What it is
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that declines with age. It appears in cosmetic topical formulations in many markets.
The Range
CU50 · Pen · Skin & matrix research
GHK-Cu 50 mg / 3 mL injection pen
Status varies — confirm locallyEvidence: Emerging
A copper-binding tripeptide studied for its role in extracellular matrix signalling. Widely used topically in cosmetic science; injectable use is not an approved application.
Information only
GHK-Cu is presented as reference information for registered healthcare professionals. Availability is subject to applicable law, prescription or Section 21 authorisation, and licensed pharmacy channels. No dosing, protocol or self-administration guidance is given, and nothing here is an offer of sale.
Evidence highlights
Mechanism being studied
Research describes copper transport and modulation of genes associated with collagen and extracellular-matrix turnover in cell models.
Human evidence
There is a body of cosmetic-science literature on topical formulations reporting changes in skin appearance measures. Evidence for injectable or systemic use in people is not established.
Evidence & Regulation
Where the evidence for GHK-Cu sits, and the rules that apply to it
Every source below is a public, primary source — a literature index, a trials registry, or a regulator. They are reading directions for professionals, not endorsements, and they do not establish that any use of GHK-Cu is approved, safe or appropriate.
Citations
- Peer-reviewed literature — PubMed search: "GHK-Cu copper tripeptide"
LiteratureIndependent index of published studies. Most entries for research peptides are preclinical.
- SAHPRA — Medicines registration and Section 21 authorisation
RegulatorExplains registration, and the Section 21 route by which a healthcare professional may apply to access an unregistered product for a named patient.
- US FDA — human drug compounding and bulk substances
RegulatorSeveral peptides have been placed in FDA categories that restrict compounding due to safety or characterisation concerns.
Further reading
- Cosmetic-science peer-reviewed literature on GHK-Cu topical formulations.
- SAHPRA — medicines vs cosmetics classification guidance.
How the regulation works
Registration comes before supply
In South Africa, a product intended to treat, prevent or otherwise affect the functioning of the body is a medicine and must be registered with SAHPRA before it may lawfully be sold. An unregistered compound cannot be advertised or supplied to the public, regardless of the evidence behind it.
SAHPRA — medicines registrationSection 21 is the professional access route
Where no registered alternative exists, a registered healthcare professional may apply to SAHPRA under Section 21 for authorisation to access an unregistered product for a named patient. That application is made by the clinician, not by the patient, and not by us.
Section 21 pathwayPrescription and dispensing stay with licensed channels
Any prescribing decision, dosing decision and dispensing step belongs to a registered healthcare professional and a licensed pharmacy. We publish reference information and analytical documentation only, and never dosing, protocols or self-administration guidance.
Prohibited in sport
Non-approved substances are prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Code, including many research peptides. Athletes under testing jurisdiction should treat every compound on this site as prohibited unless their governing body confirms otherwise.
WADA Prohibited ListStatus is jurisdiction-specific
A compound may be an approved medicine in one country, an investigational agent in a second, and an unregistered research chemical in a third. Always confirm the classification that applies where you practise before acting on any information here.
EMA medicines databaseInformation only — availability subject to applicable law, prescription/authorisation, and licensed healthcare/pharmacy channels. Nothing on this page is an offer to sell, and no dosing or self-administration guidance is provided.
South Africa — compliance notice
SAHPRA has publicly warned about unregistered peptide products being marketed to the South African public. In general, products intended to diagnose, treat, or otherwise alter bodily functions require registration or authorisation before they may lawfully be sold. ELLIVON BIOSCIENCES publishes reference information only and directs all clinical questions to registered healthcare professionals and licensed pharmacy channels.