Copper peptide is a naturally occurring molecule within the body. It consists of 3 amino acids: glycine (G), histidine (H), and lysine (K), which together have a strong affinity (attraction) to copper (Cu) – it’s commonly referred to as GHK-Cu.1  In the body, this molecule is found primarily with a copper ion attached.2

This peptide is a vital component of collagen and is ubiquitous across various tissues and bodily fluids. It is found in plasma, saliva, and urine3 and is known to be released in high amounts at the site of tissue injury.4 Natural production of this peptide is greatest at age 20, with 200ng/mL present in the blood. By age 60, the levels decrease to 80ng/mL.5

Limitations of Peptide Use in America

The therapeutic implications of this peptide are enormous. If you’re familiar with the therapeutic use of peptides, you’re likely aware that they are administered by injections and currently are not cleared by the FDA for clinical use. The only clinical applications of injectable peptides are for research purposes only.

Oral intake and topical applications of peptides are viable means of peptide application, but this presents a new set of challenges. Because peptides are short chains of amino acids, they are destroyed by stomach acid when taken orally. Many peptides are not able to pass through and be absorbed by the skin.

GHK-Cu possesses the ability to pass through the skin’s epidermal layer thanks to the copper ion attached to it.6 This makes GHK-Cu one of the few commercially available and clinically relevant peptides that offer powerful results for surface tissues and skin health.

Benefits of Topical Copper Peptide

Internal application of GH-Cu has shown to offer various benefits to tissue health and repair, including:

  • Nerve regeneration2
  • Blood vessel and capillary growth7
  • Increase antioxidant production and capacity8
  • Reduce iron ions that are released from ferritin proteins9
  • Restore liver function to that of a younger age10
  • Turn on and off up to 4000 different genes 5

So how does topical application hold up these incredible benefits on internal use?

The data on topical GHK-Cu application is just as impressive. Several studies have been performed on human subjects with outstanding results.

Changes to the skin alone show improvements in:

  • Thickness and density of the dermal layers of skin
  • Skin firmness
  • Reduced skin laxity
  • Greater skin clarity
  • Reduced both fine lines and deep wrinkles
  • Improves sun/irradiation damage

The majority of the studies were done over the course of daily use for 12 weeks. Most studies were on women.5 One study found that GHK-Cu performed better at improving skin health than the currently-hyped tretinoin cream.11

These studies confirm that this peptide improves skin health by increasing the thickness of the dermis and epidermis via enhancing keratinocyte production, strongly increasing collagen synthesis, and increasing elastin.5

In-vitro studies have confirmed that GHK-Cu also enhances survival and increases the number of skin stem cells;12 reduces inflammatory cytokine production to speed wound healing;13 and reset gene expression of various tissue and inflammation-related genes.14

Copper peptide has also been shown to be a potent stimulator of hair growth by blocking DHT and enhancing capillary growth and nutrient delivery to hair stem cells. It has been shown to be as potent as medoxinil and finasteride at blocking DHT-related hair loss, offering a much safer option without the side effects of these medications.15

Collagen Production

GHK is present in the structural complex of type I collagen.4 Wben tissues are injured, proteolytic enzymes are released at the site of injury to further break down collage, releases the GHK peptides that are present within.4 The GHK simulataneiously binds to copper that’s present in serum to form GHK-Cu.16

Studies have found that GHK-Cu upregulates gene expression of structural proteins that serves as the building blocks of collagen.17 With more building block available, the stronger and more robust the new collagen production will be. Genes that code for several different proteins are stimulated by this peptide including condroitan sulfate, biglycan, decorin,17 and metalloproteinases.18

When paired with hyaluranic acid, GHK-Cu performed even better at stimulating collagen prodcution.19 Hyaluranic acid is a vital component of skin and connective tissue. It holds water to hydrate and libricate tissues. It’s presence increases at the time of tissue injury and is involvd in tissue repair, just like GHK, but GHK does not upregulate natural production of hyaluronic acid.17

GHK-Cu alone boost the production of collagen types I, IV, and VII. and hyaluranic acid alone enhanced collegen I, and VII production. When researchers applied both molecules together, collagen IV synthesis was significantly greater.19 Thus, indicating a synergistic use of of GHK-Cu alone and GHK-Cu + hyluranic acid for ehanced skin regenatived effects.

Copper IQ Cream and Serum

Formula IQ is proud to offer two new products to our line to introduce an new means of nutrient introduction to the body. Our Copper IQ products are potent copper peptide formulas available both in as all-natural cream and GHK-Cu + hyaluranic acis serum.

Both formulas are made with the highest quality ingredients to allow optimal pentration through the skin and enhanced synergistic effects of ingredients, and we’re offering them at reasonable prices. While they may cost less than other skincare products available, they’re quality is of no less value. Our goal is to offer high-qualty products to all at affordable prices – this includes skincare items.

Copper IQ Cream

Our Copper IQ Cream features all plant-derived ingredients and oils to moisturize the skin, leaving a subtle sheen and natural glow. This formula leaves no greasy residue and is well-absorbed, leaving a soft, velvety feel to the skin.

It can be applied to the entire body include the face and neck. It is excellent for aging skin, sunspots or sun damage, stretch marks, discoloration, and scars.

Copper IQ Serum + Hyaluranic Acid

This water-based serum absorbs completely leaving no residue. The accompanying hyaluronic acid offers a dual impact for boosting collagen IV synthesis is additon to instantly plumping and hydrating the skin to offer a more youthful appearance.20

This serum pairs exceptionally well with Copper IQ cream as is can be applied as a base to the cream or used in conjuction with other skin creams that lack these powerful peptides. Because it leaves no residue, Copper IQ serum can also be applied directly to the scalp after washing hair to support hair growth and reduce hair loss.15