GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide with a long research history in skin and hair contexts. Our cheapest per-milligram skin line.
Also known as: Copper tripeptide-1
Research context
- Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide.
- Studied in skin remodelling and hair-follicle research.
- Available in 50mg and 100mg.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, copper tripeptide-1) is a three-amino-acid copper-binding peptide that occurs naturally in human plasma and is one of the most-studied topical peptides in cosmetic and dermal-repair research. It is the anchor of our skin, hair & tan line and, at £6.80 per 50 mg vial, the cheapest per-milligram compound we supply — which is exactly why most multi-peptide skin protocols start here as the base.
It is supplied as the plain research chemical (dry powder, documented batch) so you or your formulator control the finished product. The reconstitution and formulation context lives at our reconstitution guide; the category-level research position at the skin & hair guide.
How it sits in the skin, hair & tan category
| GHK-Cu | Snap-8 | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category role | Remodelling base — the "daily" peptide in most protocols | Expression-line softening (SNARE pathway) | Tan / pigmentation (MC1R agonist) |
| Typical use | Topical, day or night, standalone or as a base for blends | Topical, evening, often paired with GHK-Cu | Injectable in most protocols (not a topical base) |
| PSG price (entry vial) | £6.80 / 50 mg (bank £6.12) | £9.35 / 10 mg (bank £8.41) | see Melanotan II |
| Buy | 50 mg or 100 mg | 10 mg | — |
Research positioning only — the comparison reflects how the compounds are characterised in the cosmetic literature, not a clinical claim. The usual full-face pairing is GHK-Cu (day) + Snap-8 (evening); the two pages cross-link for exactly that reason.
Handling & reconstitution
- Storage: sealed vial, refrigerated (2–8 °C), in the dark. The reconstituted solution is best used within a month refrigerated.
- Reconstitution: bacteriostatic water or a cosmetic buffer (pH ~5–6) — see the guide for the standard technique.
- Formulation note: because it is a cheap per-mg base, it is the peptide most often blended into finished serums alongside Snap-8 or other actives.
- Not for: injection in our supply terms, ophthalmic use, or broken skin unless your protocol says so.
Ordering
50 mg at £6.80 (bank £6.12) or 100 mg at £11.05 (bank £9.95). Card checkout runs on Stripe and the vial ships in UK tracked dispatch; bank transfer prices confirm on clearance. Every vial comes from a documented batch — COA and lab policy at our COA page, delivery times at delivery & payment.
Frequently asked
What is GHK-Cu actually used for?
It is studied as a copper-binding peptide involved in skin remodelling — collagen-related signalling, wound- healing support and, in hair research, follicle-cycle context. It is the base peptide in most topical protocols we see in UK orders, usually combined with Snap-8 for a full-face approach.
Is GHK-Cu the same as "copper peptide" cream?
It is the active in those creams. PSG supplies the dry research-grade peptide — you or your formulator make the finished product. That is the same model as the rest of the catalogue, and it is why the per-mg price is so much lower than a retail cream.
50 mg or 100 mg?
For a single topical protocol the 50 mg vial is the standard starting size. The 100 mg vial is for people running a longer protocol or making a larger batch of finished product — it works out cheaper per milligram.
Can I mix GHK-Cu with Snap-8 in one product?
Yes — the two are chemically compatible in standard cosmetic buffers and are combined in commercial products. Reconstitute each separately and combine at working concentration. Research guidance, not a formulation manual.
How long do I have to use it before judging results?
Most cosmetic protocols run 8–12 weeks before an assessment. Shorter windows are common in the retail world, but the published topical work is measured in months, not days. Research context, not a promise.
Is it refrigerated and tracked?
Sealed glass vial, refrigerated UK tracked dispatch with batch documentation. Card via Stripe; bank transfer at 10% off. Delivery and returns at delivery & payment.