GHK-Cu

The peptide with the most plausible cosmetic evidence in this catalog. Still not a drug. Injectable 'GHK-Cu protocols' are a different, poorly documented practice from topical serum use.

A copper-binding tripeptide found in plasma. It has been studied for effects on extracellular matrix genes, antioxidant enzymes, and wound-related signaling. Topical cosmetic use is the main real-world channel.

Pickart's body of work plus some independent dermal studies show signals on collagen appearance, tightness, and wound markers. Trials are small, often industry-adjacent, and not at the standard of a dermatologic drug approval.

Used in cosmetics as copper tripeptide-1. Not an FDA-approved drug. Injectable compounding is not a substitute for a NDA.

Topical cosmetic serums containing copper tripeptide-1 are widely sold as cosmetics — that is a lawful cosmetic channel, not a drug approval. Injectable GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug. FDA has discussed injectable GHK-Cu among peptide compounding concerns.

Same four pathways as the Sourcing guide.

Cosmetic topicals are out-of-pocket. Injectables are not a pharmacy benefit.

Injectable 'GHK-Cu protocols' from research vendors and some cash clinics. Copper load, sterility, and concentration are not standardized.

Strand does not list vendors. See the grey market.

Topical: generally well tolerated; copper allergy is possible. Injectable use is not a characterized pharmaceutical and adds sterility/metal-load questions.

• Topical: generally well tolerated; copper allergy is possible.
• Injectable use is not a characterized pharmaceutical.
• Do not confuse a serum with a systemic regenerative drug.

• Pickart & Margolina · 2018 · Biomed Res Int

  GHK-Cu peptide in skin remodeling and anti-oxidative defense. PMID 30498412.

• Cosmetic ingredient

  Copper tripeptide-1 in topical products — a cosmetic, not a NDA.