Copper tripeptide-1: a naturally occurring copper peptide studied for decades for its role in skin renewal.
- Full nameGlycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex
- Also known asCopper tripeptide-1
- Found inHuman plasma, saliva and urine
- In Apollo XGHK-Cu Skin Patch – Advanced Cosmetic Patch
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a tripeptide, a tiny protein fragment made of just three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine. It has a strong natural attraction to copper, and when the two bind together they form GHK-Cu. On cosmetic ingredient lists it usually appears as copper tripeptide-1.
GHK occurs naturally in the human body, where it is found in plasma, saliva and urine. It is thought to be released when tissue is damaged, which has led researchers to describe it as part of the body's own signalling for repair and renewal.
How it was discovered
GHK was first isolated in 1973 by Dr Loren Pickart, who was studying why liver tissue from older people behaved differently from younger tissue. He found that a component of the blood of younger people could prompt older liver cells to produce proteins in a more youthful pattern, and traced that activity to a small copper-binding peptide: GHK. In the decades since, it has been studied in wound healing, skin biology and hair research, and has become one of the best-known peptides in skincare.
Why copper matters
Copper is an essential trace mineral. Several enzymes the skin depends on need copper to work, including lysyl oxidase, which helps cross-link collagen and elastin fibres so they are strong and resilient, and superoxide dismutase, part of the body's antioxidant defence. GHK binds copper tightly and is thought to help deliver it to where it is needed, which may be one reason the GHK-Cu complex has attracted so much attention.
GHK-Cu and the skin
Much of the research on GHK-Cu relates to the structure of the skin:
- Collagen and elastin. Laboratory studies have found that GHK-Cu can stimulate skin cells called fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans, the materials that keep skin firm and supple.
- Remodelling. GHK-Cu appears to influence both the building and the breakdown of skin proteins, which researchers describe as supporting healthy tissue remodelling.
- Wound healing. Animal studies have reported improved healing of wounds treated with GHK-Cu.
- Appearance. Small cosmetic studies of creams containing GHK-Cu have reported improvements in the look of fine lines, firmness and skin density over several weeks.
Researchers have also used computer-based gene-expression analyses to suggest that GHK may influence a large number of human genes linked to repair and protection. These findings are intriguing, but they come largely from laboratory data, and more clinical research is needed.
Levels change with age
GHK levels in the blood are reported to fall with age, from roughly 200 nanograms per millilitre at age 20 to around 80 by age 60. This coincides with the years in which the skin's capacity to renew itself slows, one reason GHK-Cu is so popular in products designed for maturing skin.
Beyond the face
GHK-Cu is also widely used in hair care, where early research has explored its effects on hair follicles, and in skincare designed for use after cosmetic procedures. It is generally well tolerated in topical products.
Why a patch?
Skin is designed to keep things out, and most molecules larger than about 500 daltons struggle to pass through it. GHK-Cu is small, at around 400 daltons, which makes it a natural candidate for delivery through the skin. The Apollo X GHK-Cu Skin Patch holds it in a sustained-release matrix beneath a breathable protective film, so it stays in contact with your skin for up to 8–12 hours instead of being wiped or washed away like a cream.
What the research says, and doesn't
GHK-Cu has a longer research history than many newer peptides, and its role in skin biology is well documented in the laboratory. Human studies, however, have mostly been small cosmetic trials, and results depend heavily on formulation and on how the peptide is delivered.
We present GHK-Cu as a well-studied cosmetic ingredient that supports healthy-looking skin, not as a medical treatment.
Using the GHK-Cu Skin Patch
- Apply to clean, dry, relatively hair-free skin such as the upper arm, shoulder, upper back or abdomen.
- Press firmly around the edges, then remove the protective outer film.
- Wear for up to 8–12 hours, then gently remove and discard. Do not reuse.
- Use a different area with each new patch.
For external use only. Do not apply to broken, damaged or irritated skin, and discontinue use if irritation occurs. Full directions are printed on every box.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same ingredient as copper peptide serums?
Yes. Copper tripeptide-1 is the same ingredient found in many copper peptide serums. The difference is delivery: the patch holds it against the skin for hours rather than minutes.
Can I use it alongside my skincare routine?
Many people combine copper peptides with other skincare. Apply the patch to clean, dry skin away from areas where you have just used strong actives such as acids or retinoids, and stop if irritation occurs.
Who should avoid it?
Anyone with a known sensitivity to copper or to any ingredient in the patch, and anyone with broken, damaged or irritated skin at the application site. If you are unsure, check with your healthcare professional.
This information is general and educational and is not medical advice. Apollo X products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read the label and use only as directed. Speak with your healthcare professional before use, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.