Copper-binding tripeptide
Compounded onlyGHK-Cu (copper peptide)
GHK-Cu, also called copper tripeptide-1, is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide. As a topical cosmetic ingredient it is sold openly and has multiple controlled human studies showing measurable improvement in wrinkles and skin density. Injectable GHK-Cu is a different question: it is not an approved drug, and it is on the agenda for the FDA advisory committee meeting due before the end of February 2027.
Where this stands
Topical cosmetic use is regulated as a cosmetic, not a drug. Injectable use is unapproved. GHK-Cu is scheduled for advisory-committee review before the end of February 2027 alongside dihexa, cathelicidin LL-37 and PEG-MGF. Search interest grew roughly elevenfold in the year to March 2026, the fastest of any peptide term measured.
We do not link to sellers of unapproved compounds, we do not name vendors, and we publish no dosing for them.
Key facts
- Topical cosmetic use
- Sold openly, regulated as a cosmetic
- Injectable use
- Unapproved. Advisory-committee review due before the end of February 2027
Sources
Every claim above is checked against the primary text, and the date is the day we last opened it.
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1
July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Primary text read and checked Checked August 23, 2026