The copper tripeptide GHK-Cu — what it is, why the solution is blue, the dermal and matrix research it's used in, and what to check on the COA. For research use only.
GHK-Cu is one of those peptides that has been studied quietly for decades and then found a much wider audience. It's small, it's distinctive — the reconstituted solution is a clear blue — and it turns up across a surprisingly broad range of dermal and matrix-biology research. This guide covers what it is and what to look for when sourcing it in the UK, for in-vitro research use only.
A copper-binding tripeptide
GHK-Cu is exactly what the name describes: the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) bound to a copper ion. That copper is part of the molecule, not a contaminant, and it's why a properly reconstituted vial takes on a blue tint — a useful visual cue that you've got the real thing.
It was first identified in human plasma in the 1970s and has been characterised ever since in studies of the extracellular matrix and skin biology. UKPeptides supplies GHK-Cu at ≥99% HPLC purity, with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis on every order.
What it's studied for
In controlled laboratory work, GHK-Cu shows up in several research areas:
- Dermal and extracellular-matrix signalling models
- Wound-healing and tissue-remodelling markers, in vitro
- Oxidative-stress and copper-homeostasis studies
As with everything in the catalogue, it's supplied for research only — not for human or veterinary use.
A note on appearance and purity
The blue colour is normal and expected; a clear, faintly blue solution after full dissolution is a good sign. What it doesn't tell you, though, is the actual purity — colour confirms the copper complex is present, not that the peptide is free of by-products. For that you still want the HPLC number and the mass-spec identity check, both of which sit on the Certificate of Analysis.
Every GHK-Cu batch we ship is verified at an independent accredited lab, with the matching COA included so the lot number on the paper matches the one on your vial.
Handling and storage
GHK-Cu reconstitutes readily in sterile or bacteriostatic water. Add the solvent gently and let it dissolve without aggressive shaking; you should be left with a clear blue solution and no particulate. Keep unmixed vials at -20°C, and store reconstituted solution cold and away from light. There's a full walkthrough in our reconstitution guide.
Sourcing in the UK
A good supplier makes the basics easy to verify: ≥99% HPLC purity, a batch-specific COA, cold-chain dispatch, and honest research-use-only labelling.
UKPeptides stocks GHK-Cu at ≥99% purity, with free cold-chain UK delivery and same-day dispatch before 3 pm GMT.
For research use only. This article is educational and does not describe human, clinical or veterinary use.
Written and reviewed to our editorial standards. Explore the research peptide catalog or read more in Research Notes.
For research use only · Not for human or veterinary use
