Ingredients
A small copper-carrying peptide that skin scientists have studied for renewal and firmness.
The ingredient
Copper peptide
Better known by its proper name, GHK-Cu
Copper peptide is the common name for GHK-Cu. The GHK part is a chain of three amino acids. The Cu part is a single copper atom the peptide holds onto.
If a label says "copper peptide", GHK-Cu is almost always the ingredient being referred to.
What it is studied for
Applied to the skin, GHK-Cu has been studied for how it supports the skin's own renewal processes. Researchers have looked at its role in collagen and the wider support structure that keeps skin feeling firm.
The tone of that work is measured, and so is ours. This is an ingredient that may help skin look and feel more resilient over time — not an overnight fix.
Skin makes GHK on its own. There is less of it as we age.
What the research actually says
Decades of laboratory and small clinical work, gathered in a 2018 review by Pickart and Margolina.
Research has examined its relationship to collagen and the skin's wider support structure.
A peptide the body already produces, rather than a synthetic novelty invented for a label.
We stay at has been studied for and may help. A review is a map of the evidence, not a promise about any one product.
Where it sits in our range
GHK-Cu is the active in our Recovery Lotion, the leave-on treatment step. It is not in the Beauty Bar. The bar is a daily cleanser — it does its job in the shower, then rinses away.
A copper peptide needs to stay on the skin to do anything, so it belongs in a leave-on format.
If someone tells you a cleansing bar delivers copper peptides, be a little skeptical.
Being honest about it
It does not happen to everyone, and it is usually mild.
Some people notice a short adjustment period when they start a copper peptide. Skin can look a little more reactive for a week or two before it settles. People sometimes call this a copper purge.
If your skin stays irritated, stop and give it a rest — and speak to a professional if you are unsure.
A few plain safety notes: this is for external use on intact skin only. Do not apply it to broken or freshly wounded skin. Patch test first if your skin runs sensitive. If you are pregnant, nursing or on medication, check with a professional before adding any active.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Common questions
Anything we have not covered? Ask us — we answer every message ourselves.
A copper tripeptide — a short chain of three amino acids bound to a single copper atom. Your body produces GHK naturally, and it has been studied topically for skin renewal and firmness.
For most people, yes, when used as directed on intact skin. It is for external use only. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive, and consult a professional if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.
It might, and we would rather say so. Some people see a brief, mild adjustment period in the first week or two. It is not universal. If irritation lasts, pause and rest the skin.
Most peptides are amino acid chains alone. GHK-Cu carries a copper atom, which is central to how it has been studied. It is also one your body already makes, so it is not a lab-only ingredient.
The Recovery Lotion, our leave-on treatment step. The Beauty Bar does not contain it, because a copper peptide needs to stay on the skin rather than rinse off in the shower.
Think in months, not days. Skin renewal is slow, so give a copper peptide time and use it consistently. Anyone promising overnight results is overstating what the research supports.
Sources
For external use on intact skin only. Patch test before first use, and consult a professional if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication.