GHK-Cu Specification Sheet
Complete chemical, physical and handling data for GHK-Cu as supplied including CAS numbers, molecular formulas, purity, solubility and storage conditions, covering both the 50 mg and 100 mg vial.
This sheet describes GHK-Cu as manufactured and supplied. Batch-specific analytical results are reported separately on the Certificate of Analysis issued with each lot. Supplied for laboratory and research use only.
Before working with GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is angiogenic — it promotes the formation of new blood vessels. That property is central to why it is studied for tissue repair, and it is also why it is considered contraindicated where there is active cancer or a history of cancer. Anyone evaluating this compound in a context involving human health should discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional first.
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide — glycine, histidine and lysine — bound to a copper ion. It was first isolated from human plasma, and it is one of the most extensively characterised copper peptides in the regenerative research literature.
This page sets out the technical detail a researcher needs before ordering or before setting up a protocol. It is a specification, not a research summary. If you want the background on what GHK-Cu does and what the evidence supports, the GHK-Cu complete guide covers that in depth.
Both vial sizes contain identical material at the same purity specification. Only the quantity differs, which is why one sheet covers both.
Product Identification
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | GHK-Cu |
| Product Code | PCR-GHKCU-50 · PCR-GHKCU-100 |
| Compound Type | Copper tripeptide — naturally occurring complex |
| Synonyms / Other Names | GHK-Cu; Copper Peptide GHK; Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (copper-chelating tripeptide) |
| Amino Acid Count | 3 |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized powder, single vial |
| Product Category | Copper Peptides · Peptides for Skin |
Chemical & Physical Properties
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 49557-75-7 (free peptide) · 89030-95-5 (copper complex) |
| PubChem CID | 342538 (free peptide) · 378611 (copper complex) |
| Molecular Formula | C14H24N6O4 (free peptide) · C14H22CuN6O4 (copper complex) |
| Molecular Weight | 340.38 g/mol (free peptide) · 403.91 g/mol (copper complex) |
| Appearance | Blue to blue-green powder (copper complex) |
| Physical State | Lyophilized solid |
| Purity | ≥ 99% by RP-HPLC |
Why Two Formulas Are Listed
GHK-Cu appears in the literature under two sets of identifiers, and mixing them up is a common source of error in calculations.
GHK on its own is the free tripeptide: glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, molecular weight 340.38 g/mol. GHK-Cu is that tripeptide chelated to a copper(II) ion, which adds roughly 63.5 g/mol and brings the molecular weight to 403.91.
What we supply is the copper complex — the blue-green powder. If you are calculating molarity, use 403.91 g/mol. Using the free-peptide weight will overstate your molar concentration by about 19%.
The colour is the copper
The characteristic blue-green tint comes from the copper ion. A GHK-Cu powder that looks white or off-white is either the uncomplexed free peptide or something else entirely — colour is a quick first check on identity.
Solubility & Reconstitution
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Solubility in Water | 130.98 g/L |
| Compatible Buffers | Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) |
| Recommended Diluent | Bacteriostatic water — supplied complimentary with every peptide order |
| Solution Handling | Prepare fresh, keep cold, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles |
GHK-Cu is highly water-soluble, so reconstitution is straightforward. Our vials hold 3 ml, which sets the practical ceiling on how much diluent can be added — there is a reconstitution calculator that works this out for any vial size and target concentration.
Storage & Stability
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage — Sealed Vial | Freeze at ≤ −20 °C, sealed, away from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life — Sealed | Approximately 24 months under recommended storage conditions |
| Storage — After Reconstitution | Refrigerate at 2–8 °C |
| In-Use Period | 28–30 days after reconstitution |
| Conditions to Avoid | Heat, direct light, moisture, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles |
Costa Rica's climate makes storage more of a live issue than it is in temperate countries. Ambient humidity is the enemy of a lyophilized powder — let a vial reach room temperature fully before opening it, or condensation will form inside. There is more on this in storing peptides in tropical climates.
Quality Assurance & Documentation
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Analytical Method | Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) |
| Batch Testing | Independent third-party analysis for identity, purity, and contaminants |
| Certificate of Analysis | Issued per batch — searchable in the COA database |
| Batch / Lot Number | Printed on the vial label and shown on the accompanying Certificate of Analysis |
The purity figure above is a release specification — the standard every lot must meet before it ships. The measured result for the specific vial you receive is on that lot's Certificate of Analysis. Match the lot number on the label to find it.
Intended Use & Regulatory Status
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Intended Use | Research Use Only (RUO) — laboratory, analytical, and scientific applications |
| Uses Advised Against | Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, cosmetic, dietary supplement, or household product. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. |
| Regulatory Status | Not approved or licensed as a finished pharmaceutical product by the U.S. FDA, the EMA, or Costa Rica's Ministerio de Salud |
| Distribution | Supplied within Costa Rica |
Vial Sizes & PDF Downloads
Both sizes are the same material. Each PDF is a print-ready version of this sheet for the specific vial, suitable for filing with research records or attaching to a purchase order.
| Vial Size | Product Code | Product Page | Specification PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | PCR-GHKCU-50 | GHK-Cu 50mg | Download PDF |
| 100 mg | PCR-GHKCU-100 | GHK-Cu 100mg | Download PDF |
All GHK-Cu options, including current pricing and stock, are on the GHK-Cu product page. Related compounds sit under copper peptides.
Common Questions
Is the 50 mg vial the same material as the 100 mg?
Yes. Both contain the same copper tripeptide complex at the same ≥99% purity specification, with the same appearance, solubility and storage requirements. The only difference is how much is in the vial.
Which molecular weight should I use for calculations?
Use 403.91 g/mol, the copper complex. The 340.38 figure is the free tripeptide without copper, and using it will overstate molar concentration by roughly 19%.
Why is the powder blue-green rather than white?
The colour comes from the chelated copper ion. It is the expected appearance for GHK-Cu and a useful first check on identity — a white powder sold as GHK-Cu is not the copper complex.
Is this a Certificate of Analysis?
No. This sheet states the specification every batch must meet. The Certificate of Analysis reports what one specific lot actually measured, with a lot number and test date. If you need to document the exact material you received, you need the COA.
Do you supply a Safety Data Sheet for GHK-Cu?
A Safety Data Sheet is a separate regulated document with a fixed sixteen-section structure covering hazard classification, first aid and disposal. This is a specification sheet and does not replace one. If your institution requires an SDS, contact us and we will tell you what is available.
How long does GHK-Cu last once reconstituted?
Refrigerated at 2–8 °C, 28 to 30 days. Sealed and frozen at ≤ −20 °C, the lyophilized powder holds for approximately 24 months. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade it faster than either figure suggests.
Is GHK-Cu legal in Costa Rica?
It is supplied within Costa Rica for laboratory and research use only. It is not approved as a finished pharmaceutical product for human use by the FDA, the EMA, or Costa Rica's Ministerio de Salud. We do not ship internationally.
How do I find the COA for my vial?
Match the lot number printed on the vial label against the COA database. If it is not there, send us the lot number and we will send the certificate directly.
Questions about GHK-Cu specifications?
If you need a batch certificate, documentation in a specific format for an institutional purchase, or clarification on anything in this sheet, get in touch. We answer every message personally.
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Important disclaimer: The information on this page is general educational and technical content only. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a personalized recommendation. This specification sheet describes the product as supplied and does not constitute a Certificate of Analysis or a Safety Data Sheet. GHK-Cu is not approved or licensed as a finished pharmaceutical product by the U.S. FDA, the EMA, or Costa Rica's Ministerio de Salud; its appearance as an ingredient in topical cosmetic formulations is a separate regulatory category from the research compound supplied here. GHK-Cu is angiogenic, and is considered contraindicated where there is active cancer or a history of cancer. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol. Products sold by Peptides Costa Rica are intended for laboratory and research purposes only.
