GHK-Cu research: overview and resources
GHK-Cu research material: a plasma-derived tripeptide with very high copper affinity, how the complex forms, how each lot is characterized, and every record on this site.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a tripeptide first isolated from plasma in the 1970s and noted for its very high affinity for copper ions. Copper is held by the glycine amine, the adjacent backbone nitrogen and the histidine imidazole, with lysine's long side chain left free. GHK-Cu is one of the most widely studied copper peptides in cell-culture and skin-biology research, and it is also listed in cosmetic ingredient databases as copper tripeptide-1.
GHK-Cu Labs supplies it as a blue lyophilized powder in 50 mg and 100 mg vials. Each lot is tested by an independent laboratory for HPLC-UV purity, LC-MS identity and net content, and the full certificate is published here before sale through Klow.bio.
What is GHK-Cu research material?
GHK-Cu research material is GHK-Cu supplied for laboratory research (C14H24N6O4, 340.38 g/mol) in blue lyophilized powder form, sold by lot. Each lot's identity, purity and net content are documented by an independent laboratory in a published certificate of analysis.
How is GHK-Cu characterized?
Three questions are answered for every lot, each by a different method:
- Is it the right compound? LC-MS separates the sample and measures the mass of the main component, confirming it has the molecular weight expected for the compound.
- How much of the sample is that compound? HPLC-UV reports the main peak's share of detected peak area. Current lots: 99.81%.
- How much peptide is in the vial? Net content is measured directly.
Endotoxin (LAL) and microbial DNA (PCR) results are added where those tests are run.
What has not been established
A certificate of analysis describes the specific sample tested on its test date. It does not establish stability afterward, sequence order beyond what mass confirmation shows, results for other lots, or suitability for any particular purpose.
GHK-Cu at a glance
- Product
- GHK-Cu
- Type
- Copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys, 3 residues
- Also known as
- Copper tripeptide-1, Gly-His-Lys copper complex
- Molecular formula (GHK peptide, without copper)
- C14H24N6O4
- Molecular weight (GHK peptide, without copper)
- 340.38 g/mol (average)
- Form
- Blue lyophilized powder
- Vial sizes
- 50 mg, 100 mg
- Purity, current lots
- 99.81% (HPLC-UV)
- Purity specification
- ≥95%
- Identity
- Confirmed by LC-MS on every lot
- Testing laboratory
- Freedom Diagnostics (independent)
- Current lot
- KB10020, reported May 14, 2026
- Operated by
- Klow Labs LLC, Chicago, IL
- Where to order
- klow.bio
GHK-Cu research resources
Every GHK-Cu resource on ghkcu.bio, organized from chemistry to documentation.
GHK-Cu specifications
Formula, molecular weight, sequence, modifications and release specification.
QualityQuality and supply chain
Sourcing, specifications, batch documentation and release.
TestingAnalytical testing
How every lot is tested, reviewed and released.
TestingHPLC analysis of GHK-Cu
Retention time, peaks, area normalization and results by lot.
DocumentationCertificates of analysis
Every lot's full results, plus the complete testing records.
DocumentationHow to read a GHK-Cu COA
What each section means and what a COA does and doesn't establish.
DocumentationVerify a lot
Look up any GHK-Cu lot by the number on the vial.
AnalysisPurity, content and net content
Three different numbers, kept apart.
HandlingStorage and stability
Degradation pathways and lyophilized peptide handling.
ReferenceGlossary
Definitions for every term on a GHK-Cu certificate.
Research materialGHK-Cu research material
Sizes, current lots and availability. Purchasing is handled through Klow.bio.
Research references
Published sources
- PubChem: GHK-Cu. National Library of Medicine, NIH. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/133697840
- Wilm M. Principles of electrospray ionization. Mol Cell Proteomics. 2011. PMC3134074. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3134074
- U.S. FDA. Q2(R2) Validation of Analytical Procedures. 2024. fda.gov
- U.S. FDA. Pyrogen and Endotoxins Testing: Questions and Answers. Revised 2026. fda.gov
GHK-Cu Labs analytical documentation
- Lot KB10020: 100 mg, 99.81% purity, reported May 14, 2026
- GHK-Cu testing records (all tests, all lots; CSV available)
Editorial scope
GHK-Cu Labs research content covers molecular characteristics, peptide structure, analytical chemistry, purity and identity testing, certificates of analysis, lot documentation and laboratory storage and handling.
It does not cover dosing, administration instructions, protocols, personal use or medical advice.
Latest updates
Buy GHK-Cu
50 mg and 100 mg vials. Current lot KB10020 tested at 99.81% purity with identity confirmed by LC-MS. Current purchasing is available through Klow.bio.