GHK — Vendor Pricing & Purity Guide
Research Overview
GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) is the copper-free form of the GHK-Cu tripeptide. While GHK-Cu (with copper) is the biologically active form that modulates thousands of genes, GHK alone serves as the copper-binding peptide backbone. In research and commercial contexts, "GHK" and "GHK-Cu" are sometimes used interchangeably, but the copper ion is essential for biological activity.
GHK was first identified by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973 when he observed that liver tissue from young people could stimulate old liver cells to synthesize proteins like young cells. The active factor was isolated as the tripeptide GHK, which naturally chelates copper(II) ions in the body. GHK-Cu concentrations in human plasma decrease with age, from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60.
When purchased as "GHK" without copper, researchers typically complex it with copper(II) sulfate or copper(II) chloride to create the bioactive GHK-Cu form. Some researchers study the copper-free form specifically to isolate non-copper-dependent activities, though these are minimal compared to the full GHK-Cu complex.
Key Research Findings
- •GHK-Cu modulates 4,000+ genes (~6% of the human genome) when copper is bound
- •Copper-free GHK has minimal biological activity — the copper(II) ion is essential for gene-modulating effects
- •GHK has the highest known affinity for copper(II) among naturally occurring peptides in human plasma
- •Plasma GHK levels decline ~60% between age 20 and 60, correlating with reduced tissue repair capacity
- •GHK can be complexed with copper in the laboratory to create bioactive GHK-Cu
Research Dosage Protocols
GHK is supplied as lyophilized powder. To create the bioactive GHK-Cu form, it must be complexed with a copper(II) source (typically copper sulfate or copper chloride) in a 1:1 molar ratio.
For researchers who need the active compound, purchasing pre-formed GHK-Cu is more convenient than complexing GHK with copper. See our GHK-Cu page for detailed research protocols.
For research reference only. Not medical advice. Not for human consumption.
Price Comparison (12 products from 6 vendors)
| Vendor | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Peptides | $40.00 $0.47/mg 85mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Skye Peptides | $59.00 $0.59/mg 100mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Core Peptides | $157.00 $0.79/mg 200mg vial | In Stock |
| Biotech Peptides | $165.00 $0.82/mg 200mg vial | In Stock |
| Peptide Sciences | $170.00 $0.85/mg 200mg topical | In Stock |
| Core Peptides | $176.00 $0.88/mg 200mg vial | In Stock |
| Core Peptides | $49.00 $0.98/mg 50mg vial | In Stock |
| Biotech Peptides | $199.00 $0.99/mg 200mg vial | In Stock |
| Biotech Peptides | $51.00 $1.02/mg 50mg vial | In Stock |
| Peptide Sciences | $210.00 $1.05/mg 200mg topical | In Stock |
| Peptide Sciences | $55.00 $1.10/mg 50mg lyophilized | In Stock |
| Soma Chems | $169.99 $3.40/mg 50mg vial | In Stock |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK is the tripeptide backbone. GHK-Cu is GHK complexed with a copper(II) ion. The copper is essential for biological activity — GHK alone has minimal effect. Most research uses GHK-Cu.
Should I buy GHK or GHK-Cu?
For research requiring the bioactive compound, buy GHK-Cu directly. GHK alone requires complexing with copper before use. Pre-formed GHK-Cu is more convenient.
Where can I buy GHK for research?
GHK is available from research peptide vendors. Compare pricing in the table above. Consider purchasing GHK-Cu directly for research applications requiring the active compound.