ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare (repair and anti-aging)
☑ Haircare (scalp serums)
☒ Handmade Soap (pH and rinse-off destroy value)
☑ Cosmetics (limited: blue tint; eye and lip treatments) — three-line dual-use ingredient
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide — glycyl-histidyl-lysine — that binds copper and circulates in human plasma, where its levels fall sharply with age. Discovered in the 1970s as a liver-derived growth-modulating factor, it has since become one of the best-characterized cosmetic peptides: gene-expression studies show it up-regulates collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan, and decorin synthesis, activates wound repair, and modulates inflammation and antioxidant defenses [1]. A comparative ultrastructural study found a copper-peptide cream increased collagen in aged skin, alongside vitamin C and retinoic acid comparators [2], and in cultured human hair follicles a tripeptide-copper complex stimulated follicle growth and dermal papilla activity [3]. Reviewed among the most promising topical peptides for aged skin [4], GHK-Cu is ORY®‘s repair-and-remodeling peptide for post-procedure care, mature skin, and scalp serums — with a distinctive blue tint and formulation rules of its own.
What is Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) made of?
GHK-Cu is synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and complexed with copper(II); supplied as a blue powder or solution. Points to know [1, 4]:
- Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys bound to Cu²⁺: Carrier peptide delivering copper for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking) and superoxide dismutase.
- Mechanisms: Stimulates collagen I/III, elastin, GAGs, decorin; activates tissue remodeling (MMP/TIMP balance); anti-inflammatory; antioxidant gene expression [1].
- Physical form: Water-soluble; blue; pH 5.5–7.5; heat-sensitive (add at cool-down, <40 °C).
- Incompatibilities: Strong acids (L-ascorbic acid, AHAs at low pH), strong chelators (EDTA/GLDA at high levels), and some reducing agents strip or deactivate the copper.
- Typical use: 0.05–0.5% GHK-Cu (often 1–5% of a 10% supplier solution).
What skin type is best suited for Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)?
GHK-Cu suits all seven ORY® skin types, especially mature and healing skin:
- Mature: Collagen, elastin, and GAG stimulation; increased collagen in aged skin [1, 2].
- Sensitive: Anti-inflammatory; post-procedure repair.
- Acne-prone: Supports healing and scar remodeling; reduces inflammation [1].
- Dry: Improves dermal water-binding GAGs.
- Normal: Preventive repair support.
- Combination: Water-based serums.
- Oily: Oil-free peptide serums.
What hair type is best suited for Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)?
GHK-Cu is a scalp peptide with in-vitro follicle evidence:
- Mature or thinning: Stimulated follicle growth and dermal papilla cells in vitro [3]; supports scalp repair (cosmetic claims).
- Sensitive scalp: Anti-inflammatory scalp serum.
- Dandruff-prone scalp: Supports scalp barrier repair; pair with piroctone olamine.
- Straight, wavy, curly, coily: Scalp serum for all textures.
- Dry or damaged, color-treated, oily scalp: Scalp-focused; neutral for the fiber.
What are the benefits of Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)?
GHK-Cu’s benefits are supported by gene-expression, ultrastructural, follicle, and review studies [1–4]:
- Collagen and elastin synthesis: Up-regulated in fibroblasts; increased collagen in aged skin [1, 2].
- Wound healing and remodeling: Activates repair genes; balances MMP/TIMP [1].
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammatory cytokines [1].
- Antioxidant support: Superoxide dismutase cofactor; antioxidant gene expression [1].
- Firmness and elasticity: Dermal matrix support.
- Scar and post-procedure support: Remodeling activity.
- Hair-follicle support: In-vitro growth stimulation [3].
- Skin-native molecule: Biocompatible; declines with age.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
GHK-Cu is a leave-on active for skincare, haircare, and select cosmetics; it is destroyed or wasted in soap.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
Repair and anti-aging serums, post-procedure creams, eye creams, neck creams, scar-support products. |
0.05–0.5% |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Yes |
Leave-on scalp serums and ampoules (with caffeine, adenosine, rosemary). |
0.05–0.2% |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
No |
Alkaline pH and rinse-off destroy value; copper can discolor bars. |
— |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Limited |
Eye and lip treatment products; blue tint limits base makeup. |
0.05–0.1% |
Pros and cons of Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)
Pros
Cons
- Deep mechanistic evidence: [1].
- Collagen increase in aged skin: [2].
- Repair, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant: Multi-benefit.
- Follicle data: [3].
- Skin-native: Biocompatible.
- Formulation incompatibilities: Not with low-pH vitamin C, AHAs, or strong chelators.
- Blue color: Tints products.
- Cost: Premium peptide.
- Heat- and light-sensitive: Cool-down addition; opaque packaging.
- Limited large clinical trials: Evidence is mechanistic, ultrastructural, and small clinical.
What is the best application of Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)?
GHK-Cu is a leave-on repair peptide:
- Repair serum: 0.1–0.3% at pH 6–7 with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide; AM/PM.
- Post-procedure cream: 0.2% with Centella and panthenol.
- Eye or neck cream: 0.1%.
- Scalp serum: 0.1% with caffeine and adenosine.
- Routine: Use in a separate step from low-pH vitamin C or acids (e.g., AM vitamin C, PM GHK-Cu).
- Cosmetics: 0.05% in eye or lip treatment.
Peer-reviewed references
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.
- Abdulghani AA, Sherr A, Shirin S, et al. Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes. 1998;1(4):136–141.
- Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Archives of Pharmacal Research. 2007;30(7):834–839.
- Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2009;31(5):327–345.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including wounds, scars, hair loss, or any other condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Copper peptides are rarely irritating. Any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
