Copper peptide GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. The tripeptide has a strong affinity for copper(II) and was first isolated from human plasma. It can be found also in saliva and urine.
Basic information
IUPAC name
6-Amino-2-[[2-[(2-aminoacetyl)amino]-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]hexanoic acid
Other names
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine; Growth-modulating peptide; Kollaren; Liver cell growth factor; Liver growth factor Cu-GHK; Glycyl-histidyl-lysine, mono copper salt
CAS:49557-75-7 ；89030-95-5
The function of copper peptide
The Copper peptide has anti-aging and repairing effects.
- Helps to restore the repairing ability of the skin and reduce skin damage.
- Stimulating collagen formation and reducing fine lines.
- Stimulating the formation of glucosamine and Increasing the thickness of the skin.
- Auxiliary antioxidant enzyme SOD has a strong anti-free radical function and slows down aging.
The Copper peptide in skincare
It has two forms: GHK-CU, and AHK-CU which are used in different fields； skin lightening, and haircare raw material.
Copper peptide is one of the most concerning beauty trends at present.
Peptides are naturally occurring amino acids that help produce collagen and elastin, two connective tissues responsible for making skin smooth and tight.
It is natural for collagen and elastin to gradually lose with age, although some living habits – such as smoking and excessive sun exposure – will increase the loss rate.
The peptide is called Copper peptide glycyl-l-histyl-l-lysine (GHK) in the scientific community, which can easily bind with the copper enzymes. Since the symbol of copper on the periodic table is Cu, this combination is called GHK Cu.
Once you lose collagen and elastin, some skin care products may help add them back to your skin. This is where peptides can help.
Officially known as polypeptides, they may specifically stimulate the production of more collagen in the skin, which may solve the following problems:
- Fine lines
- Coarse pores
- age spots
Connective tissue growth caused by copper peptides may also benefit your hair by reducing breakage and promoting overall growth.
However, at present, no beauty product can completely restore collagen and other connective tissue after they are lost.
Before and after the use of copper peptides
A study by a skin scientist showed that:-“Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. Naturally present in our bodies, but as we age, the amount of copper peptides in our bodies decreases.” In daily skincare with products containing copper peptides, which are applied topically through serums and creams, by signaling to cells to produce more collagen and other complex molecules that help support skin structure, the copper peptide skincare products that people generally see are synthetic or derived from plants and animals.
Read on to learn more about the alleged benefits of copper peptides on hair and skin, as well as what science says
The copper peptide has many benefits for hair care
The components in copper peptides usually promote the overall health of hair in the following ways.
1. Copper peptide can promote the increase of blood flow
According to a research review in 2018, some people believe that copper peptides help increase the blood circulation of the skin. Copper itself is reported to help maintain the tissue in blood vessels.
Therefore, the copper peptide will stimulate hair follicles to obtain enough oxygen and nutrition to produce new hair.
2. Copper peptide can effectively maintain hair color
Copper is one of the micronutrients needed to produce melanin. This is a compound that determines the color of your hair, as well as the color of your eyes and skin.
3. other possible benefits
If you experience hair loss, it may mean that your hair growth cycle is shortened. This should be caused by problems such as hair follicles and hormones.
According to an earlier study conducted in vitro in 2007, a possible benefit of the copper peptide is that it can prolong this growth cycle – which means that there is more time before your hair falls off.
In addition to promoting the growth of new hair, copper peptides may also thicken existing hair. It is believed that enlarged hair follicles may have this effect. However, more human studies are needed to determine whether copper peptides can really provide such benefits.
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