What it is
GHK-Cu is a small peptide (three amino acids) bound to copper. It occurs naturally in blood, saliva and urine, and levels drop with age.
It is widely used in skin and hair care products. Lab studies suggest it may support collagen production and wound repair.
US regulatory status
Topical GHK-Cu is sold in cosmetics, but injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved. The FDA removed injectable GHK-Cu from its Category 2 list in April 2026, and an advisory committee review is planned by early 2027; it is not currently an accepted bulk substance for compounding.
What the research shows
Lab and animal studies, plus some small cosmetic studies, suggest topical GHK-Cu may improve skin firmness and appearance. There is little to no quality human research on injecting it.
How it is given
Topical cream or serum; injection (unapproved)
Commonly reported side effects
- Skin irritation or redness (topical)
- Injection site reactions
- Possible skin discoloration at injection sites
- Limited data on injected use
Questions to ask your provider
- Is a topical copper peptide product a reasonable choice for my skin goals?
- What evidence exists for injecting GHK-Cu compared with using it on the skin?
- Could copper products interact with any of my health conditions?