GHK-Cu explained: the copper peptide in skincare
GHK-Cu is shorthand for a copper peptide made of three amino acids, glycine, histidine and lysine, bound to a copper ion. Its cosmetic ingredient name is Copper Tripeptide-1. It occurs naturally in the body, becomes less abundant with age, and is used topically in serums, moisturisers and haircare.
What does the name mean?
G, H and K are the single letter codes for three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine. Cu is the chemical symbol for copper. So GHK-Cu is simply those three amino acids carrying a copper ion.
On an ingredients list you will usually see it written as Copper Tripeptide-1, which is the standardised cosmetic name for the same thing.
Why is it blue?
The colour comes from the copper itself, not from any added dye. It is one of the few actives you can identify by looking at the bottle.
A copper peptide serum that is completely clear is worth asking questions about.
How are copper peptide cosmetics regulated?
In the UK, a copper peptide serum or shampoo is a cosmetic and is regulated as one. That means a safety assessment before it goes on sale, a full ingredients list on the pack, and no medical claims.
It works on the appearance of skin and hair. It is not a medicine and is not presented as one.
British Peptides makes cosmetics only. Everything we sell goes on skin, scalp or hair.
Where does it appear in our range?
Copper Tripeptide-1 is the active across the whole range: the serums, the moisturisers, the sheet mask, and the shampoo and conditioner.
Two products pair it with SNAP-8, another cosmetic peptide, for people who want more than one peptide in a single step.
Everything is formulated and made in Britain, and every batch is quality checked before release.
Common questions
Is GHK-Cu the same as copper peptides?
GHK-Cu is one specific copper peptide, the one most used in cosmetics. All GHK-Cu is a copper peptide, but not every copper peptide is GHK-Cu.
What percentage of GHK-Cu should a serum have?
There is no single correct figure, and a high number on a label means little without knowing the formula around it. Formulation, pH and how well the product is tolerated matter more than the percentage alone.
Is GHK-Cu suitable for sensitive skin?
It is generally well tolerated and does not typically cause the flaking associated with starting retinol. Patch test first, as you would with any new product.
Related guides
- Peptides in skincare: what they are and which ones matter
- What are copper peptides? A plain English guide
- What is SNAP-8? The expression line peptide explained
Cosmetic products for external use only. Copper peptide products support the appearance of skin and hair. They are cosmetics, not medicines.