Ingredient Research
Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu)
A copper-binding peptide the body makes itself, shown in a double-blind trial to reduce the look of crow's-feet wrinkles.
−24.1%
Crow's-feet wrinkle volume in 8 weeks
With a GHK-Cu serum, against −15.0% with the plain serum base: 55.8% more reduction (p < 0.0001). Double-blind split-face trial of 40 women, funded by the serum's maker (Badenhorst et al., 2016).
7 in 10
Showed new collagen after one month
In thigh-skin biopsies with a copper peptide cream, against 5 in 10 with vitamin C and 4 in 10 with tretinoin. Ten people per cream, and no statistical test between the creams (Abdulghani et al., 1998).
4 weeks
First measured change
On the GHK-Cu side, crow's-feet wrinkle volume was already 17.2% lower than at the start after 4 weeks of twice-daily use, in the trial's first group of 19 women. The comparison with the plain serum base was made at week 8 (Badenhorst et al., 2016).
What Is Copper Peptide?
Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is a peptide of three amino acids bound to copper, found naturally in human blood and used in skincare for firmer, smoother-looking skin. In a randomised, double-blind split-face trial, a GHK-Cu serum reduced crow's-feet wrinkle volume by 24.1% in 8 weeks, against 15.0% with the plain serum base.
The results were measured with 3D skin imaging, not only judged by eye.
Written by the Skingenetix Research Team, which compiles the claims registers behind these pages.
By Skingenetix. Medically reviewed by Dr Esther Bodde, Cosmetic & Medical Physician. Every figure checked against the published paper or its PubMed record. Last reviewed 25 September 2026.
At a glance
- What it is: a three-amino-acid peptide bound to copper, present in human blood, where it was first isolated in 1973, used for firmer, smoother-looking skin.
- Best evidence: crow's-feet wrinkle volume −24.1% in 8 weeks with a GHK-Cu serum, against −15.0% with the plain serum base, in a double-blind split-face trial of 40 women funded by the serum's maker (Badenhorst et al., 2016).
- Independent evidence: a 2024 review of the cell and human studies concluded that "undoubtedly GHK is effective on wrinkle reduction" (Mortazavi et al., 2024), and a 2026 systematic review found that GHK-Cu significantly reduced wrinkle volume and depth compared with controls (Mokhtar et al., 2026).
- Not shown: no human study states the concentration it tested, so nothing links 2% to a result, and no study has tested it on sensitive skin.
- Safety: well tolerated by 39 of 40 women over 8 weeks in that trial, with no peeling, dryness or redness reported. Patch-test first.
- How to use: morning and evening, for 8 weeks, with SPF in the morning.
Copper peptide features in our routines for firmer, denser-looking skin and skin repair and renewal.
What Does Copper Peptide Do for Skin?
Laboratory research. In cell studies, copper peptide increases the collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans that give skin its firmness and bounce (Pickart et al., 2015). An independent 2026 review found that the laboratory data consistently show GHK-Cu raising collagen and glycosaminoglycan production (Mokhtar et al., 2026). On this page we cite only what was measured on skin or in skin cells.
Here are the benefits of copper peptide that the evidence shows, strongest first. Each line opens the study behind it.
The trial did not state the GHK-Cu concentration of its serum; our serum, day gel-cream and night cream each contain 2%. No study has tested whether more GHK-Cu does more, so we make no such claim. Read our appraisal of the 40-woman split-face trial.
Before
After 8 weeks
Wrinkle volume −24.1% vs −15.0% on the plain serum base (8‑week trial)
Crow's-Feet Wrinkle Volume −24.1% in 8 Weeks
A randomised, double-blind split-face trial in 40 women aged 40 to 65, twice a day for 8 weeks, measured crow's-feet wrinkles with 3D imaging. The plain serum base on the other side carried neither the peptide nor the nano-carrier that delivered it, so the difference covers both.
Results with the GHK-Cu serum:
- Wrinkle volume reduced 55.8% more than with the plain serum base (p < 0.0001), and wrinkle depth 32.8% more (p = 0.0123)
- Every woman using the GHK-Cu serum saw her wrinkle volume and depth go down
Badenhorst T et al. (2016). J Aging Sci, 4(3):166. View study
Before
After 12 weeks
Firmer-looking skin, fewer fine lines (face-cream study, 71 women)
Firmer-Looking Skin and Fewer Fine Lines in 12 Weeks
In a 12-week study of a copper-peptide face cream in 71 women, the reported results were firmer, clearer-looking skin, fewer fine lines, shallower wrinkles, and denser, thicker skin.
A companion 12-week study of a copper-peptide eye cream in 41 women did better than both a placebo and an eye cream with vitamin K.
Both studies were presented at a dermatology meeting in 2002 and are known from published reviews (Pickart et al., 2015; Mortazavi et al., 2024).
New Collagen in 7 of 10 People After One Month
A one-month study compared four creams on the thighs of 20 healthy people, ten per cream, and examined skin biopsies under the microscope.
Result: new collagen in 7 of 10 people using the copper-binding peptide cream, against 5 of 10 with vitamin C, 5 of 10 with melatonin and 4 of 10 with tretinoin.
This is a count of people who showed new collagen, not a ranking: the creams were not tested against each other.
Abdulghani AA et al. (1998). Dis Manag Clin Outcomes, 1(4):136–141. View study
More Collagen and About 30% More Elastin in Skin Cells
A laboratory result, not a result in people. In the same study as the crow's-feet trial, human skin cells treated with GHK-Cu made more collagen, and about 30% more elastin at every concentration tested.
A separate laboratory study found that copper-GHK helped the skin's surface cells multiply, and raised the markers of the cells that renew the skin's surface in lab-grown skin (Kang et al., 2009).
Well Tolerated by 39 of 40 Women
In the 8-week controlled trial, 39 of the 40 women tolerated the GHK-Cu serum well, used twice a day on the face.
None of them reported peeling, dryness or redness, the reactions the researchers checked for. Patch-test any new product first.
GHK-Cu in Head-to-Head Studies: What Was Measured
Two studies that compared copper peptide with something else: the plain serum base, and three other creams.
Crow's-feet wrinkles after 8 weeks
Double-blind split-face trial: GHK-Cu serum on one side, the plain serum base on the other, twice a day. Change from the start, PRIMOS 3D, in the 20 of the trial's 40 women who had this comparison.
GHK-Cu serumPlain serum base
Wrinkle volume
Wrinkle depth
| Measure | GHK-Cu serum | Plain serum base |
|---|---|---|
| Wrinkle volume | −24.1% | −15.0% |
| Wrinkle depth | −20.3% | −15.3% |
Both sides improved, and the GHK-Cu side more: wrinkle volume −24.1% against −15.0%, depth −20.3% against −15.3% (Badenhorst et al., 2016). Relative to that plain base, that is 55.8% more volume reduction (p<0.0001) and 32.8% more depth reduction (p = 0.0123).
The plain base carried neither GHK-Cu nor the lipid nano-carrier that delivered it, so the gap covers both. The trial was funded by the serum's maker.
New collagen in skin biopsies after one month
People out of 10 per cream whose biopsy showed new collagen production (procollagen). Creams applied to the thigh; no statistical test between creams.
Copper peptide cream
Vitamin C cream
Melatonin cream
Tretinoin cream
| Cream | People with new collagen |
|---|---|
| Copper peptide cream | 7 of 10 |
| Vitamin C cream | 5 of 10 |
| Melatonin cream | 5 of 10 |
| Tretinoin cream | 4 of 10 |
7 in 10 people showed new collagen production with the copper peptide cream after one month, against 5 in 10 with vitamin C or melatonin and 4 in 10 with tretinoin (Abdulghani et al., 1998). The study counted responders and did not test whether the creams differed, so it shows a pattern, not a proven ranking.
Human skin biopsies, but thigh skin and 10 people per cream.
What 2% GHK-Cu Means
Our Copper Peptide Renewal Serum, Day Gel-Cream and Night Cream each contain 2% GHK-Cu, and we state it on the pack. Most published studies do not say what concentration they tested, so there is no proven best percentage. Stating ours lets you compare like with like.
How to Use Copper Peptide
- 1Start cleanMorning and evening, on freshly cleansed skin, as the trial did.
- 2Give it eight weeksPress three to four drops onto slightly damp skin across the face and neck, twice a day. The trial measured its results at week 8, and wrinkles were already reduced at week 4.
- 3Finish with SPFEvery morning, as the last step of your routine.
Copper peptide sits well alongside other peptides such as Matrixyl 3000 and PDRN. Patch-test any new product first.
Copper Peptide Evidence & Sources
Every study this page relies on, with its published title, our reading of it and a link to the source. Graded A controlled human trial measured by instrument · B smaller, uncontrolled or manufacturer data · D cells or animals · Review a summary of other work.
| Study | Grade | What it found |
|---|---|---|
Effects of GHK-Cu on MMP and TIMP Expression, Collagen and Elastin Production, and Facial Wrinkle Parameters Badenhorst T, Svirskis D, Merrilees M, Bolke L, Wu Z, 2016 · J Aging Sci · 4(3):166 View study → | A | 40 women aged 40–65, 8 weeks, randomised, double-blind, split-face, measured by 3D imaging. Against the plain serum base: wrinkle volume −24.1% vs −15.0% (55.8% more, p < 0.0001) and depth 32.8% more (p = 0.0123); against a Matrixyl 3000 product, volume 31.6% more (p = 0.0044). The base carried neither the peptide nor the nano-carrier that delivered it, so the gap covers both. Well tolerated by 39 of 40. Funded by the serum's maker; published in a journal with weaker peer review. |
Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin Abdulghani AA et al., 1998 · Dis Manag Clin Outcomes · 1(4):136–141 View study → | B | 20 healthy people, one month, four creams on the thighs, ten people per cream. Biopsies showed new collagen in 7 of 10 with the copper-binding peptide cream, against 5 of 10 with vitamin C, 5 with melatonin and 4 with tretinoin. A count of people; the creams were not tested against each other. |
Copper-GHK increases integrin expression and p63 positivity by keratinocytes Kang YA et al., 2009 · Arch Dermatol Res · 301(4):301–306 View on PubMed → | D | Human skin-surface cells multiplied faster with copper-GHK in culture; in lab-grown skin, markers of the cells that renew the surface rose. A laboratory result, not a result in people. |
The Regenerative Potential of GHK-Cu in Aesthetic Medicine Mokhtar J et al., 2026 · Aesthet Surg J · sjag169 View on PubMed → | Review | A systematic review of 20 studies to March 2026: 18 laboratory studies and 2 controlled trials in people. It concluded that GHK-Cu significantly reduced wrinkle volume and depth compared with controls, and that the laboratory data consistently show it raising collagen and glycosaminoglycan production. |
Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective Mortazavi SM, Mohammadi Vadoud SA, Moghimi HR, 2024 · BioImpacts · 15:30071 View on PubMed → | Review | An independent review of the cell and human studies. It concludes that "undoubtedly GHK is effective on wrinkle reduction" and that, given the published studies, it improves the signs of sun-related skin ageing. |
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A, 2015 · BioMed Res Int · 2015:648108 View on PubMed → | Review | A review by the scientist who first isolated GHK, in 1973. It summarises GHK-Cu's role in the collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans that skin cells make, and reports the 2002 face-cream (71 women) and eye-cream (41 women) studies. |
Published titles are quoted exactly as they appear in the journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Copper Peptide GHK-Cu.
What is copper peptide GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) bound to a copper ion. It occurs naturally in human blood plasma, where it was first isolated in 1973, and its level falls with age. In skincare it is used to support the look of firmer, smoother skin.
How does copper peptide support the skin's collagen?
In a one-month skin-biopsy study on the thighs, with ten people per cream, 7 in 10 people using a copper peptide cream showed new collagen, against 5 in 10 with vitamin C and 4 in 10 with tretinoin. That is a count of people, not a ranking of the creams. In laboratory studies, GHK-Cu increases the collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans that skin cells make.
How long does copper peptide take to work?
In the double-blind trial, wrinkle volume on the GHK-Cu side was already 17.2% lower than at the start after 4 weeks of twice-daily use, and lower still at 8 weeks, when the trial measured its main result. The biopsy study saw new collagen in 7 of 10 people after one month. Give it 8 weeks of twice-daily use before judging.
What concentration does Skingenetix use?
Our copper peptide serum, day gel-cream and night cream each contain 2% GHK-Cu. No published human study states the concentration it tested, so no percentage has been proven best. We give ours so you can compare products like for like.
Does copper peptide work better than Matrixyl 3000 or retinol?
On one measure, in one trial. In the double-blind trial, the GHK-Cu serum reduced wrinkle volume 31.6% more than a Matrixyl 3000 product. Against retinoids there is no fair comparison: the biopsy study used tretinoin, not retinol, and counted people who showed new collagen (7 in 10 with copper peptide, 4 in 10 with tretinoin) without testing whether the creams differed. We use both peptides in our routines rather than ranking them.
What should I not mix with copper peptides, and how do I layer them?
No combination has been tested in a trial. Our serum already pairs 2% GHK-Cu with a stable vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) and niacinamide in one formula. If you separately use pure L-ascorbic acid vitamin C, strong acids (AHA or BHA) or high-strength retinol, apply those at a different time of day. Copper peptides are not acids or exfoliants, so they layer easily with other peptides, hyaluronic acid and moisturisers: apply the serum to clean skin, then your cream, then SPF in the morning. Introduce one new product at a time.
Is GHK-Cu safe for sensitive skin?
In the 8-week controlled trial, 39 of 40 women tolerated the GHK-Cu serum well, with none of the peeling, dryness or redness seen with retinoids; the one minor reaction is described under "Who should be careful" below. There is no study in sensitive skin specifically, so patch-test any new product on a small area, such as behind the ear, for 24 to 48 hours before using it on your face.
Who should be careful with copper peptides, and are creams the same as the injections sold online?
In the 8-week controlled trial, 39 of 40 women tolerated the GHK-Cu serum well; one had minor skin reactions on both sides of the face and stopped, and they settled without treatment. Our 2% products have no tolerance study of their own, so patch-test first. It has not been tested in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Do not apply it to broken skin, keep it away from the eyes, and see a pharmacist or dermatologist if a reaction persists. A cream or serum is a cosmetic applied to the skin; the GHK-Cu injections and powders sold online are a different, unregulated use, and nothing on this page is about them.
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Experience the research in our Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) 2% Renewal Serum.