GHK-Cu Nasal Spray
The copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine as a sterile solution in bacteriostatic water, in a metered spray bottle. Made from a lot tested in the manufacturer’s own laboratory, with a certificate.
| Compound | GHK-Cu Copper tripeptide-1; Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Theoretical mass | 401.9 Da |
| Sequence / structure | H-GHK-OH · Cu(II) (1:1 complex; copper bound by the Gly α-amine, the Gly–His amide nitrogen and the His imidazole) |
| Form | Sterile aqueous solution in bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), supplied in a metered nasal spray bottle |
| Storage, sealed | Store at 2–8 °C, protected from light; do not freeze |
| Format | Solution in a metered nasal spray bottle |
Sizes and lots
- 50 mg · 1 bottle — $58.99
- 50 mg · Kit of 10 — $524.42
GHK-Cu, the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, is a small plasma peptide studied for its effects on fibroblasts, collagen and tissue repair. In this listing it comes as a sterile solution in bacteriostatic water, in a nasal spray bottle whose label gives the amount and concentration. The GHK-Cu literature is almost entirely cell, animal and topical work, and none of the papers cited here concerns delivery through the nose.
What is in the bottle
The safety data sheet for this format lists GHK-Cu dissolved in bacteriostatic water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol as preservative, at the amount and concentration printed on the label and below 10% w/v. Benzyl alcohol is the only classified ingredient: harmful if swallowed or inhaled, a serious eye irritant and a possible cause of skin sensitisation. The solution is clear blue to blue-violet, the colour of the copper complex.
Keep the bottle upright and capped at 2 to 8 °C, protected from light, and never freeze it. Copper ions harm aquatic organisms, so leftover solution should be disposed of as chemical waste rather than rinsed down a sink. For work that needs a concentration of your own choosing, the GHK-Cu 50 mg vial holds a stated mass of freeze-dried complex.
What the research covers
GHK is present in human plasma, saliva and urine, and its level declines with age1. Bound to copper it has been studied mainly as a factor in wound and skin repair. The 2018 review by Pickart and Margolina describes it stimulating collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, supporting dermal fibroblast function and promoting the outgrowth of blood vessels and nerves2. The same review reports protective actions in the lung, including restoration of fibroblasts from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anti-inflammatory activity tied to suppression of NF-κB2. The primary evidence behind the collagen claim is a fibroblast culture study in which synthesis rose from picomolar concentrations3. Cell counts stayed flat in that study, so the increase was in collagen made per cell, and its authors suggested that proteases might free GHK from type I collagen at a wound3. Most of the review literature comes from the group around the peptide's discoverer, and much of the summarised work is in cells and animals.
None of these papers tested GHK-Cu given through the nose, and the abstracts say nothing about absorption across the nasal lining or where a copper peptide would go from there. For this compound, nasal delivery is an open question rather than a studied route. The GHK-Cu peptide guide sets out the full literature.
Frequently asked questions
How much GHK-Cu is in the bottle?
The label states the amount and concentration for the bottle you receive, and the safety data sheet puts the peptide below 10% w/v. When a study needs a set mass of complex dissolved to a chosen volume, the 50 mg and 100 mg vials hold freeze-dried GHK-Cu with a stated label claim.
Has GHK-Cu been studied as a nasal spray?
Not in the papers cited on this page. The published work covers fibroblast cultures, animal wound models and topical cosmetic products, and none of the abstracts addresses delivery through the nose or how the copper complex behaves on nasal tissue.
How should the spray be stored?
Upright and capped at 2 to 8 °C, out of the light, and never frozen. The solution should look clear and blue, a colour that comes from the copper complex. Dispose of unused solution as chemical waste, because copper ions are toxic to aquatic life.
References
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. DOI · PubMed
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7). DOI · PubMed
- Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-6. DOI · PubMed
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. Products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.