UPA GHK-Cu 100mg Vial

GHK-Cu is a complex consisting of the tripeptide GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) and copper (Cu). GHK was first discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, who found it caused older human liver tissue to produce proteins more characteristic of younger tissue. This resulted in GHK being originally described, specifically, as a liver cell growth factor. However, as research continued, experts found that GHK could modulate a number of different cells besides those in the liver.

GHK is naturally found in human saliva, plasma, and urine, but its standard levels are reduced by over half once you reach age 60. As researchers note, this decline “coincides with the noticeable decrease in regenerative capacity of an organism. This suggests that, for example, lower natural GHK levels may contribute to things like slower wound healing in older adults.

According to experts, GHK has a “strong affinity for copper” and “readily” links up with it to form GHK-Cu. In this form, the peptide complex appears to have strong protective and regenerative properties, leading to its widespread use in cosmetics.

Most often, you’ll find GHK-Cu copper peptides (usually listed in ingredient lists under the name Copper Tripeptide-1) in various cosmetics, with skin care products being some of the most popular use cases. According to a 2018 review, GHK-Cu has demonstrated the ability to:

• Tighten loose skin
• Reverse age-related skin thinning
• Repair the skin’s protective barrier proteins
• Improve skin firmness and elasticity
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Smooth rough skin
• Stimulate wound healing
• Lessen the appearance of photodamage (sun damage), hyperpigmentation, skin spots, lesions, and more
• Reduce inflammation and damage from free radicals
• Increase hair growth and thickness