GHK-Cu — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex — is the copper-binding tripeptide at the centre of collagen, gene-expression and tissue-remodeling research, and the copper peptide widely searched as the “glow” peptide. Supplied as a lyophilized research peptide in 50, 100 and 200 mg vials, copper verified 1:1 by ICP-MS, third-party tested, made and shipped in Canada.
Copper-verified research vials · flat $30 CAD Xpresspost · CoA on the product page
Section 01 — Definition
GHK-Cu — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex — is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. The GHK sequence chelates a single copper(II) ion, and it is this copper complex that carries the biological activity studied in the literature.
Plasma GHK-Cu concentration declines with age — from roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20 to about 80 ng/mL by age 60 — which is part of why it became a focus of skin and tissue-repair research. When people search for a copper peptide, GHK-Cu is almost always the compound they mean.
Helix North supplies GHK-Cu strictly as a lyophilized research material for in-vitro and laboratory use. Everything on this page is written for research handling and sourcing — it is not dosing guidance and not for human use.
Search interest in a glow peptide almost always leads back to GHK-Cu. The nickname comes from the copper tripeptide’s place in skin-radiance, collagen and glycosaminoglycan research — the same literature that made it the reference copper peptide. If you are looking to buy the glow peptide in Canada, GHK-Cu is that compound, supplied here as a lab-tested research vial. Researchers wanting the multi-peptide repair blend some vendors label “GLOW” should see the KLOW blend instead; on its own, the single copper peptide is GHK-Cu.
A copper-carrying tripeptide from human plasma — GHK-Cu is the reference copper peptide of skin and tissue-remodeling research.
Section 02 — Research
What makes GHK-Cu unusual is its breadth as a signaling molecule. Published research reports that GHK-Cu can shift the expression of a large number of human genes — frequently cited as more than 4,000 — which is why it is described as a genomic modulator rather than a single-target peptide.
| Research area | Model focus |
|---|---|
| Skin & collagen | Collagen / GAG synthesis |
| Wound models | Tissue remodeling |
| Antioxidant | SOD & enzyme regulation |
| Matrix | Metalloproteinase modulation |
A recurring thread is the copper ion itself — GHK acts partly as a delivery vehicle for copper, a cofactor in enzymes tied to collagen cross-linking and antioxidant defence. This is preclinical, mechanism-level research; none of it constitutes evidence of a human therapeutic effect.
Researchers comparing copper peptides often pair GHK-Cu with its sister compound — see our AHK-Cu in Canada guide for the hair-follicle-focused copper peptide, and the KLOW blend, a repair blend in which GHK-Cu is the dominant component.
Section 03 — Product
GHK-Cu is stocked as lyophilized 50, 100 and 200 mg research vials, and as an AHK-Cu + GHK-Cu combination kit for researchers working across both copper peptides. Each vial ships freeze-dried for research handling; CoAs are linked where available.
Every lot is sent to an independent third-party laboratory for HPLC purity analysis, and — because this is a metal-chelated peptide — copper content is separately verified by ICP-MS to confirm the correct 1:1 molar ratio. A peptide that carries too little or too much copper is not the compound the research calls for, so both numbers matter. Where a CoA is held, it is published on the relevant product page before ordering.
Choose a vial size below, or read how each lot is tested on our lab testing and CoA page.
Section 04 — Handling
GHK-Cu ships freeze-dried and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. The diluent volume is the only real decision, because it sets the concentration of the finished research stock — concentration is simply mass divided by volume.
Wipe both stoppers with an alcohol prep pad, draw the chosen volume of bacteriostatic water into an insulin syringe, and add it slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Swirl gently until dissolved — never shake — then refrigerate at 2 to 8°C. A 50 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL gives a 25 mg/mL stock. The solution turns a characteristic blue as the copper goes into solution — that colour is the chelated copper, and it is expected.
Our peptide storage and handling guide covers stability in detail. These are reconstitution mechanics for laboratory handling only — not dosing recommendations.
Section 05 — Sourcing
Sourcing GHK-Cu domestically removes the two problems that come with an offshore order: the customs wait and the currency markup. A Canadian-domestic shipment never crosses a border, so there is no customs hold and no risk of a package being detained or returned mid-protocol.
Helix North makes its peptides in Canada and ships GHK-Cu anywhere in Canada by Canada Post Xpresspost — typically 2 to 4 business days to Ontario and Quebec, 2 to 3 to the Prairies, 1 to 2 in British Columbia, a flat $30 to any postal code, tracked and in plain packaging. Pricing is in Canadian dollars, so the number on the product page is the number on the receipt.
GHK-Cu is legal to purchase and possess for research in Canada and is not a controlled substance. It is supplied strictly as a research material. New here? The Canadian research peptides overview covers testing and shipping across the whole catalog.
Section 06 — Common questions
Choose a 50, 100 or 200 mg copper-verified vial with a third-party CoA, or pair it with AHK-Cu in a combination kit. Questions about lots or bulk quantities — get in touch.