GHK-Cu is a copper peptide. It combines a short chain of three amino acids with copper. In cosmetic ingredient lists, you'll come across it under the name Copper Tripeptide-1. Behind this much-discussed ingredient lies a research history that goes back to the 1980s.
Here you'll get to know the building blocks, find out what has actually been studied, and learn to tell GHK-Cu apart from the other peptides in your skincare.
What does GHK-Cu mean?
G stands for glycine, H for histidine and K for lysine. These three amino acids form the tripeptide GHK. “Cu” is the chemical symbol for copper. Together they form a complex in which the peptide binds copper. The PubChem substance entry also lists it under the name Copper Tripeptide-1.
In this context, the spellings GHK-Cu, GHK Cu and GHKCu refer to the same copper peptide complex. On cosmetic packaging, however, the full INCI name is the most helpful.
Why is skin research interested in copper peptides?
Collagen is part of the skin's supporting framework. The cells that produce such components of connective tissue are called fibroblasts. In an original paper by Maquart and colleagues from 1988 GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures. The effect could not simply be attributed to a higher number of cells.
This is an interesting result from the cell lab: it explains part of the scientific interest in GHK-Cu and its role in research on skin tissue. A measurement on cultured cells is, however, something different from a measured change in wrinkles after applying a finished cream.
GHK-Cu and anti-ageing skincare
In anti-ageing cosmetics, the focus is on skin texture, moisture and the appearance of fine lines, among other things. Copper peptides are studied in this context because they act on biologically interesting processes. For practical use, the stability of the peptide and how it is incorporated into the formulation also matter.
A scientific review of GHK and its derivatives describes both these approaches and the importance of skin permeability and formulation. The authors see promising laboratory findings and at the same time point out the limited number of clinical studies. For us, both belong to clear skincare knowledge: explaining the ingredient and naming the type of study.
Is every peptide a copper peptide?
No. “Peptides” is an umbrella term for different amino acid chains. Tetrapeptide-21 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 are different ingredients with their own research focuses. The name “peptide cream” alone therefore doesn't tell you which peptide it contains.
Our overview of peptides and skin layers helps you put this into context. For a targeted choice, it's then worth looking at the ingredient list of the individual product.
GHK-Cu in your skincare
Discover our GHK-Cu Body Lotion · 400 ml and our GHK-Cu Face Mask · 5 Sheets. Both formulations contain Copper Tripeptide-1.
Frequently asked questions about GHK-Cu
How do I recognise GHK-Cu on the packaging?
Look for Copper Tripeptide-1 in the ingredient list. The general term “peptides” on the front is not enough to identify it.
Does a copper peptide replace sunscreen?
No. A peptide skincare product is not stated UV protection. A suitable sunscreen remains a separate step in your daytime routine.
Which EMIVABELLE products contain GHK-Cu?
Our GHK-Cu Body Lotion and the GHK-Cu Face Mask contain Copper Tripeptide-1. The other skincare products contain the peptides named on their respective product pages. You'll find the full INCI lists directly with each product.
EMIVABELLE skincare knowledge · As of: 15 October 2026. Sources: PubChem, substance identity; Maquart et al., FEBS Letters, 1988, cell culture; Mortazavi et al., review of topical GHK.