PepEvolutionGHK-Cu
Copper peptide
The most extensively studied cosmetic peptide — modulates 4,000+ genes, strong wound-healing record, excellent safety profile.
Verdict — B · Viable
The best-supported cosmetic peptide in the catalog — clean safety profile, broad gene-regulation evidence, and wide availability. The evidence advantage is in topical/wound applications; injectable use is less validated. Source injectable-grade material from a vendor with an independent COA.
Overview
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper chelate) is an endogenous copper-binding tripeptide with one of the largest published cosmetic-peptide literature bases, studied for wound healing, skin remodeling, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of thousands of genes. It is an FDA-listed OTC cosmetic ingredient with decades of safety data. The evidence base is strong for wound and skin applications; its use via injectable route (versus topical) has less validation. Sourcing is broadly available as a cosmetic ingredient but batch-COA consistency for injectable-grade preparations varies.
PepScore Breakdown — the four axes
Evidence
35% weightHow strong is the published human science?
Sourcing & COA
30% weightOur moatCan a buyer obtain an independently-verified, high-purity version? — our proprietary layer.
Safety & Risk
25% weightWhat is the real-world harm potential?
Practicality
10% weightHow easy is it to actually run a verified version?
Sources & Citations
Every claim cites a primary source. Citations are machine-audited against NCBI — see methodology.
Educational only — not medical advice. PepScore is an educational research grade, not a prescription or dosing recommendation. Some vendor links are affiliate links — this never affects grades. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any compound.