Copper Peptides
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Overview
Copper Peptides are small protein fragments that bind tightly to copper ions, with GHK-Cu being the most famous and well-researched. Your body naturally produces these peptides, but levels decline significantly as you age. **Why copper matters:** Copper is essential for enzymes involved in wound healing, collagen production, and antioxidant defense. Copper peptides deliver this copper directly to tissues while also sending "repair" signals to cells. **What the research shows:** • Stimulate collagen and elastin production for firmer skin • Accelerate wound healing across multiple tissue types • Reduce inflammation and oxidative damage • Can modify expression of over 4,000 genes toward healthier patterns • Support hair follicle health and growth **Where you'll find them:** Widely used in anti-aging skincare serums and creams, wound care products, and hair growth treatments. Available in topical and injectable forms. **Age-related decline:** GHK-Cu levels drop from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to around 80 ng/mL by age 60. This decline may contribute to slower healing and visible skin aging. **Popular forms:** • GHK-Cu: The most researched copper peptide • AHK-Cu: A variant with an alanine substitution --- **Sources:** Pickart L, et al. (2015) Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. DOI:10.1155/2015/648108 | Pickart L, et al. (2008) Journal of Biomaterials Science. DOI:10.1163/156856208784909435

Quick Facts
Formula:C14H24CuN6O4
Molecular Weight:403.9
Sequence:MQRRDFLKYSVALGVASALPLWSRAVFAAERPTLPIPDLLTTDARNRIQLTIGAGQSTFGGKTATTWGYNGNLLGPAVKLQRGKAVTVDIYNQLTEETTLHWHGLEVPGEVDGGPQGIIPPGGKRSVTLNVDQPAATCWFHPHQHGKTGRQVAMGLAGLVVIEDDEILKLMLPKQWGIDDVPVIVQDKKFSADGQIDYQLDVMTAAVGWFGDTLLTNGAIYPQHAAPRGWLRLRLLNGCNARSLNFATSDNRPLYVIASDGGLLPEPVKVSELPVLMGERFEVLVEVNDNKPFDLVTLPVSQMGMAIAPFDKPHPVMRIQPIAISASGALPDTLSSLPALPSLEGLTVRKLQLSMDPMLDMMGMQMLMEKYGDQAMAGMDHSQMMGHMGHGNMNHMNHGGKFDFHHANKINGQAFDMNKPMFAAAKGQYERWVISGVGDMMLHPFHIHGTQFRILSENGKPPAAHRAGWKDTVKVEGNVSEVLVKFNHDAPKEHAYMAHCHLLEHEDTGMMLGFTV
Mechanism:Promotes collagen production and wound healing
⚠️ Safety Information
Research compound. ⚠️ ANGIOGENESIS CONCERN - Avoid with cancer history. Generally well-tolerated topically. 🛑 WADA BANNED
Research Citations
Imidazole-rich copper peptides as catalysts in xenobiotic degradation.
Begum SZ, Nizam NSM, Muhamad A, Saiman MI, Crouse KA, Abdul Rahman MB (2020)
+ 32 more citations