insufficient.
3. Hair & Scalp Serums
Suitable for water-based scalp serums.
Can be combined with compatible humectants and conditioning ingredients.
Popular in advanced peptide haircare formulations.
Cosmetic Applications
Application
Purpose
Anti-Aging Facial Serums
Smoother, firmer-looking skin
Peptide Face Creams
Skin conditioning and elasticity
Eye Serums
Appearance of fine lines
Hydrating Facial Gels
Skin hydration and conditioning
Neck & Décolleté Creams
Mature skin care
Scalp Serums
Scalp conditioning
Hair Density Serums
Fuller-looking hair appearance
Professional Skincare
Advanced peptide-based cosmetic treatments
Recommended Usage Rate
The appropriate concentration depends on the supplier's purity, product form, formulation, and available safety data.
For preliminary formulation development, a 0.01–0.1% concentration of pure GHK-Cu powder may be considered as an exploratory range, not a universally validated or regulatory-approved dosage.
Commercial diluted peptide solutions may require substantially different addition rates depending on their actual GHK-Cu content.
Formulation Guidelines
Solubility: Soluble in water.
Recommended Addition: Incorporate during the cool-down phase, preferably below 40°C, subject to supplier guidance.
pH: A mildly acidic to near-neutral formulation is generally preferred; confirm the specific peptide's stability range with the supplier.
Compatibility: Evaluate compatibility with strong acids, chelating agents, oxidizing ingredients, and other reactive actives.
Storage: Keep tightly sealed, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, according to supplier instructions.
Preservation: Water-based formulations require a suitable preservative system and microbial testing.
Important: GHK-Cu is not interchangeable with un complexed GHK peptide. Copper complexation affects the material's properties and formulation behaviour.
Ideal Cosmetic Formulations
Copper Tripeptide-1 is especially suitable for:
Advanced anti-aging peptide serums
Skin-firming facial treatments
Hydrating peptide gels
Mature skin creams
Eye-area treatments
Scalp-conditioning serums
Fuller-looking hair formulations
Professional cosmetic skincare products
