GHK-Cu Cream Rx
Support firmer, smoother-looking skin with a naturally occurring copper peptide that helps restore the repair and renewal processes that decline with age.
Frequently asked questions
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring peptide found in the body that supports skin repair and renewal processes, including collagen production and overall skin quality.2 3 Levels of GHK-Cu naturally decline with age.3 GHK-Cu Cream delivers this copper peptide directly to the skin to help support smoother-looking texture, firmness, elasticity, and visible skin renewal.1 2 4
While GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved to treat medical conditions, it is commonly used in cosmetic dermatology for skin appearance and rejuvenation.5
GHK-Cu Cream works locally within the skin layers (epidermis and dermis).1 Research suggests it may help support collagen and elastin production, promote tissue repair and remodeling, help regulate inflammatory signaling in the skin, support skin barrier integrity, and provide antioxidant activity within the skin.6 7 This treatment is intended for external skin use only.
Both strengths contain the same copper peptide. The difference is how much GHK-Cu is delivered with each application.
The 0.5% cream is the gentler starting option. It may be appropriate for people who are new to copper peptides, have sensitive or reactive skin, or plan to use it on delicate areas such as the face.
The 3% cream delivers more peptide per application. It may be appropriate for skin that already tolerates active ingredients, thicker treatment areas, or more advanced firmness and texture goals.
Your provider will review your skin, treatment area, experience with active ingredients, and goals before recommending a strength.
Apply topically as directed by your provider. If prescribed, a US-licensed medical provider will provide a tailored dosage schedule and specific treatment instructions with your care plan.
Important safety information and common side effects
The most common side effects of GHK-Cu Cream include mild redness, temporary tingling and/or warmth, dryness, and mild irritation or sensitivity. These side effects are typically mild and often go away on their own within a week or two.
For a full list of side effects, please review Healthline’s Copper Peptide resources.
GHK-Cu Cream has no known major drug interactions due to systemic absorption. However, certain skincare products may increase irritation when used together:
- Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene)
May increase skin sensitivity. - Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA products)
May cause irritation when layered together. - Benzoyl peroxide
May increase dryness or irritation.
GHK-Cu Cream is intended for external use only. Do not use GHK-Cu Cream if you are allergic to copper peptides or any peptide components, or if you have an active skin infection, active inflammatory dermatologic condition, or open wounds.
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
Do not use GHK-Cu Cream if you have an active cancer, or if you have had cancer within the last two years.
Do not use GHK-Cu Cream if you have significant heart dysfunction (ejection fraction <50% or NYHA Class 3 or greater).
Do not use GHK-Cu Cream if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed. If you become pregnant during treatment, discontinue immediately and consult your OB.
Though rare, allergic reactions to GHK-Cu Cream are still possible. If you notice any shortness of breath or swelling around your face, tongue, or throat after using GHK-Cu Cream, stop use and contact emergency services right away.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Disclaimer
Choose the right strength for your skin
- A gentle starting strength
- New to copper peptides
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Face and delicate treatment areas
- Gradual support for firmness and texture
- A higher-intensity strength
- Experienced with active skincare
- Tougher or thicker-skinned treatment areas
- More peptide delivered per application
Not sure which strength is right?
The best strength is the one that fits your skin–not automatically the highest one. Your provider will review your skin and goals to help determine the most appropriate option.
What is GHK-Cu Cream?
(jee-aych-kay see yoo)Your skin naturally produces GHK-Cu to help coordinate collagen production, repair, and renewal.3 But levels decline with age–right when skin may begin to look thinner, less firm, uneven, or feel slower to recover.1 3
GHK-Cu Cream may help replenish this naturally occurring copper peptide within the skin, supporting the pathways behind smoother texture, improved elasticity, and firmer skin.1 2 4
In a head-to-head comparison, GHK-Cu outperformed other treatments in skin cell collagen production.1
How GHK-Cu Cream works
30 Days
3 Months
6 Months
1 Year and Beyond
Science-backed is the future of skincare
The AgelessRx Peptide Standard
Clinically studied
The science of GHK-Cu skincare
GHK-Cu has become one of the most talked-about peptides in skin care. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide that declines with age.1
It binds to skin cell receptors to enhance gene expression related to repair and renewal, reducing the activity of enzymes that degrade skin structural proteins with age, and helping restore the skin’s natural regeneration processes.3 5
GHK-Cu’s antioxidant activity may help protect against oxidative stress from UV and environmental exposure, helping reduce photodamage and discoloration.6 7 It may also support collagen and elastin production, improve firmness and texture, and reduce inflammation that drives chronic skin conditions over time.1 3 7
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Clinical-grade skincare, personalized.
Frequently asked questions
GHK-Cu and retinol work through different mechanisms. Retinol accelerates cellular turnover to resurface the skin, while GHK-Cu works locally, signaling cells to repair and remodel, boost collagen and elastin production, and build density and elasticity.1
GHK-Cu supports the skin’s own firmness pathways, so it may help with the appearance of mild laxity over time.1 4 It may signal the skin to produce collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its structure and bounce, which can improve firmness, density, and elasticity with consistent use.1 7 Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
Skin renewal takes time. Some users may notice subtle improvements within a few weeks, while optimal results may appear after 2–3 months of regular use. Consistency is key for the best outcomes.
Individual results vary, and benefits are not guaranteed. With consistent use, some users may notice benefits such as improved skin firmness and elasticity, reduction in the appearance of fine lines, improved skin texture and tone, support for recovery from environmental stressors, and enhanced overall skin appearance.1 3 7