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Skin · Topical cream

GHK-Cu Cream

Copper peptide ยท topical

The peptide your skin made more of at twenty.

A prescription copper peptide cream, compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy and prescribed by a licensed Apex MD provider. No injections.

$249per month · topical cream

SPENGA members: $50 off with code SPENGA50

  • Physician prescribed
  • Licensed U.S. pharmacy
  • Ongoing medical support
Apex Meds GHK-Cu Cream cream jar in SPENGA green
Form
Topical cream
Use
Once or twice daily, as directed
Prescribed by
Licensed Apex MD provider
Also known as
Copper tripeptide-1
What it is

GHK-Cu Cream, in plain terms

GHK-Cu is a peptide of three amino acids, glycine, histidine and lysine, bound to copper. It occurs naturally in human plasma, where it was first identified in 1973.

Published reviews report that plasma levels average about 200 ng/mL at age 20 and fall to about 80 ng/mL by age 60. On cosmetic labels it appears as copper tripeptide-1.

How it works

What it does in the body

GHK-Cu works as a signal and as a copper carrier in skin. In laboratory studies it prompts fibroblasts to make more collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans, and it shifts the balance of the enzymes that break down and rebuild the skin's support matrix.

A laboratory study on human skin found that it crosses the skin barrier and leaves a reservoir in the skin itself.

The evidence

What the research shows, and what it doesn’t

Every finding is labelled by the kind of study it came from, with the source linked.

Human trial

In a randomized, double-blind trial of about 40 women, GHK-Cu applied twice daily for eight weeks reduced wrinkle volume by 55.8% and depth by 32.8% relative to a control serum.

Badenhorst et al., J Aging Science, 2016
Early human data

In a 12-week placebo-controlled study of 71 women, a GHK-Cu facial cream improved skin density and thickness and the look of fine lines. It was reported as a conference abstract.

Reported in Pickart et al., BioMed Res Int, 2015
Early human data

In a one-month pilot on thigh skin, collagen production rose in 70% of women using GHK-Cu, against 50% with vitamin C and 40% with retinoic acid.

Reported in Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci, 2018
Lab

On excised human skin, GHK-Cu passed through the skin barrier over 48 hours and a further amount was retained in the skin.

Hostynek et al., 2010
Not yet established

Evidence for hair growth is early and comes mostly from lab and animal work. This cream is intended for skin. Studies beyond about three months are limited.

Healthline, medically reviewed

Published research describes what was observed in a study. It is not a promise of what any product will do for you. Your provider will talk through what is realistic.

What to expect

On the protocol

01

How it's used

A thin layer on clean, dry skin of the face and neck, once or twice daily as your provider directs. Patch test first and wear sunscreen in the morning.

02

What to pair it with

Avoid applying it at the same moment as strong vitamin C, exfoliating acids or retinoids. Use them at a different time of day or on alternate nights.

03

When to judge it

Some people notice smoother texture within a few weeks. Studies measured changes in lines and firmness at 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.

Safety

Know this before you start

Your provider reviews your full history. Tell them about every medication and condition, including any history of cancer.

Reported side effects

  • Mild redness or tingling
  • Dryness or itching
  • Occasionally a rash or contact dermatitis

Who should not use it

  • A known allergy to copper or any ingredient
  • Wilson's disease or another copper metabolism disorder
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless your provider approves
  • Broken skin or an active eczema flare where you would apply it
Tested athletes

Compete in a tested sport?

GHK-Cu is not named on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

FAQ

GHK-Cu Cream questions, answered

What is GHK-Cu?

A small copper-carrying peptide your body makes naturally. Levels fall with age. Applied to the skin, it is used to support collagen and skin repair.

Is it FDA-approved?

No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. It is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy on a provider's prescription.

How soon will I see results?

Some people notice smoother texture within a few weeks. Studies measured changes in lines and firmness at 8 to 12 weeks.

Can I use it with retinol or vitamin C?

Yes, in the same routine but not at the same time. Apply them at different times of day or on alternating nights.

What are the side effects?

Mostly mild redness, tingling or dryness. Stop and contact your provider if you develop a rash or swelling.

Will it regrow hair?

The evidence for hair is early and mostly from lab and animal work. This cream is intended for skin.

Keep looking

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Start with GHK-Cu Cream

Answer a few questions. A licensed Apex MD provider decides whether it is right for you.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional, who will determine whether a prescription is appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality. Research cited on this site describes published studies and is not a claim about what any product will do for you. Individual results vary.

Sources
  1. Badenhorst et al., J Aging Science, 2016. https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/effects-of-ghkcu-on-mmp-and-timp-expression-collagen-and-elastin-production-and-facial-wrinkle-parameters-2329-8847-1000166.pdf
  2. Reported in Pickart et al., BioMed Res Int, 2015. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508379/
  3. Reported in Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci, 2018. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/
  4. Hostynek et al., 2010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20721598/
  5. Healthline, medically reviewed. https://www.healthline.com/health/copper-peptides