GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide complex composed of glycine, histidine, lysine, and copper ions (Cu²⁺).

In cosmetic skincare formulations, GHK-Cu is widely utilized for its compatibility with hydration-focused and skin-conditioning formulations.

Common Cosmetic Formulation Applications

The copper-peptide complex is commonly incorporated into cosmetic formulations designed to support:

• Skin hydration
• Skin texture
• Cosmetic skin appearance
• Glow-focused skincare routines
• Skin-conditioning formulations

Due to its water-soluble nature, GHK-Cu blends effectively into:

• Hyaluronic-acid serums
• Water-based creams
• Gel moisturizers
• Lightweight lotions
• Scalp and hair formulations

Commonly Paired Cosmetic Ingredients

GHK-Cu is frequently formulated alongside ingredients such as:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Ceramides
• Niacinamide
• Water-based moisturizing ingredients

These combinations are commonly utilized in advanced cosmetic formulations focused on hydration and overall skin conditioning.

Formulation Considerations

GHK-Cu is generally best suited for gentle, water-based formulations and is typically avoided in highly acidic formulations containing:

• Strong exfoliating acids
• Low-pH formulations
• High-strength Vitamin C formulations

Low-pH environments may destabilize the copper-peptide complex and influence formulation stability.

Lower concentrations (approximately 0.5–1%) are commonly utilized in introductory formulations, as balanced formulations and consistent application are generally preferred over excessively high concentrations.

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

Research & Cosmetic Formulation Applications

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is widely utilized in cosmetic skincare formulation research and advanced cosmetic applications due to its popularity in hydration-focused and cosmetic skin-conditioning products.

Common Cosmetic Formulation Applications

GHK-Cu is commonly incorporated into:

• Cosmetic serums
• Water-based creams
• Gel moisturizers
• Scalp and hair formulations
• Hydration-focused skincare products
• Cosmetic peptide blends

Common Cosmetic Formulation Interests

GHK-Cu is frequently utilized in formulations focused on:

• Skin hydration
• Cosmetic skin conditioning
• Glow-focused skincare routines
• Skin-texture support
• Barrier-support skincare formulations

Formulation Considerations

GHK-Cu is generally best suited for:

• Water-based formulations
• Hydration-focused cosmetic products
• Lightweight skincare formulations

GHK-Cu is typically avoided in:

• Highly acidic formulations
• Low-pH exfoliating formulations
• High-strength acidic cosmetic blends

Lower concentrations are commonly utilized when developing introductory cosmetic formulations.

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

Synergistic Cosmetic Formulation Applications

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is frequently utilized alongside complementary cosmetic ingredients in advanced skincare and cosmetic formulation research due to its compatibility with hydration-focused and skin-conditioning formulations.

In cosmetic applications, synergistic ingredient combinations are commonly explored for their potential role in:

• Cosmetic skin conditioning
• Hydration-focused skincare routines
• Cosmetic skin-texture support
• Barrier-support formulations
• Scalp and hair-conditioning products
• Glow-focused cosmetic applications

Common Cosmetic Ingredient Pairings

GHK-Cu is frequently formulated alongside ingredients such as:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Ceramides
• Niacinamide
• Peptide-based cosmetic ingredients
• Water-based moisturizing compounds

These combinations are commonly utilized in cosmetic formulations focused on:

• Hydration support
• Cosmetic skin appearance
• Lightweight moisturizing formulations
• Cosmetic scalp and hair applications
• Skin-conditioning routines

Water-Based Formulation Compatibility

Due to its water-soluble nature, GHK-Cu is generally best suited for:

• Water-based serums
• Gel formulations
• Lightweight creams
• Cosmetic peptide blends

Research and formulation practices commonly avoid combining GHK-Cu with:

• Highly acidic formulations
• Strong exfoliating-acid systems
• Low-pH cosmetic formulations

Low-pH environments may influence copper-peptide stability and formulation integrity.

Cosmetic Formulation Considerations

Balanced formulations and gradual concentration adjustments are commonly preferred over excessively concentrated cosmetic applications.

Lower introductory concentrations are frequently utilized when developing new cosmetic formulations.

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

Technical Information

INCI Name:
Copper Tripeptide-1

Common Name:
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

Appearance:
Bright blue to deep-blue fine powder

Chemical Composition

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide complex composed of:

• Glycine
• L-Histidine
• L-Lysine
• Copper ions (Cu²⁺)

Molecular Formula:
C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄Cu

Solubility:
Water soluble

Recommended Cosmetic Applications

Suitable for cosmetic formulations including:

• Serums
• Creams
• Gel formulations
• Scalp formulations
• Cosmetic skincare applications

Grade:
Cosmetic-Grade Raw Powder

Storage Guidelines

• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat
• Keep container tightly sealed between uses
• Avoid moisture exposure during handling

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

GHK-Cu Cosmetic-Grade Powder

DIY Cosmetic Formulation Guide

GHK-Cu is a water-soluble cosmetic copper-peptide powder designed for advanced skincare formulations and cosmetic research applications.

• Cosmetic Grade
• Water Soluble
• Suitable for Serums & Creams
• Ideal for DIY Skincare Formulations

Important Before You Start

GHK-Cu is generally best suited for:

• Water-based serums
• Hyaluronic-acid serums
• Water-based creams
• Gel moisturisers
• Lightweight lotions

Avoid Combining With:

• Strong Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
• Glycolic Acid
• AHAs / BHAs
• Strong exfoliating acids
• Oil-only formulations

Highly acidic formulations may destabilise the copper-peptide complex.

Patch Test First

Before applying to larger cosmetic application areas:

• Apply a small amount to the inner arm or jawline
• Wait approximately 24 hours
• Discontinue cosmetic use if irritation occurs

Recommended Strength Guide

Strength	Common Cosmetic Formulation Use
0.5%	Introductory formulations, sensitive skin & eye-area formulations
1%	Most commonly utilized daily cosmetic formulation strength
2%	Higher-strength mature-skin formulations
3%	Advanced high-concentration cosmetic formulations

For most cosmetic formulations, 1% is commonly utilized as an introductory concentration.

Higher concentrations are not always preferred in copper-peptide formulations.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (30ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	150mg
1%	300mg
2%	600mg
3%	900mg

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Fine-line appearance support
• Glow-focused cosmetic routines
• Hydration-focused formulations
• Daily cosmetic skin-conditioning formulations

Recommended Mixing Method

• Add measured GHK-Cu powder directly into serum bottle
• Shake thoroughly
• Allow to dissolve fully
• Blue coloration is normal in copper-peptide formulations

60ml Hyaluronic-Acid Serum

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	300mg
1%	600mg
2%	1.2g
3%	1.8g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Hydration-focused formulations
• Dry-skin cosmetic formulations
• Daily glow-focused formulations
• Barrier-support formulations

Recommended Mixing Method

• Add measured GHK-Cu powder into a small clean container
• Add a small amount of distilled water or serum
• Stir until fully dissolved
• Add into serum bottle
• Shake thoroughly

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (50ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	250mg
1%	500mg
2%	1g
3%	1.5g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Oily-skin formulations
• Lightweight daytime formulations
• Humid-climate skincare products
• Hydration-focused cosmetic applications

Recommended Mixing Method

• Remove a small amount of gel to create mixing space
• Add dissolved GHK-Cu mixture
• Stir thoroughly
• Mix until colour becomes evenly distributed

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream (50ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	250mg
1%	500mg
2%	1g
3%	1.5g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Combination-skin formulations
• Daily glow-focused creams
• Introductory cosmetic formulations
• Everyday cosmetic skin-conditioning formulations

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream Fragrance Free (50ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	250mg
1%	500mg
2%	1g
3%	1.5g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Sensitive-skin formulations
• Eye-area formulations
• Mature-skin cosmetic products
• Higher-strength cosmetic formulations

CeraVe Moisturising Cream (50ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	250mg
1%	500mg
2%	1g
3%	1.5g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Dry-skin formulations
• Night-time cosmetic creams
• Mature-skin formulations
• Barrier-support formulations

Recommended Mixing Method

• Remove a small amount of cream to create mixing space
• Dissolve GHK-Cu in a small amount of distilled water or serum
• Add into cream
• Mix thoroughly with a clean spatula

CeraVe Moisturising Cream (177ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	885mg
1%	1.77g
2%	3.54g

CeraVe Moisturising Lotion (60ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	300mg
1%	600mg
2%	1.2g
3%	1.8g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Body formulations
• Lightweight creams
• Scalp formulations
• Oily-skin cosmetic products

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion (60ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	300mg
1%	600mg
2%	1.2g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Introductory cosmetic formulations
• Sensitive-skin products
• Daily body moisturising formulations
• Lower-strength cosmetic blends

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream (40ml)

Recommended Mixing Amounts

Desired Strength	Amount of GHK-Cu Powder
0.5%	200mg
1%	400mg
2%	800mg
3%	1.2g

Common Cosmetic Formulation Uses

• Reactive-skin formulations
• Sensitive-skin cosmetic products
• Mature-skin formulations
• Premium cosmetic skincare blends

Cosmetic Application Guidelines

Face Serums

• Apply 2–4 drops
• AM and/or PM cosmetic application
• Apply after cleansing
• Apply before moisturiser

Face Creams

• Apply 1–2 times daily
• Apply small amount to face and neck

Eye Area

• Lower strengths (0.5–1%) are commonly preferred
• Avoid direct eye contact

Hair & Scalp Applications

• Commonly utilized concentrations: 1–2%
• May be incorporated into scalp serums or lightweight sprays

Storage Guidelines

• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Refrigeration is commonly preferred after formulation
• Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat
• Keep containers tightly sealed between uses

If formulations develop brown or green discoloration, or unusual odor changes over time, discontinue cosmetic use as oxidation may have occurred.

Important Disclaimer

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

BioPeptics does not provide medical advice and is not responsible for individual formulation choices or cosmetic skin reactions.

Always patch test before cosmetic use.

Cosmetic formulation outcomes may vary between individuals.

Possible Cosmetic Formulation Reactions

GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated in cosmetic skincare formulations; however, some individuals may experience mild skin sensitivity depending on:

• Formulation concentration
• Skin type
• Frequency of cosmetic application
• Concurrent cosmetic ingredients

Possible Cosmetic Reactions

• Mild redness
• Temporary tingling sensations
• Skin irritation
• Dryness
• Increased skin sensitivity
• Temporary blue discoloration when higher concentrations are utilized

Higher concentrations are not always preferred and may increase the likelihood of cosmetic skin irritation, particularly in sensitive-skin formulations.

If Cosmetic Irritation Occurs

• Reduce cosmetic application frequency
• Lower formulation concentration
• Discontinue cosmetic use if irritation persists

Cosmetic Application Considerations

• Patch testing is recommended before larger cosmetic application areas
• Avoid direct contact with eyes
• Avoid application to broken, compromised, or irritated skin
• Lower introductory concentrations are commonly preferred for sensitive-skin formulations

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

Use With Caution in Cosmetic Applications

Certain individuals may wish to exercise additional caution when introducing new cosmetic skincare ingredients or advanced peptide-based formulations into their skincare routine.

Additional Caution May Be Appropriate If You:

• Have highly sensitive or reactive skin
• Are prone to allergies or cosmetic skin irritation
• Have rosacea-prone skin
• Are currently utilizing strong exfoliating acids or active skincare ingredients
• Have a compromised, damaged, or irritated skin barrier

Avoid Cosmetic Application To:

• Broken skin
• Open wounds
• Severely irritated areas
• Areas experiencing active irritation or heightened sensitivity

Cosmetic Formulation Considerations

• Lower introductory concentrations are commonly preferred when beginning new cosmetic peptide formulations
• Patch testing is recommended before larger cosmetic application areas
• Gradual introduction into cosmetic skincare routines is generally preferred
• Formulation compatibility with other active skincare ingredients should be considered

If uncertain whether a cosmetic peptide formulation is suitable for a specific skincare routine, consultation with a qualified skincare professional may be considered prior to cosmetic use.

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.

Summary

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a cosmetic-grade copper peptide widely utilized in advanced skincare formulations focused on:

• Skin hydration
• Cosmetic skin texture
• Glow-focused skincare routines
• Overall cosmetic skin conditioning

Product Features

Our GHK-Cu Raw Powder is:

• Cosmetic Grade
• Water Soluble
• High Purity
• Suitable for DIY cosmetic skincare formulations

Common Cosmetic Formulation Applications

GHK-Cu is commonly incorporated into:

• Hyaluronic-acid serums
• Water-based creams
• Gel moisturisers
• Scalp and hair formulations
• Cosmetic peptide blends

Formulation Considerations

GHK-Cu is generally best suited for water-based formulations and is typically avoided in formulations containing:

• High-strength Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
• Strong exfoliating acids
• Highly acidic skincare formulations

Lower introductory concentrations (approximately 0.5–1%) are commonly preferred when beginning new cosmetic formulations.

For Cosmetic Formulation and Research Use Only

Not for injection or human consumption.