GHK (Tripeptide-1)
GHK (Gly-His-Lys) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in plasma, involved in tissue repair, anti-inflammatory signaling, and collagen regulation.
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Compound Profile
GHK (Tripeptide-1)
Key Data
Research reference only
Research Focus
Preclinical data
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. GHK (Tripeptide-1) is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Modulates gene expression in aging skin
- GHK (Tripeptide-1) is not FDA-approved for human use. It is a research chemical for scientific study only.
Research At a Glance
- Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Modulates gene expression in aging skin
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
In Plain English
Simple summaryGHK (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, Tripeptide-1) is the tripeptide foundation of the copper peptide research area -- it was originally isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who noticed it had tissue repair-stimulating properties. When copper is added (forming GHK-Cu), the compound gains much stronger biological activity because the copper ion enables the peptide to interact with metalloproteinase systems and drive wound healing. GHK alone (without copper) is also biologically active but weaker. In skin biology, plain GHK can still bind copper from surrounding tissue fluids and assemble the active GHK-Cu complex in situ. Some cosmetic formulations use GHK (Tripeptide-1) rather than GHK-Cu because pure GHK is more stable in formulation and assembles with environmental copper at the skin surface.
- Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Modulates gene expression in aging skin
The full scientific detail, mechanisms, citations, and dosing data, follows below.
What is GHK (Tripeptide-1)?
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GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine), also called Tripeptide-1, is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma at concentrations that decline significantly with age (from approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults to under 80 ng/mL in the elderly). It binds copper (II) ions with high affinity to form the active GHK-Cu complex, but the copper-free form (GHK alone, Tripeptide-1) also shows biological activity.
What It Is
- The tripeptide Gly-His-Lys, naturally present in human plasma, urine, and saliva
- Functions as both a free tripeptide (Tripeptide-1) and as a copper-binding agent (forming GHK-Cu)
- Distinct from GHK-Cu: Tripeptide-1 without exogenous copper has different tissue penetration and activity profile
- Used in cosmetic formulations as Tripeptide-1 at 0.1-5%
How It Works
- Chelates copper ions in tissue, directing copper to copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD)
- Activates tissue remodeling signals including TGF-beta, decorin, and fibroblast growth factors
- Example: Fibroblasts exposed to GHK at 1 nM showed 35% increase in collagen type I mRNA expression and 28% increase in fibronectin secretion vs vehicle at 24 hours
- Modulates gene expression: Microarray studies show GHK regulates expression of >4,000 human genes, including upregulation of antioxidant defense and downregulation of pro-inflammatory pathways
Key Research Findings
- Wound healing: Topical GHK at 1 mg/cm2 accelerated full-thickness wound closure by 30% in rodent models
- Gene expression: GHK at physiological concentrations (1-10 nM) modulated over 4,000 genes in cultured human fibroblasts, restoring many to younger expression patterns
- COPD research: Intravenous GHK in emphysema models reduced alveolar wall destruction scores by 40% vs controls
- Skin aging: 12-week topical GHK use in 50 human volunteers showed significant reduction in wrinkle depth and improvement in skin firmness vs placebo
Dosing From the Literature
- Topical: 0.1-5% (as GHK or GHK-Cu complex)
- IV research: 0.1-1 mg/kg in animal studies
Storage and Handling
- Lyophilised: 2-8 degrees C; 24 months
- Reconstituted: 2-8 degrees C; use within 30 days
- Stable in acidic to neutral aqueous solution (pH 4-7)
By the Numbers
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on GHK (Tripeptide-1). See all Skin & Anti-Aging peptides for comparison.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports. View all peptides' side effects →
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Applied topically to skin or scalp. Used in research at low intravenous doses for systemic studies.
What the research doesn't show
GHK (uncoordinated, without copper) has a more modest activity profile than GHK-Cu. The 'in situ copper assembly' hypothesis is biologically plausible but formulators choosing GHK over GHK-Cu are making a cost and stability tradeoff with some uncertainty about bioequivalence. For most wound healing and anti-aging applications, GHK-Cu has the stronger evidence base.
Medical Expert Videos
Physicians, researchers, and pharmacologists explain GHK (Tripeptide-1), covering mechanisms of action, clinical context, and study findings.
Videos sourced from YouTube search. KnowYourPeptide does not endorse any individual creator. For research education only.
The Bottom Line
GHK (Tripeptide-1) has a growing body of preclinical evidence and a well-characterised safety profile in research settings. The most-studied application is: stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
The most commonly reported side effect in research subjects is excellent safety profile in topical use. It is a research chemical, not approved for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Quick Reference
How It Compares
GHK-Cu is the copper-complexed form with the majority of the published wound healing, anti-aging, and regenerative data. AHK-Cu (Pal-Ala-His-Lys-Cu) is an alternative copper peptide with similar mechanisms. Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl GHK, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) adds a fatty acid for improved skin penetration. Among cosmetic peptides, the GHK family has the most extensive independent academic research history.
Compare GHK (Tripeptide-1) side-by-sideResearch Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.