What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, bound to a copper(II) ion. It is one of the most-studied peptides in skin and extracellular-matrix research, examined in preclinical models of collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling. Research-grade GHK-Cu is a blue lyophilized powder supplied in 50mg vials.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) complex |
| Other names | GHK-Cu, copper peptide, copper tripeptide-1, Copper Peptide (Evo Peptides) |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys, bound to Cu²⁺ |
| Length | 3 amino acids + copper ion |
| Molecular weight | ~404 Da (complex); GHK peptide alone ~340 Da |
| Appearance | Blue lyophilized powder (from the bound copper) |
| Status | Research compound; also used in cosmetic formulations |
Mechanism detail is in the GHK-Cu research guide.
How Much Does GHK-Cu 50mg Cost?
Research-grade GHK-Cu 50mg typically sells for about $30–$40 per vial in 2026. Evo Peptides sells it for $34.95. Because lot GHK0003 measured 53.63mg in a 50mg-labeled vial, the real cost is $0.65 per milligram.
| Measure | Value | How it's calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Price per vial | $34.95 | Current list price |
| Cost per labeled mg | $0.70 | $34.95 ÷ 50mg |
| Cost per tested mg | $0.65 | $34.95 ÷ 53.63mg net content (lot GHK0003) |
| Shipping | $0 at $200+ | Free shipping on orders of $200 or more |
What a GHK-Cu COA Should Show
A usable GHK-Cu COA names a third-party lab, matches your lot number, and reports purity, identity and net content. Here is the current Evo Peptides result:
| Test | Result | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| HPLC purity | 99.81% | How clean the sample is |
| Identity | GHK-Cu confirmed | The vial holds the right compound |
| Net content | 53.63mg | Above the 50mg label |
| Endotoxin | NMT 0.05 EU/mL | Bacterial endotoxin level reported |
Full certificate: COA library. Method: How to Read a Peptide COA.
Research-Grade vs Cosmetic GHK-Cu
Cosmetic "copper peptide" products and research-grade GHK-Cu are not interchangeable. A research vial gives a known quantity of verified peptide; a finished serum does not.
| Research-grade GHK-Cu | Cosmetic GHK-Cu (serums, creams) | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Lyophilized powder, 50mg vial | Diluted in a finished formula |
| Concentration | Known: 50mg per vial, verified by COA | Usually low and often undisclosed |
| Testing | Lot COA with HPLC purity | Rarely published |
| Intended use | In vitro laboratory research | Topical consumer product |
6-Point GHK-Cu Supplier Checklist
- Lot-matched COAThe lot on the COA matches the lot on your vial.
- HPLC purity ≥99%With the chromatogram.
- Identity confirmedGHK-Cu, not free GHK or a copper salt blend.
- Net content at or above 50mgExposes under-filled vials.
- Recent test dateWithin the past 12 months.
- Strict RUO labelingNo cosmetic, human-use or therapeutic claims.
GHK-Cu Alone or in KLOW?
GHK-Cu is also the largest component of the KLOW blend (typically 50mg of its 80mg). Use single-vial GHK-Cu when you need to control ratios or study it alone; use KLOW when a design calls for GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV together. See the KLOW buying guide.
GHK-Cu + KLOW
Two KLOW 80mg vials ($179.90) plus one GHK-Cu 50mg ($34.95) totals $214.85, clearing the $200 free-shipping threshold.
Storage After Delivery
- Lyophilized: sealed, dark, −20 °C long-term or 2–8 °C short-term. Copper complexes are light-sensitive; keep the vial boxed.
- Reconstituted: refrigerate and aliquot; use Evo H2O and the reconstitution calculator.
More in the peptide storage guide.