What is Copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu) and what role does it play in skin care?
Publish Time:
2025-09-10
Once upon a time, cosmetics rich in natural proteins were all the rage. Later, it was discovered that these macromolecular proteins simply could not penetrate the skin effectively. After extensive research, scientists turned their attention to “bio-active small molecules”—peptides.
Peptides are essentially “protein fragments”: non-toxic, highly active, easily absorbed, and endowed with unique physiological functions, so they are now widely used in modern skin care. In recent years, peptides have become the signature actives of premium brands. Among them, Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) stands out—not only for its remarkable efficacy, but also for its staggering price: US $180–200 k / kg on the international market, and no less than US $100 k / kg in China.
The science behind GHK-Cu Copper peptide, also known as GHK-Cu, Tripeptide-1 copper or Blue Copper Peptide, has a rare sequence: glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(II).
Tripeptide-1: a small molecule composed of three amino acids.
Copper: an essential trace element for the human body.
Together they form a blue-coloured complex (GHK-Cu) with powerful biological activity.
Copper: an essential trace element for the human body.
Together they form a blue-coloured complex (GHK-Cu) with powerful biological activity.
Discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, GHK-Cu was first isolated from human plasma. In 1985 it was found to accelerate wound healing, and from 1999 onward it was introduced into cosmetic formulations. Decades of research have confirmed its outstanding performance in anti-ageing, skin repair and even hair growth.
Clinically proven skin-care benefits Repair & healing: boosts the skin’s self-healing ability, reduces damage and rebuilds the barrier.
Collagen & elastin boost: stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, increases firmness and reduces fine lines.
Anti-oxidant protection: activates superoxide dismutase (SOD), scavenges free radicals and delays ageing.
Anti-inflammatory action: calms redness and accelerates recovery after irritation or UV exposure.
Skin regeneration: promotes proteoglycan synthesis, improving skin thickness and resilience.
Collagen & elastin boost: stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, increases firmness and reduces fine lines.
Anti-oxidant protection: activates superoxide dismutase (SOD), scavenges free radicals and delays ageing.
Anti-inflammatory action: calms redness and accelerates recovery after irritation or UV exposure.
Skin regeneration: promotes proteoglycan synthesis, improving skin thickness and resilience.
Studies show that GHK-Cu (Copper tripeptide) can outperform retinoic acid (vitamin A) and vitamin C in collagen stimulation, yet—unlike retinoids—it is gentle, non-irritating and safe for long-term use.
Real-world challenges & limitations High cost: far exceeds that of other peptides.
Formulation sensitivity: unstable in acidic or high-heat conditions, requiring carefully balanced pH-neutral systems, liposomal encapsulation, etc.
Sensory profile: can increase viscosity and leave a heavy skin feel.
Limited scope: although superb at anti-ageing and repair, it is less versatile than some multi-functional peptides.
Formulation sensitivity: unstable in acidic or high-heat conditions, requiring carefully balanced pH-neutral systems, liposomal encapsulation, etc.
Sensory profile: can increase viscosity and leave a heavy skin feel.
Limited scope: although superb at anti-ageing and repair, it is less versatile than some multi-functional peptides.
Market outlook Although researched for over 20 years, copper peptide remains a niche luxury ingredient because of its high price and formulation complexity. Products containing high, stable concentrations deliver visible results, but many mass-market items carry only trace levels, limiting real efficacy.
Breakthrough: CongenPharma patented process CongenPharma’s self-developed patent “A method for synthesising Tripeptide-1 and blue copper peptide and its application” completely rewrites the “expensive-scarce-difficult” narrative:
Patent from CongenPharma
Solid–liquid hybrid route eliminates costly protecting groups, delivering purity ≥ 99.5 % and meeting the highest cosmet ic standards.
Scale-up friendly: mild conditions (room temp, atmospheric pressure), 90 % solvent recyclability, single-batch output > 20 kg, cutting cost by 50 %.
Scale-up friendly: mild conditions (room temp, atmospheric pressure), 90 % solvent recyclability, single-batch output > 20 kg, cutting cost by 50 %.
Eco-safe: no heavy-metal catalysts, no cyanides, 70 % waste-water reduction; REACH and ISO 16128 natural-index certified.
Reliable supply: annual capacity 500 kg, global spot delivery, custom solutions from ppm level to 10 % high-concentration solutions.
Thanks to this breakthrough, the era of “Copper Peptide 2.0”—high concentration, truly efficacious and affordable—has arrived. Brands no longer need to settle for “marketing-level” inclusion rates, while consumers can enjoy medical-grade repair and anti-ageing at a democratic price. Going forward, Tongjuan will keep advancing delivery technologies (liposomes, micro-crystal patches) to unlock even greater potential for copper peptide in skin-care innovation.
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