Published · Aurelis Peptides
GHK is a short peptide made from three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine. GHK-Cu refers to its copper complex. The extra letters identify an important chemical distinction, rather than a larger version of the same peptide.
That distinction matters when reading skin and tissue research. A paper studying GHK alone, copper ions or GHK-Cu may be asking a different question. This guide compares the names and a specific laboratory finding, then connects them to Aurelis’s GHK-Cu content options.
GHK vs GHK-Cu at a glance
| Detail | GHK | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine | The peptide complexed with copper(II) |
| What the comparison means | The three-amino-acid peptide | A copper–peptide complex, not extra amino acids |
| Selected 2000 cell study | GHK alone did not reproduce the reported rise in MMP-2 | GHK-Cu increased MMP-2 in cultured fibroblast media |
| Aurelis listing | No separate GHK-only entry in the current catalogue | 50 mg / 100 mg per unit |
The copper connection, in plain English
Think of GHK as the peptide that can bind copper. GHK-Cu names the copper-containing complex. The 1988 Maquart paper described GHK’s affinity for copper(II) and its isolation from human plasma. Read the original identity and collagen study.
Conato and colleagues investigated copper-complex formation in 2001 using chemical measurements and spectroscopy. Their experiments examined GHK and two altered peptide analogues, finding complexes with different compositions and stabilities. Read the copper-complex study.
The practical point is to keep the complete identity with the name. A catalogue abbreviation does not explain every feature of a supplied material. For a research comparison, record whether the experiment used the peptide alone, the copper complex or another related form.
Why GHK-Cu appears in skin and collagen research
Fibroblasts are cells involved in producing the tissue’s surrounding structural material. Maquart and colleagues reported increased collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures exposed to GHK-Cu in 1988. The change was independent of a change in cell number. Maquart et al., 1988.
Collagen production is one part of tissue biology. Researchers also study how the surrounding matrix is remodelled. These laboratory topics explain the interest in copper peptides; they describe measured cell responses, rather than a promised cosmetic result from a catalogue unit. Our GHK-Cu skin and matrix guide covers the broader research topic.
A study where GHK and GHK-Cu gave different responses
In a 2000 fibroblast-culture study, Siméon and colleagues measured MMP-2, a matrix-remodelling enzyme. GHK-Cu increased its level in the surrounding culture medium. Copper ions reproduced that effect; the peptide GHK alone did not. The researchers also reported increased secretion of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, which are inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases. Read the direct laboratory comparison.
This is a useful example of why the copper detail matters. It concerns a particular endpoint under that experiment’s conditions. It does not establish that one material is universally better, or convert an enzyme measurement into faster recovery or younger-looking skin in people.
GHK-Cu 50 mg and 100 mg: what the numbers mean
Aurelis lists GHK-Cu at 50 mg / 100 mg per unit. These are catalogue content options. The 100 mg listing indicates a larger listed amount than 50 mg; it does not mean twice the biological effect.
Keep amount and identity separate when comparing records. Ask what the content figure is based on and how the selected material is identified. A purity percentage, a copper-content result and an amount per unit answer different questions. None should be silently substituted for another.
A content listing also differs from concentration. Concentration requires a defined volume as well as an amount. These catalogue numbers are not concentration or dosing instructions. Use the quality-documentation guide to prepare the matching record request.
Compare the presentation as well as the name
Aurelis presents both vials and pen-style kits. Confirm the available configuration for the selected GHK-Cu entry. A kit image does not define every component, while a vial image does not establish a finished formulation.
For blends, preserve the exact component wording in the accepted specification. A blend name alone cannot settle whether a component is GHK or GHK-Cu. Our blend comparison keeps the source-listed details and unresolved specifications visible.
Prepare your GHK-Cu enquiry
Send the GHK-Cu name, 50 mg / 100 mg content option, preferred vial or kit presentation and destination in the USA, Canada or Australia. Request the matching identity, content and batch documents, plus confirmation of current local availability.
Explore the GHK-Cu profile and format guide, then send a product enquiry or email sales@aurelispeptides.com.
Primary sources
- Maquart et al. · FEBS Letters · 1988 — peptide identity and collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures.
- Siméon et al. · Life Sciences · 2000 — MMP-2 response with GHK-Cu, copper ions and GHK alone.
- Conato et al. · Biochimica et Biophysica Acta · 2001 — experimental copper-complex formation.