GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex that was first identified in human plasma, but has hence been found in multi-ple locations such as saliva and urine. Copper peptides are small, naturally occurring protein fragments that have high affinity for copper ions. GHK-Cu has a variety of roles in the human body including, but not limited to, promoting activation of wound healing, attracting immune cells, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulating collagen and glycosamino-glycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts, and promoting blood vessel growth.

Evidence has shown that it acts as a feedback signal that is generated after tissue injury. It seems to act as a potent protec-tor of tissue and anti-inflammatory agent that controls the oxidative damage that occurs post-tissue injury. Further, it then plays a big role in signaling tissue remodeling which removes damaged/scarred tissue and generates new, healthy tissue. However, these positive effects decline with age because the concentration of GHK-Cu in the body decreases with age. As it deceases with age there is an increase in inflammation, cancer-ous activity, and tissue destruction. Since GHK-Cu plays an important role in skin biology, it is widely used in cosmetics as a reparative and anti-aging ingredient, as well as, used for hair regrowth.