GHK-Cu — Compound Overview
A researcher-focused overview of GHK-Cu: the chemistry of the copper–tripeptide complex, where it appears in the research literature, and how each batch is documented.
Last updated: 2026-08-21 · By: Index Peptides technical team
Key facts about GHK-Cu
| Compound | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 401.9 g/mol |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Listed formats | 50mg per vial, 70mg per vial |
| Intended use | In-vitro laboratory research only |
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) coordination complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys). The free tripeptide GHK occurs naturally in human plasma, where its concentration declines with age, and it binds copper(II) ions with high affinity. The research material supplied is the synthetic peptide–copper complex as a lyophilised powder, typically blue in colour due to the coordinated copper.
Chemistry and structure
The complex carries CAS registry number 89030-95-5, molecular formula C14H22CuN6O4 and a molecular weight of approximately 401.9 g/mol. Copper is coordinated through the histidine imidazole nitrogen, the amino terminus and deprotonated amide nitrogens — a well-characterised binding mode that makes GHK one of the classic model systems in peptide–copper coordination chemistry.
GHK-Cu in the research literature
GHK and its copper complex appear in a broad in-vitro literature: copper transport and coordination chemistry, fibroblast cell-culture studies and gene-expression profiling work. The literature is laboratory-based; Index Peptides lists GHK-Cu as a technical research material only and takes no position on any application.
Regulatory status
The GHK-Cu supplied by Index Peptides is a research chemical. It is not supplied as, or for use in, a cosmetic product, medicine or supplement, and it is not for human or veterinary use of any kind.
Form, handling and storage
Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Store at -20°C, desiccated and protected from light, per the batch record. As a metal complex, GHK-Cu should be kept away from chelating buffers if the intact complex is required for the experimental design.
Batch documentation at Index Peptides
Review the published certificate for the exact lot, including the laboratory, report date and analytical results actually reported. HPLC purity alone does not confirm LC-MS identity. Contact us before ordering if a required result is not published.
Frequently asked questions
Is GHK-Cu a cosmetic ingredient here?
No. Although the compound name appears in cosmetic-industry contexts elsewhere, Index Peptides supplies GHK-Cu strictly as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory work — not as or for a cosmetic, medicine or supplement.
Why is the powder blue?
The blue colour comes from the coordinated copper(II) ion — it is characteristic of the intact peptide–copper complex.
How is each batch verified?
Reversed-phase HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity, with the COA published on the product page and batch lookup by lot number.
How do I reconstitute GHK-Cu?
Reconstitution is a laboratory handling procedure, not a use instruction. Our documentation-led reconstitution guide covers the mechanics of dissolving lyophilised peptide powders: https://indexpeptides.uk/guides/peptide-reconstitution-guide. Handling is the responsibility of the qualified researcher.
What is the shelf life of GHK-Cu?
As supplied (lyophilised powder in a sealed vial), GHK-Cu is stored at -20C, desiccated and protected from light. Long-term stability is documented per batch on the certificate of analysis; treat the batch record as the authoritative shelf-life reference for that lot.
What is the difference between the sizes?
The difference is the nominal peptide content per vial. GHK-Cu is supplied as 50mg single-compound vials, plus blend vials. Every format carries the same batch documentation and purity testing.
What does the certificate of analysis show?
Review the published certificate for the exact lot, including the laboratory, report date and analytical results actually reported. HPLC purity alone does not confirm LC-MS identity. Contact us before ordering if a required result is not published.
How does GHK-Cu compare with BPC-157?
See our comparison of GHK-Cu vs BPC-157: https://indexpeptides.uk/guides/bpc-157-vs-ghk-cu
References
Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.