A naturally occurring tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) bound to a copper ion. It signals skin to rebuild collagen and elastin.

What does GHK-Cu do for skin?

It activates fibroblasts for collagen I and III, slows collagen-degrading enzymes, and supplies copper as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes.

How much GHK-Cu per day?

One evening application of two to three drops of serum is enough. More applications per day have no documented added benefit.

Does topical GHK-Cu work?

The mechanisms are established in cell and tissue models. On skin the outcome depends on concentration, formulation, pH and duration of use — not on the ingredient name alone.

Can you use GHK-Cu with vitamin C?

Not in the same step. Separate them in time, for example vitamin C in the morning and GHK-Cu at night.

Ingredient pillar

GHK-Cu: copper tripeptide-1 from the research to your routine

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide of glycine, histidine and lysine carrying a copper ion. It is the most heavily researched repair active in peptide skincare — and this page is the entry point to everything LIORA publishes about it.

What GHK-Cu actually is

The name stands for glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper(II). Your body makes it; plasma levels drop markedly with age. Applied topically it is small enough to reach the upper skin layers, and it brings the copper ion along as a cofactor.

What it triggers in skin

Fibroblast activation for collagen I, collagen III and elastin
Down-regulation of the matrix metalloproteinases that break existing collagen down
Support for glycosaminoglycan synthesis, so skin holds more water
Antioxidant activity via copper-dependent enzymes

What the research supports — and what it does not

GHK-Cu is well documented in cell and tissue models and in wound-healing research. For cosmetics that means the mechanisms are established, while the effect size on healthy, aged facial skin depends on concentration, formulation and how long you use it. Anyone quoting you an exact wrinkle-depth number for your own skin is selling a calculation, not a study.

Dosage and application

Two to three drops on cleansed skin in the evening, massaged in gently. Daily use is fine — GHK-Cu does not exfoliate and does not build tolerance. Texture and glow usually shift around day 14; structural remodelling takes from week 8 onwards.

What not to layer it with

High-dose vitamin C in the same step — the redox pair destabilises the copper complex
Strong acids (AHA/BHA) immediately before, because the pH shifts
Retinol in the same application; alternate evenings instead

Safety

Topical GHK-Cu is considered well tolerated and rarely irritates at cosmetic concentrations. With a copper allergy, Wilson's disease, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, check with a doctor first, as with any active.

All of it in one formula

EDNF25070922 combines GHK-Cu, bio microneedling, the 5-peptide complex and 24K gold in a single serum.

View the serum

Catalog

Frequently asked questions

What is GHK-Cu?: A naturally occurring tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) bound to a copper ion. It signals skin to rebuild collagen and elastin.
What does GHK-Cu do for skin?: It activates fibroblasts for collagen I and III, slows collagen-degrading enzymes, and supplies copper as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes.
How much GHK-Cu per day?: One evening application of two to three drops of serum is enough. More applications per day have no documented added benefit.
Does topical GHK-Cu work?: The mechanisms are established in cell and tissue models. On skin the outcome depends on concentration, formulation, pH and duration of use — not on the ingredient name alone.
Can you use GHK-Cu with vitamin C?: Not in the same step. Separate them in time, for example vitamin C in the morning and GHK-Cu at night.