GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) (CAS 89030-95-5) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing copper carrier peptide, regenerative serum and matrix-care raw material applications. The HOAc (acetate) salt form offers clean aqueous dissolution with no co-solvents required, simplifying incorporation into pH 5.0–7.0 serums, tonics and scalp leave-on systems.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Alias / Common Name | GHK-Cu; Copper Tripeptide-1; Prezatide; CP-1; GHK·Cu |
| Molecular Formula | C14H23CuN6O4+ |
| Molecular Weight | 402.92 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Copper Tripeptide-1 |
| Peptide Sequence | Gly-His-Lys — carrier peptide (Cu²⁺ chelation, 1:1 complex) |
| Purity / Assay | ≥98% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder; forms characteristic blue-green solution when dissolved |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble; dissolve in water or aqueous phase prior to incorporation; forms stable clear blue-green solution at working concentrations |
| pH Stability | Optimal stability at pH 5.0–7.0; Cu²⁺ dissociation risk below pH 4.5; confirm in target base |
| Storage | Store sealed, cool and dry, protected from light and moisture |
> Mechanism & Positioning
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) coordinates copper(II) ions in a 1:1 molar peptide–metal complex. The histidine imidazole nitrogen and the α-amino terminus of the Gly-His-Lys backbone form the primary Cu²⁺ coordination sites, creating a stable chelate. Published copper peptide literature discusses that this copper–peptide complex facilitates dermal copper delivery, supporting copper-dependent enzyme activity including lysyl oxidase (LOX), which catalyses crosslinking of collagen and elastin fibres. Cell-based studies document modulation of matrix metalloproteinase activity (MMP-1, MMP-2) alongside upregulation of TIMP-1, producing a matrix-remodelling signalling profile. Fibroblast model data also notes TGF-β1 pathway involvement, with associated discussion of collagen type I and type III synthesis upregulation.
Based on the available in vitro evidence, formulators position GHK-Cu within regenerative serum, advanced age-care and scalp-active cosmetic applications. The evidence base is predominantly in vitro; finished-product efficacy claims must be validated by the complete formula, use level, stability results and regulatory review for the target market. GHK-Cu pairs effectively with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) for a complementary matrix-care approach — GHK-Cu contributes copper-dependent LOX-mediated remodelling while Matrixyl targets fibronectin-receptor signalling — and with Copper Tripeptide-1 (2:1, HOAc) for portfolio differentiation by stoichiometry.
> Application Concepts
Regenerative Serum Concepts
GHK-Cu is a benchmark active in regenerative and age-care serum architecture. At evaluation concentrations of 0.5–2.0% in pH 5.5–6.5 aqueous serums, the copper–peptide complex integrates into glycerin–water or hyaluronic acid bases without co-solvents. The characteristic blue-green colour from Cu²⁺ coordination functions as a visual quality indicator during manufacture: a shift to pale or colourless may signal Cu²⁺ dissociation from pH drift or chelating-agent competition. Regenerative positioning is reinforced by combining GHK-Cu with Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4/3) to address both copper-mediated matrix remodelling and fibroblast-receptor signalling pathways in a single concentrate. The water-soluble HOAc salt form simplifies incorporation into aqueous serum architecture without emulsifier or co-solvent pre-dispersion.
Scalp and Hair Follicle Active Systems
Copper peptides have been evaluated extensively in scalp serum and hair follicle care contexts. GHK-Cu at 0.5–1.5% in pH 5.0–6.5 tonic or leave-on scalp formulations is a standard starting point for formulators exploring copper-delivery concepts relevant to dermal papilla cell function. The carrier peptide mechanism differentiates GHK-Cu from energy-pathway actives such as caffeine or nutritional cofactors such as biotin by targeting a copper-dependent pathway relevant to dermal papilla cell biology. Scalp leave-on products built on water-alcohol-polyol bases benefit from the clean dissolution profile of the HOAc salt form. Compatibility with cationic conditioning agents (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds) should be confirmed in the target base, and pH must be verified to remain above 4.5 throughout shelf life to preserve the active complex.
Advanced Age-Care Multi-Active Positioning
In premium multi-peptide age-care concentrates, GHK-Cu at 1.0–2.0% contributes a copper-delivery mechanism distinct from SNARE-complex biomimetics or signal peptides. This mechanistic differentiation — copper-dependent LOX activation versus neuromuscular relaxation or fibronectin-receptor signalling — supports formulators building multi-pathway product concepts from chemically distinct actives. Balancing GHK-Cu stability requirements (pH 5.0–7.0) with co-formulated AHA or ascorbic acid systems typically requires careful pH buffering or a two-product regimen strategy. TCS NEXUS S.L. also supplies GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HCl) for brands evaluating both salt forms in parallel during formulation development. The HOAc salt form offers particularly clean dissolution in alcohol-free, low-viscosity aqueous concentrates — a format well suited to premium single-active-spotlight serums where GHK-Cu is the hero ingredient.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve GHK-Cu in the water or aqueous phase at concentrations up to 2.0%; the peptide is freely water-soluble and does not require co-solvents or surfactant pre-dispersion. Introduce during the cool-down phase below 40°C; prolonged exposure above 45°C risks Cu²⁺ dissociation from the Gly-His-Lys chelate and may degrade the active complex. Optimal stability is within pH 5.0–7.0; below pH 4.5 copper dissociation increases and colour loss (blue-green to pale) may indicate instability — confirm final formulation pH after all actives and acidic components are incorporated. Evaluate compatibility with EDTA and chelating agents (competitive copper sequestration may disrupt the complex), and confirm stability when combining with ascorbic acid systems where reducing conditions at low pH can affect Cu²⁺ retention.
Confirm colour, clarity, assay retention and pH stability across the intended shelf-life period via accelerated stability testing. Preservative system compatibility should be verified; parabens and phenoxyethanol systems are generally well tolerated, but chelating antimicrobial agents (e.g., disodium EDTA above 0.1%) may require formulation adjustment to avoid active complex disruption.
> Supply & Documentation
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) (CAS 89030-95-5) is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic raw material projects. Standard documentation: COA, TDS, SDS. Sample and bulk quantities are discussed on a per-project basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a sourcing review.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supports procurement and formulation teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Portugal, as well as international buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
> Packaging & Storage
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) is supplied in sealed aluminium foil bags or bulk containers. Minimum quantities and packaging configurations are confirmed per order. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location, away from moisture and direct light. Follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage and handling conditions.
> FAQ
What is GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc)?
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) is a copper carrier peptide raw material with CAS 89030-95-5, consisting of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys coordinated to a Cu²⁺ ion in a 1:1 molar complex with acetate as the counterion. TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) supplies GHK-Cu HOAc as a B2B cosmetic ingredient for regenerative serum, scalp-active and advanced age-care formulation concepts.
What is the CAS number for GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) and how does it differ from the HCl form?
The CAS number for GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) is 89030-95-5; the INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1 covers the copper chelate of Gly-His-Lys regardless of counterion. The HOAc form carries acetate as the counterion while the HCl form carries chloride — the active copper–peptide complex is the same, but pH behaviour, colour profile and hygroscopicity may differ between salt forms. Confirm the salt form and CAS with the batch COA when building regulatory documentation.
How does GHK-Cu HOAc deliver copper for matrix remodelling?
GHK-Cu is the 1:1 copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys, here as the acetate (HOAc) salt. The GHK carrier presents bioavailable Cu²⁺, a cofactor for lysyl oxidase (which crosslinks collagen and elastin) and for superoxide dismutase, and copper-peptide literature links it to increased collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis with modulation of the MMP/TIMP balance. The acetate counter-ion is the difference from the HCl grade; the copper delivery and remodelling action are the same.
What molecular targets distinguish GHK-Cu from signal peptides such as Matrixyl?
GHK-Cu operates via a copper-delivery mechanism focused on LOX pathway support — copper is the essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase, which crosslinks collagen and elastin fibres. Signal peptides such as Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) act through fibronectin-receptor interaction and TGF-β agonism in fibroblasts, targeting matrix synthesis at a different signalling level. This mechanistic difference makes GHK-Cu and Matrixyl complementary rather than redundant in multi-active serum formulations designed for broad matrix-care positioning.
What use level of GHK-Cu HOAc is typical, and how does the copper colour set a ceiling?
Establish the use level conservatively for your base and claim rather than to a fixed figure; the bound copper gives GHK-Cu its characteristic blue-green tint, which becomes visible at higher levels and can cap the practical dose in clear or pale formulas. Dose on a pure Copper Tripeptide-1 (HOAc) basis using the batch COA; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation.
What actives combine well with GHK-Cu in multi-peptide systems?
GHK-Cu builds effective multi-mechanism systems with three distinct actives: Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) addresses fibronectin-receptor signalling and TGF-β agonism — a different signalling level from GHK-Cu’s copper-mediated LOX activation; Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) targets the SNARE complex for neuromuscular relaxation, a completely separate pathway that coexists cleanly with GHK-Cu at pH 5.0–7.0; and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 modulates TGF-β1 via a different fibronectin interaction. Avoid combining GHK-Cu with high-dose ascorbic acid at pH below 4.5 — reducing conditions can affect Cu²⁺ complex integrity. Confirm colour stability and assay retention in any combined system before scale-up.
What pH keeps the copper complex intact in GHK-Cu HOAc?
Hold GHK-Cu HOAc around pH 5.0–7.0; below roughly pH 4.5 the Cu²⁺ can dissociate from the tripeptide, undermining both stability and the intended copper delivery, so it is a poor fit for high-dose ascorbic-acid systems. Confirm the finished-product pH after all actives and buffering agents are incorporated.
How should the hygroscopic GHK-Cu HOAc be handled and added?
Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc is hygroscopic — weigh it quickly and keep it desiccated. It is freely water-soluble; dissolve it in the water phase and add during cool-down below 45°C. The solution develops the expected blue-green colour, so account for it when setting the finished-product shade.
How should GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) be stored?
Store GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) sealed in the original packaging below 25°C, in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Avoid storage in humid environments as hygroscopic uptake can affect powder flowability and assay stability. Once a container is opened, reseal immediately and use within a defined period, confirming assay by the batch COA. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for GHK-Cu?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides standard B2B documentation for GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) including COA (Certificate of Analysis confirming HPLC purity ≥98%), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet). Additional documentation such as specification sheets, INCI confirmation letters and batch traceability records are available on a per-project basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a documentation and sourcing discussion.
What MOQ and sample options are available for GHK-Cu from TCS NEXUS S.L.?
Sample and bulk quantities for GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 HOAc) are confirmed on a per-project basis through TCS NEXUS S.L. Minimum order quantities depend on current stock, packaging configuration and project scope. Formulators and brand R&D teams are encouraged to request samples for stability and compatibility evaluation before committing to bulk orders. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project scope and required specification to begin a sourcing review.
Is Copper Tripeptide-1 (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Copper Tripeptide-1 is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI, and is used in cosmetic formulations as a cosmetic ingredient. The finished product manufacturer is responsible for confirming compliance under EU Regulation 1223/2009, including the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) and CPNP notification. CAS 89030-95-5 and INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1 should be used consistently across regulatory documentation; confirm salt form and purity with the batch COA.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.