Copper Tripeptide-1

What it is

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper(II)), used widely in topical cosmetics and studied for skin and wound applications. It is also marketed as an injectable.S2

Marketed as

GHK-Cu is marketed heavily in skincare and "skin longevity" as an anti-aging, collagen-boosting, wound-healing ingredient, with injectable versions pitched for whole-body "regeneration." The topical cosmetic use has some support; the injectable and anti-aging claims are marketing, not established effects.

Regulatory status (US)

GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug.S1 Injectable GHK-Cu appears in the "nominated but withdrawn" portion of Category 2.S1

Around the world

GHK-Cu's status splits by route worldwide. As a topical cosmetic ingredient it is broadly legal in the US, EU, and elsewhere (cosmetics don't require drug approval).S1 As an injectable, it is not approved anywhere and falls under prescription-medicine rules — regulators including Australia's TGA warn about unapproved injectable anti-aging peptides.S1S2

Evidence

The bulk of GHK-Cu evidence is topical / cosmetic and preclinical (skin, hair, and wound-healing models). There is no established clinical evidence base that injectable GHK-Cu is superior to topical use for skin goals, and injectable human data are limited.S1S2

Anti-doping

GHK-Cu is a cosmetic copper tripeptide — not a peptide hormone or growth factor — and does not appear as a named WADA-prohibited example. This should be confirmed directly against the WADA List before it is stated without qualification.

Safety

Topical GHK-Cu is generally regarded as well tolerated, with a long cosmetic track record. For injectable compounded GHK-Cu, FDA's general Category 2 concerns apply — possible immunogenicity from aggregation and peptide-related impurities, and limited human safety data.S1

What's changing

The reported PCAC review is the near-term item to watch, pending a Federal Register notice to confirm it.S2