Skin, Hair & Aging

GHK-Cu: The Copper Peptide

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Research has identified its involvement in collagen and elastin synthesis, antioxidant activity, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory signalling. Notably, it has been documented to influence gene expression across several thousand genes in research models, shifting expression patterns in aged tissue toward a more youthful baseline.

It appears in the catalog three ways: as a standalone injectable, as the GHK-Cu / Snap-8 Face Serum for topical research, and as a component of the GLOW 70 and KLOW 80 blends.

A practical note from the reference guide: GHK-Cu solutions turn light blue. That is the copper complex dissolving correctly, not degradation. The compound is light-sensitive and stored away from direct light.

Antioxidant and Pigmentation

Glutathione is a tripeptide and the most abundant intracellular antioxidant in the body. Research covers oxidative stress reduction, heavy metal chelation, and melanogenesis inhibition. Only the reduced form is active. Oxidised glutathione has no antioxidant activity.

Melanotan II is a melanocortin analogue with broad receptor activity (MC1R through MC5R), studied for melanogenesis and photoprotection mechanisms. Its non-selectivity is what distinguishes it from the more targeted PT-141.

Why This Category Reads Differently

Topical peptides have been tested in cosmetic clinical trials and appear in commercial products across every price tier. The evidence base is more mature here than in most peptide categories, though the compounds supplied by Aura Labs remain research-use only.