Description
Description
GHK-Cu Peptide Powder, cosmetically identified as Copper Tripeptide-1, is a high-value copper-peptide complex formed by coordination of copper(II) with the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK).
The material is recognized by its characteristic blue to blue-violet coloration and is used in advanced cosmetic formulations focused on skin conditioning, firmness, elasticity, hydration, scalp care, and premium mature-skin positioning.
Chemical & Technical Profile
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Identity | GHK-Cu Peptide Powder |
| INCI / Cosmetic Identity | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Chemical Identity | Copper complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 404 g/mol for the anhydrous complex |
| Physical Form | Blue to blue-violet powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Functional Category | Copper-complexed cosmetic peptide |
| Principal Cosmetic Functions | Skin conditioning, firmness support, elasticity support, hydration and advanced mature-skin formulation |
| Processing | Prepare aqueous premix and add during cool-down |
| Assay / Purity | Grade-dependent |
Technical Function
GHK is a tripeptide with strong affinity for copper ions. When coordinated with copper(II), it forms the characteristic GHK-Cu complex used in cosmetics as Copper Tripeptide-1.
From a formulation perspective, the complex is valued in systems designed to support the appearance of firmer, smoother, better-conditioned skin and is also widely used in scalp-focused and multi-peptide formulations.
Its use is positioned around cosmetic functions such as:
- skin conditioning
- improved appearance of firmness
- elasticity support
- hydration support
- smoother skin appearance
- mature-skin formulations
- scalp-conditioning systems
- premium peptide-based cosmetic products
Keep finished-product claims within cosmetic scope and confirm them with your own regulatory review.
Formulation Guidelines
GHK-Cu Peptide Powder should be incorporated through a controlled aqueous premix.
A practical formulation procedure is:
- Prepare a portion of purified water.
- Begin gentle to moderate agitation.
- Add GHK-Cu gradually until fully dissolved.
- Confirm formation of a uniform blue solution.
- Complete the main formulation and adjust it close to the intended final processing conditions.
- Add the GHK-Cu solution during the cool-down phase.
- Mix only until homogeneous distribution is achieved.
- Verify final pH, color, clarity, and absence of precipitation.
Avoid unnecessary prolonged heating.
Because Copper Tripeptide-1 is a coordinated metal-peptide complex, formulation design must consider substances capable of competing for copper or changing its oxidation environment.
Chelators, Acids & Redox-Sensitive Ingredients
Strong chelating agents can compete with GHK for copper and may disturb complex integrity.
High levels of chelators such as EDTA should therefore be evaluated carefully rather than added automatically.
Strong oxidizing or reducing environments should also be avoided unless compatibility has been demonstrated.
Particular attention is required in formulations containing highly reactive reducing agents such as Ascorbic Acid, as well as strong acids, polyphenols, metal-binding botanical extracts, or other components capable of interacting with copper.
Multi-active systems should be evaluated as complete formulations rather than assuming compatibility from the individual ingredients alone.
Compatibility & Stability
The characteristic blue color of GHK-Cu is a useful practical indicator of the condition of the copper-peptide complex.
Finished formulations should be monitored for:
- color consistency
- unexpected fading or discoloration
- precipitation
- haze
- loss of clarity
- pH drift
- interaction with chelating agents
- interaction with reducing agents
- interaction with other peptides
- long-term physical stability
A significant change in the characteristic blue coloration or the appearance of insoluble material should trigger investigation of possible complex disruption or incompatibility.
Transparent serums may retain visible blue coloration depending on the final GHK-Cu concentration.
R&D, Scale-Up & Quality Control
GHK-Cu should be handled as a specialty functional peptide complex.
Recommended incoming and process controls include:
| QC Parameter | Recommended Control |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Uniform blue to blue-violet powder |
| Color | Consistent with approved reference |
| Identity | Copper Tripeptide-1 / GHK-Cu |
| Solubility | Complete or uniform aqueous dissolution |
| Solution Appearance | Homogeneous blue solution without abnormal precipitate |
| pH | Establish internal specification on qualified lots |
| Moisture | Control within raw-material specification |
| Assay / Purity | Verify where analytical specification is available |
| Microbiological Quality | Appropriate cosmetic raw-material limits |
| Storage Stability | No abnormal discoloration, moisture uptake or degradation |
During scale-up, control the exact:
premix concentration → water quality → addition temperature → order of addition → pH environment → chelator exposure → mixing time
The production process should reproduce the validated laboratory sequence without unnecessary thermal, oxidative, or chemical stress.
Applications
GHK-Cu Peptide Powder is suitable for:
- mature-skin facial serums
- peptide serums
- eye-area formulations
- facial gels
- creams and lotions
- advanced moisturizers
- firmness-support formulations
- elasticity-support products
- mature-skin cosmetic systems
- scalp serums
- premium multi-peptide formulations
It can also be incorporated into advanced peptide systems after confirming compatibility with the complete formulation.
Packaging, Shipping & Storage
Available sizes:
1 g • 2 g • 3 g • 4 g • 5 g
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place protected from direct light, humidity, and excessive heat.
Minimize unnecessary exposure to ambient air and humidity during weighing and handling, particularly after opening.
Estimated Delivery: 10–15 Business Days
Important Formulation Note
GHK-Cu Peptide Powder should not be treated as equivalent to either free GHK peptide or a conventional soluble copper salt.
Its functional identity and characteristic color originate from the coordinated Copper Tripeptide-1 complex. Formulation conditions that strongly chelate, oxidize, reduce, or displace copper can alter the chemical state and physical behavior of the ingredient.
Related Ingredients
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Matrixyl 3000-Type Peptide
Documentation & Use
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the lot shipped: available on request at info@pureingredients.us.
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): available on request.
- SKU: PI-RM-0060
For cosmetic formulation use only. Not for direct application to skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. Its INCI name is Copper Tripeptide-1 (CAS 89030-95-5), and it is supplied as a water-soluble powder.
What color should GHK-Cu powder be?
Blue to blue-violet. The color comes from the copper-peptide complex, so it is also a practical check: unexpected fading or a color shift in a formula can indicate that the complex has been disturbed.
How do I use GHK-Cu raw powder in a formula?
Dissolve it gradually in a portion of purified water under gentle agitation until you have a uniform blue solution. Add that solution during cool-down, mix only until homogeneous, then verify final pH, color, clarity and the absence of precipitation.
Which ingredients should I check for compatibility?
Ingredients that can compete for copper or change its redox environment: high levels of strong chelators such as EDTA, ascorbic acid and other strong reducing agents, strong acids, polyphenols and metal-binding botanical extracts. Evaluate the complete formula rather than individual pairs.
Is this a research peptide or for injection?
No. This material is sold only as a cosmetic raw material for topical formulation. It is not for injection, ingestion or any drug use.
How should I store it?
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place protected from light, humidity and heat. After opening, limit exposure to air and moisture while weighing.
Which sizes are available?
1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g and 5 g.
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