GHK-Cu is one of the few peptides found in both research laboratories and skincare products. In cosmetics, it is listed under the nameCopper Tripeptide-1Here’s what this copper peptide is, what SNAP-8 brings to the table alongside it, what research has actually shown, and why a serum is nothing like a bottle of freeze-dried GHK-Cu.
GHK-Cu + SNAP-8 serum, 60 ml – €29.90GHK-Cu 50 mg research – €39.90
GHK-Cu, copper peptide
GHK is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids (glycine, histidine, lysine). It was isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in the early 1970s, and it binds copper ions very strongly: together, they form the GHK-Cu complex. Its concentration in the blood decreases with age, which has directed much research towards the skin and tissue repair. OurGHK-Cu guidedetails its mechanism.
Why is the serum blue?
The color comes from copper. The copper(II) ion bound to the peptide gives a blue tint, more or less intense depending on the concentration. A completely colorless "GHK-Cu" serum raises the question: how much copper peptide does it actually contain? Our serum has a bluish, watery texture.
What the research says
The most solid results come from the laboratory. In 1988, F.-X. Maquart's team showed inFEBS Lettersthat GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis by cultured fibroblasts. Other work has focused on elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and the expression of numerous genes; L. Pickart and A. Margolina summarized these findings in 2018 inInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Regarding the skin itself, published clinical studies are few and small, often conducted in collaboration with manufacturers. They describe an improvement in skin appearance, but do not guarantee a specific result. A serum remains a cosmetic, not a treatment.
The SNAP-8
The SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3Argirelin is an eight-amino-acid peptide, an elongated version of argirelin. It is being studied for its interaction with the SNARE complex, which is involved in the release of neurotransmitters that control muscle contraction. In cosmetics, it is used for expression lines. The available data comes primarily from its manufacturer. It also exists in10 mg lyophilized vialfor research.
Serum or freeze-dried GHK-Cu: two different products
| GHK-Cu Serum + SNAP-8 | GHK-Cu 50 mg lyophilized | |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | GHK-Cu Serum + SNAP-8Ready-to-use cosmetics | GHK-Cu 50 mg lyophilizedPowdered research reagent |
| Content | GHK-Cu Serum + SNAP-8Hyaluronic acid, GHK-Cu, SNAP-8 in solution | GHK-Cu 50 mg lyophilized50 mg of GHK-Cu, without care excipient |
| Use | GHK-Cu Serum + SNAP-8Application to the skin | GHK-Cu 50 mg lyophilizedLaboratory experiments, after reconstitution |
| Analysis | GHK-Cu Serum + SNAP-8— | GHK-Cu 50 mg lyophilizedJanoshik reports published (#241207 : 99,781 %) |
| Price | GHK-Cu Serum + SNAP-8€29.90 for 60ml | GHK-Cu 50 mg lyophilized39,90 € |
The bottle of freeze-dried GHK-Cu is not a skincare ingredient: it is sold for laboratory research and should not be used to make homemade cosmetics. For skincare, the serum is designed for that purpose.
Our serum
On the research side, GHK-Cu also exists inG50 Packwith the reconstruction equipment, and in the blendKLOW 80 mgHis cousinAHK-Cuis studied for the hair follicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Copper Tripeptide-1?
This is the cosmetic name (INCI) for GHK-Cu, a glycine-histidine-lysine tripeptide associated with a copper ion. It is found in serums and creams.
Why is a GHK-Cu serum blue?
Because the copper(II) ion bound to the peptide is blue. The more copper peptide the serum contains, the more intense the color.
Can laboratory-grade freeze-dried GHK-Cu be used to make a serum?
No. The 50 mg vial of GHK-Cu is a reagent intended for laboratory research. For skin application, you need a cosmetic product specifically formulated for that purpose, such as our serum.
What is the SNAP-8?
SNAP-8, or Acetyl Octapeptide-3, is an eight-amino-acid peptide derived from argireline, used in cosmetics for expression lines. The published data comes primarily from its manufacturer.
Does GHK-Cu have proven effects on the skin?
Its effects on collagen are well documented in cell culture. Studies on human skin are few and small: they describe an improvement in skin appearance, without promising any results.
- GHK-Cu Guide— copper tripeptide and what research says about it
- GHK-Cu and SNAP-8 Serum— Copper peptide in cosmetics (you are here)
- GHK-Cu or AHK-Cu— two copper peptides, two research avenues
- GHK-Cu blue: color and preservation— what the color indicates, reconstitution, storage, biotinyl-GHK
- GHK-Cu 50 mg— lyophilized research vial, analyzed by Janoshik
- G50 Pack— GHK-Cu 50 mg with reconstitution materials
- Reading a certificate of analysis— understanding an HPLC report
- Certificates of analysis— the Janoshik reports from GHK-Cu (lots MP-777CU501 and MP-777CU502)
Maquart F.-X. et al., FEBS Letters, 1988; Pickart L., Margolina A., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018; Janoshik report #241207. Lyophilized GHK-Cu and SNAP-8 are intended exclusively for scientific laboratory research. This page does not provide medical advice.