GHK-Cu

Key points

• GHK-Cu is a small peptide that binds copper and occurs naturally in the body.
• In skincare, used on the skin with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic.
• Injectable GHK-Cu, or any version sold with medicinal claims, is an unlicensed medicine with no UK marketing authorisation.
• The skincare evidence is modest, and evidence for injection is limited.

Quick facts

In skincare

Legal as a cosmetic ingredient with no medicinal claims

Injected

Unlicensed as a medicine; no UK marketing authorisation

Class

Copper binding tripeptide

Evidence

Some topical studies; limited data for injection

How it works

In skin, GHK-Cu is thought to support collagen and the skin's natural repair processes, which is why it appears in some cosmetic products. Most of the evidence relates to topical use rather than injection.

What the evidence shows

There are some studies of GHK-Cu in topical skincare. Evidence for injected use is limited, and cosmetic benefits are best treated as modest.

What it does not settle

• Injected use is not well studied in people.
• Cosmetic claims should be kept modest and not medicinal.

UK legal status and access

As a topical cosmetic with no medicinal claims, GHK-Cu is legal and widely sold. Injectable GHK-Cu, or any version sold with medicinal claims, is an unlicensed medicine and is not available through regulated providers.

Common questions