Skip to main content
Subscribe and save 15% on your first order
BioHack London

Research Compound

GHK-Cu: what it is & how it’s tested

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide — the amino-acid sequence glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) complexed with a copper ion. The GHK sequence occurs naturally in human plasma. It is supplied lyophilised as a research compound for in vitro laboratory study only.

Research use only

For in vitro laboratory research only. Not for human or animal consumption; not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. 18+.

Written by Sebastian Reuters, Science & Health WriterLast updated August 2026

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide — the amino-acid sequence glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) complexed with a copper ion. The GHK sequence occurs naturally in human plasma. It is supplied lyophilised as a research compound for in vitro laboratory study only.

What GHK-Cu is

GHK-Cu pairs the short GHK tripeptide (three amino acids: glycine, histidine, lysine) with a copper ion (Cu). The peptide’s strong affinity for copper is a defining, well-studied feature of the molecule.

Both the peptide identity and its purity can be characterised analytically — mass spectrometry confirms the tripeptide, and HPLC measures purity — so each batch can be reported on an independent Certificate of Analysis.

Where GHK-Cu appears in research

In the research literature, GHK and GHK-Cu are studied in skin, regeneration and copper-biochemistry research. This describes the research domain in which the compound appears, not a claim of any effect. GHK-Cu is not a cosmetic, medicine or supplement, and is not approved for human or veterinary use.

How GHK-Cu should be tested

Quality is a matter of evidence, not the label. A credible supplier tests every batch at an independent laboratory: HPLC measures purity as a percentage (commonly to a ≥99% benchmark), and mass spectrometry confirms the compound’s identity.

The result should be a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis you can verify at source. Learn how to read a COA, or see BioHack London’s independent GHK-Cu reports.

Storage, handling and reconstitution

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) GHK-Cu is generally kept cool, dry and out of light. Reconstitution — dissolving it in a suitable solvent such as bacteriostatic water — is done immediately before laboratory use, and the reconstituted solution is typically refrigerated and used within a limited period.

Our reconstitution calculator helps work out solvent volumes, and bacteriostatic water is available in the range.

GHK-Cu: frequently asked questions

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide — the sequence glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) complexed with a copper ion. The GHK sequence occurs naturally in human plasma. It is supplied as a lyophilised research compound for in vitro laboratory research use only.

Why is GHK-Cu associated with copper?

The GHK tripeptide has a strong natural affinity for copper ions, forming the GHK-Cu complex. This copper-binding property is a defining structural feature of the molecule and is a focus of the research literature on it.

How is GHK-Cu tested for purity?

A credible supplier tests each batch at an independent laboratory — HPLC for purity (commonly to a ≥99% benchmark) and mass spectrometry to confirm identity — and publishes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis you can verify at source.

How should GHK-Cu be stored?

Lyophilised GHK-Cu is generally kept cool, dry and out of light. Once reconstituted with a suitable solvent, it is typically refrigerated and used within a limited period, following appropriate laboratory practice.

Is GHK-Cu for human use?

No. GHK-Cu is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or animal consumption and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Purchasers must be 18 or over.

Related research compounds

GHK-Cu, independently tested and verifiable.

Every batch is tested to a minimum 99% purity, with a Certificate of Analysis you can verify.