Copper Tripeptide-1: what it is, topical uses, safety and alternatives

GHK-Cu or Copper Tripeptide-1  also known as GHK-Cu, is a copper peptide compound that combines glycine, histidine, and lysine with copper ions. It is widely recognized for its powerful anti-aging, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient is used in various cosmetic and dermatological products to promote skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and reduce signs of aging. Copper Tripeptide-1 is formed by the union of three amino acids (glycine, histidine, lysine) with a copper atom, giving it unique bioactive properties.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

Copper indicates the presence of the copper element (Cu) in the peptide structure.

Tripeptide indicates that the compound consists of a chain of three amino acids. Tripeptides are peptides composed of three amino acid units.

-1 indicates the position of the amino acid within the peptide sequence, which in this case is the first amino acid.

The function of this compound can vary depending on the context in which it is used. Copper Tripeptide-1 is known for its regenerative and reparative properties on the skin. It has been suggested to promote collagen and elastin synthesis, thereby contributing to improving skin appearance, reducing wrinkles, and accelerating the healing process.

Chemical Industrial Synthesis Process

The production of Copper Tripeptide-1 follows a process of peptide synthesis and copper complexation. 

• Synthesis. The synthesis of the base tripeptide (GHK) is carried out using peptide synthesis methods, such as solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), which allows for the sequential construction of the peptide on a solid support.
• Deprotection and Cleavage. After synthesis, the peptide is deprotected and released from the solid support through a cleavage process, which involves the use of a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) mixture or other cleavage agents.
• Purification. The synthesized peptide is purified to remove impurities and by-products of synthesis. Purification can be carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Complexation. The purified tripeptide (GHK) is then complexed with copper ions (Cu2+) in a solution that favors the formation of the GHK-Cu complex. This step requires precise pH and ionic concentration conditions to ensure effective complex formation.
• Complex Purification. The Copper Tripeptide-1 complex is further purified to remove any residual impurities and achieve maximum purity.
• Quality Control. Copper Tripeptide-1 undergoes rigorous quality control checks to confirm its purity, correct complex formation, and biological activity. These tests can include atomic absorption spectroscopy for copper, HPLC, and in vitro biological activity tests.

Form and Color. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide and copper complex that comes as a blue-green powder or liquid, water-soluble and soluble in aqueous solutions.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

In hair care products, this peptide can help promote hair growth and prevent loss (1).

Applications

Regenerative Properties. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Wound Healing. It promotes wound healing and tissue repair, making it an effective ingredient in post-procedural treatments and scar care products.

Anti-inflammatory Effects. It has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin, aiding in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis.

Use in Cosmetic Products. Found in serums, creams, lotions, and masks, Copper Tripeptide-1 is valued for its ability to improve the overall appearance of the skin, increasing radiance and reducing signs of aging.

Molecular Formula  C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺

Molecular Weight   402.92 g/mol

CAS   89030-95-5

UNII    6BJQ43T1I9

EC Number 

DTXSID20237492

Synonyms:

Copper Tripeptide-1

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Carlos, R. M. D., & Sarruf, F. D. (2023). Comparative study of the effectiveness of intradermotherapy associated or not with microneedling and topical solution in reducing hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia. Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology, 15, e20230197.

Abstract. Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia impacts patients psychologically. Androgenetic alopecia is an androgen-dependent condition characterized by hair follicles miniaturization, shortened anagen phase, and prolonged telogen phase. The increasing search for hair therapies to improve this condition leads to the need for robust methods to compare the effectiveness of treatments, such as standardized photographs and clinical evaluation.  Objective: This study comparatively assessed the efficacy of intradermotherapy associated or not with microneedling and application of sterile topical solution whose active components are Octapeptide-2, Copper tripeptide-1, Chondrus crispus extract, and Silanediol salicylate. ...Conclusion: The therapeutic association of intradermotherapy with microneedling followed by topic treatment was significantly more effective in improving male hair loss compared to control.