Copper Peptide

A copper peptide is a short peptide that binds and carries copper(II) ions, using the metal as the active cofactor for tissue-repair and antioxidant signalling. The best-known copper peptide is GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1, 340 Da), but the category also includes AHK-Cu and other copper-binding sequences. Copper peptides function primarily as carrier peptides: the copper they deliver is a required cofactor for lysyl oxidase (which cross-links collagen and elastin) and superoxide dismutase (a key antioxidant enzyme). In topical research, copper peptides are studied for collagen synthesis, skin density, wound healing, and follicular signalling — copper also inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme central to pattern hair loss. Their effectiveness topically depends on molecular weight and formulation, since the stratum corneum excludes most molecules above ~500 Da (Bos & Meinardi, 2000, PMID: 11168751).

Related peptides: GHK-Cu monograph Related guides: GHK-Cu topical peptide · Best topical peptides

Part of the Aevitas Peptide Glossary.