Some ingredients are trends. GHK-Cu has been studied for about 50 years. It is a tiny peptide your own body makes, and it is one of the stars of our serum. Here is what the science says, with every source linked.
Quick facts
- Full name: glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex
- On a label: Copper Tripeptide-1
- Made of: 3 amino acids (glycine, histidine, lysine) bound to copper
- Fun fact: it gives a natural blue tint to formulas
A peptide that declines with age
GHK was first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It naturally holds on to copper, and its levels in the body drop significantly as we age. (Pickart et al., Cosmetics, 2015)
What the research says
- Skin appearance: several clinical studies have shown GHK-Cu can improve the look of aging skin. (Pickart & Margolina, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018)
- Collagen support: in lab studies, GHK-Cu stimulated collagen production by skin cells. (Pickart & Margolina, Cosmetics, 2018)
- Antioxidant role: research suggests it helps the skin cope with oxidative stress, one of the everyday drivers of dull, tired-looking skin. (Pickart et al., 2015)
- Gene data: newer analyses show GHK can influence many genes linked to skin renewal and protection. (Pickart & Margolina, 2018)
Our honest note: a big share of GHK-Cu research comes from lab and cell studies, and much of it from the same research group. The human studies are encouraging, and we will keep sharing new ones as they come out.
Why we chose GHK-Cu for Sana Raíz
GHK-Cu is the heart of our serum. We combined it with PDRN, hyaluronic acid and ectoin so your skin can look firmer, smoother and more radiant over time.
Sources
- 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.
- Pickart L., Margolina A. Skin Regenerative and Anti-Cancer Actions of Copper Peptides. Cosmetics, 2018.
- Pickart L. et al. GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin. Cosmetics, 2015.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Sana Raíz products are cosmetics and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.