FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY — not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment, or cosmetic application. Buyers must be 21+ and legally permitted to purchase research chemicals in their jurisdiction.Intended-use statement →
GHK-Cu Wholesale
Copper Tripeptide-1 — the most extensively studied copper peptide in dermatological research, batch-documented, manufacturer-direct
Product Identity
| CAS Number | 49557-75-7 |
| Sequence | H-Gly-His-Lys-OH complexed with Cu²⁺ (square-planar, log K ~16) |
| Amino Acids | 3 (tripeptide) |
| Molecular Weight | ~340.38 Da (free peptide) |
| Appearance | Blue to blue-purple lyophilized powder (Cu²⁺ complex) |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water or PBS |
| Storage | 2–8°C, desiccated, protect from light (light-sensitive) |
Factory-directShenzhen, China
Available Configurations
| Configuration | Content | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Kit | 50 mg × 10 vials | Dermatological/cosmetic research |
| Bulk Kit | 100 mg × 10 vials | High-volume; formulation studies |
| Custom | Custom mg × custom vials | OEM; cosmetic ingredient supply |
Research Background
GHK was first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. The tripeptide has an exceptionally high affinity for copper(II) ions — the GHK-Cu complex is what drives its biological activities.
Research Focus Areas
Stimulates Type I, III, IV collagen in fibroblasts
Accelerated closure in full/partial-thickness models
Endothelial proliferation; capillary tube formation
SOD-like activity; ROS reduction
Upregulates decorin for collagen fibril organization
Reduces TNF-α and TGF-β1 in skin inflammation models
Dermal papilla cell proliferation; anagen phase extension
Increases epidermal thickness; dermal collagen density
Quality Specifications
| Parameter | Method | Criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | HPLC at 214 nm | ≥99.0% peak area |
| Identity (MW) | ESI-MS | ~340.4 Da; Cu complex confirmed |
| Copper Content | ICP-OES / colorimetric | 1:1 Cu:peptide ±5% |
| Appearance | Visual | Blue to blue-purple powder |
| Peptide Content | AAA / nitrogen | ≥80% net peptide |
| Residual Moisture | Karl Fischer | ≤3% |
Tiered Wholesale Pricing
| Kit size | Code | List price |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mg × 10 vials | CU50 | US$24 |
| 100 mg × 10 vials | CU100 | US$29 |
US$24–29 per kit (10 vials), from our published wholesale price list; tiered volume discounts apply (see the tier table) — source:wholesale price list (PDF, updated 2026-08-08).
| Volume | Discount | For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kit | List price | Evaluation; competitive analysis |
| 5+ kits | 10% off | Initial portfolio expansion |
| 20+ kits | 20% off | Mid-size distributors |
| 50+ kits | 30% off | Regional distributors |
FAQ
What is GHK-Cu and how is quality verified?
Copper tripeptide complex (MW ~340.4 Da). Sequence Gly-His-Lys chelating Cu²⁺. ≥99% HPLC, ESI-MS, UV-Vis 600nm verifies copper chelation.
Why does GHK-Cu appear blue?
The characteristic blue color confirms Cu²⁺ chelation — a quality indicator, not a contaminant. 600nm absorbance peak.
How should GHK-Cu be stored?
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, desiccated, protected from light. The copper complex is photolabile. Reconstituted: use tinted vials or wrap in foil.
What concentrations of GHK-Cu are available?
Standard: 50mg (single vial). Bulk: 50mg × 10 vials kit. Custom concentrations available on request.
What documentation is included with GHK-Cu?
COA, commercial invoice, packing list. Additional analytical data (HPLC chromatogram, MS spectrum, UV-Vis) on request.
Why is GHK-Cu blue? Is the color an indicator of quality?
The blue color is from Cu²⁺ in square-planar coordination — absorbing red light and reflecting blue. A blue to blue-purple powder = properly complexed copper. Faded or absent blue suggests copper loss or incomplete complexation. We verify with both color assessment and quantitative copper content (ICP-OES) to confirm 1:1 stoichiometry.
Is GHK-Cu stable in solution?
Stable in aqueous solution at neutral pH for several days at 4°C. The copper complex (log K ~16) remains intact. For quantitative cell culture: prepare fresh or aliquot and freeze at -20°C. Avoid chelating agents (EDTA, citrate) — they strip copper from the complex.
What's the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
Chemically distinct. GHK (free peptide, CAS 72957-37-0) lacks Cu²⁺ and doesn't exhibit the same biological activities. Virtually all published research uses GHK-Cu (the copper-complexed form). We supply GHK-Cu as standard. If you need copper-free GHK, specify in your inquiry.
Can GHK-Cu be combined with other cosmetic peptides?
Yes — commonly studied with Matrixyl (collagen), Argireline/Snap-8 (neurotransmitter inhibition). Peptides are chemically compatible. Expect blue tint in formulations — this is normal. Avoid strong chelators (EDTA) and reducing agents (high-concentration ascorbic acid) which disrupt the Cu complex.
All products are manufactured for laboratory research purposes only. GHK-Cu is labeled FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis or any clinical, cosmetic, dietary or household application. Not a dietary supplement, pharmaceutical ingredient, cosmetic ingredient or approved drug substance. Buyers are responsible for verifying the legal status of importation and possession in their destination country.
Ready to Source GHK-Cu?
Bulk pricing up to 30% off. Copper content verified by ICP-OES. COA with every order.