Ingredient glossary
GHK-Cu
On your shelf ✓What GHK-Cu does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1 · Also: Copper Peptide
In short: GHK-Cu delivers anti-aging support and repair, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Anti aging, repair
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.
When your goal is softening fine lines and keeping skin firm, GHK-Cu pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.
— Maya
What it does
- anti aging
- repair
- antioxidant
moderate evidenceReviews summarize multiple studies showing increased collagen elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and improved wound healing yet cosmetic anti aging trials remain relatively small.
On a label: usually effective at 0.01-0.1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- dry
- photoaged
- compromised barrier
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Often chosen for photoaged, compromised barrier.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- niacinamide
- antioxidants
- other peptides
GHK-Cu, answered
Is GHK-Cu safe during pregnancy?
Yes. GHK-Cu is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid GHK-Cu?
No specific group is flagged to avoid GHK-Cu. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of GHK-Cu actually works?
GHK-Cu tends to do its job in the 0.01 to 0.1% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Compare GHK-Cu with
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.