COMPOUND RESEARCH GUIDE · UPDATED 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
A practical guide to GHK-Cu identity, research context and the checks that help you compare copper-peptide products for laboratory work.
- PEPTIDE SEQUENCE
- Glycine–histidine–lysine
- COMPOUND
- GHK complexed with copper
- CATALOGUE AMOUNTS
- 50mg and 100mg formats
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a tripeptide made from glycine, histidine and lysine. GHK-Cu refers to its copper complex, also encountered under names such as copper tripeptide-1. The peptide and its copper complex should be distinguished when matching a material to a research method. PubChem: GHK-Cu compound record.
Start with the full material specification. Confirm whether the documentation describes the copper complex or the uncomplexed peptide, and check any stated counterion, hydration or formulation information. A familiar abbreviation alone does not answer all of those questions.
Read the research in its experimental context
GHK-Cu has been investigated in chemical-characterisation and cell-culture studies. For example, Maquart and colleagues reported a change in collagen synthesis in cultured fibroblasts exposed to the copper–tripeptide complex. This was a laboratory cell-culture finding; it should not be presented as evidence of a clinical outcome or a benefit from products sold here. Maquart et al., 1988: fibroblast-culture study.
Conato and colleagues examined GHK–copper complex formation using several analytical techniques and described complexes with different compositions and stabilities, including pH-dependent behaviour. This supports a practical point for method review: the chemical conditions are part of the experiment. Conato et al., 2001: copper-complex characterisation.
When comparing a publication with a prospective purchase, note the material identity, experimental model, measurement endpoint and stated limitations. Match the laboratory specification to your protocol instead of treating a paper about a compound as evidence for an untested batch.
Compare 50mg and 100mg GHK-Cu formats
GHK-Cu is listed in vials, refill cartridges and reusable V2 pen sets. Compare the amount and format separately: a larger labelled mass does not establish a higher concentration or a different level of purity.
| Format | Product listings | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Research vials |
50mg vial 100mg vial |
Required amount, supplied form, batch reference and preparation information. |
| Refill cartridges |
50mg cartridge 100mg cartridge |
Cartridge contents and V2 pen compatibility. The reusable pen is separate. |
| Reusable pen sets |
50mg V2 pen set 100mg V2 pen set |
Each set includes the reusable V2 pen and one cartridge in the stated amount; check full contents. |
Read our product-format guide for a broader comparison. Refer to the current product listing for availability and contents.
What to check in a GHK-Cu report
- Compound and batch identity: match GHK-Cu and the batch or lot reference across the label, order and analytical document.
- What “content” means: establish whether a value describes peptide content, copper content, complex content or another measured property. Do not treat those values as interchangeable.
- Purity method: read the test and reporting basis alongside a purity percentage. It does not automatically establish the mass supplied or answer every composition question.
- Coverage and limitations: note which tests were performed and which were not. A copper-content result or an identity result should not be inferred from a report that does not include it.
Keep evidence with the batch. Review the available reports and our guide to reading a COA. If you cannot find documentation matching your GHK-Cu product and batch, contact the team before ordering.
Common GHK-Cu purchasing questions
Are GHK and GHK-Cu the same specification?
No. GHK names the peptide; GHK-Cu identifies a copper complex. Confirm the exact material required by your protocol and the identity stated in the supporting documentation.
Is 100mg GHK-Cu twice the concentration of 50mg?
The names describe different labelled amounts. A concentration comparison also requires volume and formulation information. Do not infer it from the mass alone.
Can colour confirm the product’s purity?
Visual appearance is not a substitute for batch identification and analytical results. If the material differs from its supplied description, record the observation and raise it with the supplier before use.
Find the format and documentation you need
Explore GHK-Cu research products · Review the batch-record checklist · Browse all research guides
Prepared as a research purchasing guide using the sources linked above. Products are for professional laboratory and analytical research only, not human or veterinary use. Scientific references do not imply product endorsement, certification or clinical suitability.