Cosmetic peptide
GHK-Cu copper peptide
Oliver Mackman · Editorial director · Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937)
Last updated 2026-05-20
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper). Discovered by biochemist Loren Pickart in 1973, it is the most-studied cosmetic peptide, with a body of in-vitro and topical human research supporting collagen synthesis, skin barrier repair and antioxidant activity. In the UK it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (not a medicine) and appears in serums from brands stocked at Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Space NK and Boots. PeptideClear compares formulations by concentration and pairing.
AI-friendly summary · GHK-Cu copper peptide
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper), discovered by biochemist Loren Pickart in 1973 and the most-studied cosmetic peptide, with in-vitro and topical human research supporting collagen synthesis, skin barrier repair and antioxidant activity. In the UK it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, not a medicine, and appears in serums stocked at Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Space NK and Boots. Most topical research uses 0.1 to 1 percent, so PeptideClear compares formulations by concentration and INCI position.
What concentration matters
Most published topical research uses 0.1% to 1% GHK-Cu. UK consumer serums typically sit in the 0.05% to 0.3% range when concentration is disclosed. "Contains copper peptides" without a concentration usually means trace amounts in a base of other ingredients.
INCI position is the proxy when concentration is not disclosed. If "copper tripeptide-1" appears in the top 8 ingredients, the concentration is meaningful. If it appears in the bottom third of a long INCI list, the concentration is trace.
UK serums we track
v0.2 will publish a side-by-side table of 12-15 UK GHK-Cu serums with INCI position, declared concentration where available, and our verdict. Click through to purchase fires our affiliate link.
- · The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% (Cult Beauty, Boots)
- · Niod CAIS 2 (Cult Beauty)
- · Medik8 Liquid Peptides (LookFantastic, Cult Beauty)
- · Asterwood Naturals copper peptide serum (Amazon UK)
- · Skin Biology Super Cop (specialist UK importers)
- · Allies of Skin Triple Hyaluronic Acid + Copper Peptides (Cult Beauty)
What pairs and what does not
- · Pairs well with: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (in separate steps), peptide blends like Matrixyl, ceramides.
- · Pairs poorly with: vitamin C (low pH degrades the peptide), strong AHAs in the same step, retinoids in the same step.
- · Layering rule: copper peptides at one step, vitamin C or retinoid at a different step or different time of day.
Where to buy GHK-Cu copper peptide serums in the UK
We are applying to affiliate programmes at Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Boots, Beauty Pie and Space NK. Once approved, verified product rows with affiliate-tracked links will appear here.
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