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No. 023peptide

GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a peptide that is sold over the counter.

Also known as Copper peptide, Copper tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide bound to copper. It is widely used in cosmetic serums for skin firmness and hair products, while injectable versions sold online are a separate, unapproved use.

In 1 example journal

An unlabeled amber glass dropper bottle standing on a wooden pedestal against a bright white wall with soft palm-leaf shadows.
Over the counter

Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?

Sold without a prescription. Supplements are not reviewed by the FDA before sale, so third-party testing matters. Topical GHK-Cu is legally sold as a cosmetic ingredient. Injectable GHK-Cu is not approved; its nomination was withdrawn in April 2026, while non-injectable GHK-Cu is back in FDA's 503A Category 1 with an advisory committee review planned before the end of February 2027.

As of September 23, 2026.

Key takeaways

  • GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide that occurs naturally in the body and is common in cosmetic serums.
  • Topical products are legal cosmetics. Injectable GHK-Cu sold online is not approved.
  • Human evidence is small, short and mostly cosmetic-industry funded.
  • FDA plans an advisory committee review of non-injectable GHK-Cu before the end of February 2027.

How does GHK-Cu work?

GHK is a tiny three-amino-acid peptide found in human blood that binds copper. In lab and animal studies, GHK-Cu supports wound repair, collagen production and new blood vessel growth, and changes the activity of many genes.

In skin care, the idea is that applying it helps skin look firmer. Small cosmetic studies report modest changes, but the larger claims come from lab and animal work.

An amber glass dropper bottle with a blank white label standing against a bright, minimal background.
A bright marble bathroom counter with a vessel sink, fresh tulips and unbranded glass soap dispensers.
A bright white marble bathroom with a black stone counter and an unbranded soap dispenser.

Can GHK-Cu be used with microneedling?

GHK-Cu is frequently paired with microneedling in online routines, but FDA-authorized microneedling devices are not cleared to deliver cosmetic serums, topical medications, vitamins, drugs or blood products into the skin. FDA says the risks of combining microneedling with products it has not evaluated are not known. FDA: Microneedling devices

A normal cosmetic serum is formulated for intact skin and should not be assumed to be sterile or suitable for freshly punctured skin. The available GHK-Cu study often cited in this area was a small study after laser resurfacing, not a trial of at-home microneedling with GHK-Cu. Topical copper tripeptide complex after CO2 laser resurfacing (small study)

If you are considering professional microneedling, ask the treating clinician which aftercare products they use, why they use them, whether the product is intended for use on disrupted skin and what complications should prompt follow-up.

What does the evidence say about GHK-Cu?

Emerging evidence

Small cosmetic studies suggest modest skin benefits from topical use; claims for injectable or systemic benefits rest on lab and animal data.

What do clinicians say about GHK-Cu?

Topical GHK-Cu is considered a low-risk cosmetic ingredient with modest evidence. Regulators are cautious about injectable forms.

Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.

Is GHK-Cu right for you, and who should avoid it?

Often considered for

  • Adults looking for a cosmetic skin or scalp product, used topically

Not a fit, or needs extra care

  • Anyone considering injectable GHK-Cu from a research-chemical seller: it is unapproved and not made to drug standards
  • People with Wilson disease or another copper-handling disorder, without medical advice
  • People with sensitive or reactive skin should patch test first
  • Pregnancy: injectable use has no safety data

Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.

What are the risks and side effects of GHK-Cu?

  • Topical products can irritate sensitive skin; patch test first.
  • Injectable GHK-Cu from research-chemical sellers is not made to drug standards, and FDA raised concerns about immune reactions from aggregation.
  • People with Wilson disease or other copper-handling problems should avoid copper products without medical advice.

What should you ask a clinician about GHK-Cu?

  • Which topical options have the best evidence for my skin goal?
  • Is a prescription option like tretinoin a better fit?

These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.

How do people buy GHK-Cu?

An overhead array of several ceramic bowls and dishes holding unbranded capsules, softgels and tablets on a light surface.

  1. Topical GHK-Cu serums are sold as cosmetics without a prescription.

  2. Some telehealth services sell a GHK-Cu product as part of a hair program, after an online intake.

  3. Injectable versions are not available through a lawful route while FDA reviews the ingredient.

Where some people buy it

  • EdenSells a topical GHK-Cu hair foam that it labels as a cosmetic, not FDA-approved to treat hair loss; a membership is required.

From each provider’s own site, checked September 23, 2026. Programs change, so confirm the details before you sign up.

Where can I get GHK-Cu?

6 providers list GHK-Cu on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.

The OrdinaryMulti-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Lowest listed priceNo prescription
$32.00listed price†
Buy at The Ordinary
AmazonCopper peptide (GHK-Cu) skincare (multiple brands)
No prescription
see site
Buy at Amazon
EdenGHK-Cu hair foam (compounded)
Compounded, not FDA-approvedClinician consult required
see site
Start at Eden
NIODCopper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 (CAIS3)
No prescription
see site
Buy at NIOD
TargetCopper peptide (GHK-Cu) skincare (multiple brands)
No prescription
see site
Buy at Target
WalmartCopper peptide (GHK-Cu) skincare (multiple brands)
No prescription
see site
Buy at Walmart

† Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.

Compare and learn

GHK-Cu: questions, answered

Is GHK-Cu safe on skin?

Topical use is generally well tolerated in cosmetic studies. Patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Does it regrow hair?

There is no good human evidence that it does. Products sold for hair are labeled as cosmetics, not hair-loss treatments.

Can I apply GHK-Cu during microneedling?

The combination is promoted online, but FDA-authorized microneedling devices are not cleared to deliver cosmetics or drugs into the skin. A serum made for intact skin should not be assumed to be sterile or suitable for freshly punctured skin.

What about injectable GHK-Cu?

It is not approved, and FDA has raised concerns about immune reactions and impurities. It is not lawfully available for personal use while FDA reviews it.

Can I get it through telehealth?

Only topical cosmetic products. At least one telehealth brand sells a topical hair foam. Injectable GHK-Cu has no lawful telehealth route today.

Important safety information

Key risks

  • Topical products can irritate sensitive skin; patch test first.
  • Injectable GHK-Cu from research-chemical sellers is not made to drug standards, and FDA raised concerns about immune reactions from aggregation.
  • People with Wilson disease or other copper-handling problems should avoid copper products without medical advice.

Talk to a clinician first, or avoid it, if

  • Anyone considering injectable GHK-Cu from a research-chemical seller: it is unapproved and not made to drug standards
  • People with Wilson disease or another copper-handling disorder, without medical advice
  • People with sensitive or reactive skin should patch test first
  • Pregnancy: injectable use has no safety data

This is not a complete list of risks. Talk to a licensed clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. If you have a severe reaction, call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Sources

Also checked for this guide

Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.

Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.

Example journals

Journals with GHK-Cu.

Unbranded amber dropper bottles and a wooden soap dish beside a bright white sink.
Jordan
From a creator
Example

Hair & skin, the proven list

The treatments with actual trials behind them, and one cosmetic peptide I like.

FinasterideMinoxidilTretinoinGHK-Cu
Same goal

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