HomeMedication GuideGlycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper safety

Copper-binding tripeptide — supplement / compounded cosmeceuticalSupplement / Nutraceutical

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide): Patient Information & Safety Notes

Name: GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide): Patient Information & Safety Notes
Creator: OmniRx Health

Also known as GHK-Cu, GHK copper

Other names: ghkcu, copper-peptide-ghk, ghk-copper

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma. It has been studied extensively for wound healing, collagen stimulation, and anti-aging skin effects. It is available in topical cosmeceutical products and compounded injectable preparations. No injectable form is FDA-approved.

GHK-Cu is available in OTC topical cosmeceutical products (not FDA-approved as drugs). Injectable GHK-Cu is a compounded preparation; it is not FDA-approved as an injectable drug. Topical use as a cosmetic ingredient is legal; injectable use is unvalidated.

Reviewed by the OmniRx Health clinical team•Last reviewed Jul 4, 2026

In plain language

What Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper is used for

Cosmeceutical: skin rejuvenation, wound healing, hair follicle support (topical)
Compounded injectable: anti-aging, skin and tissue repair (investigational, unvalidated)

Taking this medicine

How it is administered

Subcutaneous injection (compounded)
Topical serum/cream

Read before you decide

Risks and precautions

Risks and warnings

Flushing
Injection site irritation
Copper toxicity concerns with high-dose injectable use

Who should not take it

Copper allergy or Wilson's disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common questions

Patient questions

Is GHK-Cu safe for injection?

Injectable GHK-Cu is a compounded preparation with no FDA approval. Its systemic safety at injectable doses has not been established in peer-reviewed clinical trials. Topical GHK-Cu products have a strong safety record in cosmeceutical use.

Related medications

EpithalonSynthetic tetrapeptide — research compoundResearch / not FDA-approved ThymulinThymic zinc-dependent nonapeptide — research compoundResearch / not FDA-approved

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This information is educational — not medical advice.

This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

Sources & References

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