Overview
Anyone researching GHK-Cu has likely come across its reputation in skin health and wound care circles. This overview sticks to what the registered chemical and trial data actually show, without getting ahead of the evidence.
Key Takeaways
- GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide with the molecular formula C14H21CuN6O4- and a molecular weight of about 400.9.
- Three clinical trials are currently registered involving GHK-Cu.
- A completed phase 4 trial evaluated facial skin quality, hydration, and skin barrier function after Hydrafacial treatments.
- A phase 2 trial is recruiting to test a topical GHK-Cu gel for acute skin wound healing.
- An early-stage study not yet recruiting will examine circulating GHK and GHK-Cu levels following use of a topical patch.
What GHK-Cu Is
GHK-Cu is a small peptide that binds copper, giving it the distinctive copper-containing structure reflected in its molecular formula, C14H21CuN6O4-. It carries a molecular weight of roughly 400.9 and is catalogued under PubChem CID 139035031. Research interest centers on its role in skin biology, particularly processes tied to wound healing and skin barrier function.
What the Evidence Shows
Three clinical trials are registered for GHK-Cu, spanning different stages of development. One completed phase 4 trial looked at facial skin quality, hydration, and skin barrier outcomes across three Hydrafacial treatments in adults with varied skin types. A separate phase 2 trial is currently recruiting to assess a topical GHK-Cu gel for acute skin wound healing. A third study, not yet recruiting, is designed as a two-part investigation into how a topical patch affects circulating levels of GHK and GHK-Cu in healthy adults.