GHK vs. GHK Cu

GHK stands for glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, and it's a natural tripeptide found in the human body in plasma, saliva, and urine made up of three amino acids. The "Cu" in GHK-Cu stands for copper, which means it's the copper-bound form of the GHK peptide.

As a peptide, GHK is involved in a number of biological activities, including promoting collagen production, cell growth, and supporting a healthy inflammatory process.

Binding the GHK to a copper ion upgrades the peptide's activity in the body, especially when it comes to supporting hair growth, skin repair, the formation of new blood vessels, and DNA repair. Usually, basic GHK will bind to copper ions found in the body, but by combining them before, you’re essentially increasing its bioavailability.  

Comparison Between GHK and GHK-CU

GHK is a tiny peptide made up of three amino acids that the body uses to help with cellular function. It has an affinity for copper molecules, and when it comes to the GHK-Cu peptide, it's much more active. This is because many of the body's repair enzymes need copper ions to do their jobs, and GHK-Cu acts as an efficient delivery system for this.

GHK-Cu is the form most often used in skincare because it helps support the skin’s natural repair process and keeps skin looking firm and smooth. 

You don't typically find GHK basic peptide on its own as a product. However, if you happen to be choosing between the two, GHK-Cu is usually the better option since it helps the body use copper in a way that supports healthy skin.

Does GHK Combine with Copper Ions Naturally?

GHK can bind to copper ions naturally. GHK is produced naturally in the body and binds to free copper ions in the blood, forming GHK-Cu. This complex is what's used in wound healing and skin health processes.

But as we get older, we tend to produce less GHK and have less readily available copper, which can affect the body's ability to support healthy skin and cellular repair. This is why there's been so much interest around the research on GHK-Cu for skin and tissue health, especially in older adults.

Can You Separate GHK and Copper?

Technically, yes, you can separate GHK and copper in a lab, but it's not really practical or useful.

GHK peptide and copper are bonded through what's called a chelating process, which means they form a stable complex. Separating the two compounds would require a lab and chemistry expertise.

If you happen to do this, you'd likely destroy the peptide or make it unstable, so if you're just looking for pure GHK (without the copper), you'd need to buy it that way from the start.

Can You Buy GHK without Copper?

You can buy GHK peptide without the copper, but it's not easy to find. Most skincare formulations contain the more stable and active version of the peptide, known as GHK-Cu.

Pure GHK is sometimes sold for research purposes or for manufacturers creating custom formulations that require the addition of copper ions separately.

If you're looking to buy GHK without copper, check the label carefully. It should be GHK or tri-peptide-1, not GHK-Cu or copper peptide. You can also ask the supplier if it's copper-free and whether it’s intended for cosmetic or research use.

Buying it is one thing, but handling it is another altogether. A significant reason why GHK isn't well-suited for sale on its own is its rapid degradation when not stored properly, rendering it useless.

Which is Better, GHK or GHK-Cu?

GHk-Cu is likely to be the superior ingredient for skincare or haircare products, as it's significantly more biologically active and stable. You'll often see it as an ingredient in face serums, creams, and even scalp care treatments because of the research behind its use for supporting collagen and elastin synthesis and skin tissue repair [1].

Copper peptides are also sometimes injected for a more direct supply into the body. It's not for everyone, but it's become a popular form of therapy for healing and anti-aging skin treatments. 

We don't recommend sticking yourself with a needle of copper peptides or conducting micro-needling treatments at home. Needles have a high risk of infection, so they should be done in a professional setting.

Another alternative is copper peptide tablets. While there is less research on the benefits of consuming copper peptide tablets compared to intravenous or topical use, and as such, copper peptide dosages aren't well understood, it's a growing area of interest for individuals seeking to support their body's natural collagen production and tissue healing from the inside out.

The idea is that oral supplements may provide a systemic supply of the building blocks needed for the body to produce GHK-Cu naturally, but more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of this route.

For now, topical GHK-Cu remains the most research-supported and widely used method, especially for skincare and haircare routines.

Resources:

1. Zhao, X., Zhang, X., & Liu, D. (2021). Collagen peptides and the related synthetic peptides: A review on improving skin health. Journal of Functional Foods, 86, 104680.