Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Does GHK-Cu Support Skin Brightening Research?: Research Comparison

Seoul National University (2015) Human melasma patients (n=62) 0.05% topical serum 12 weeks Tyrosinase modulation + turnover 21.3% MASI reduction, 4.2-unit L* increase Gradual brightening without rebound. Best for maintenance Journal of Investigative Dermatolo

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  • Seoul National University (2015)
  • Human melasma patients (n=62)
  • 0.05% topical serum
  • 12 weeks
  • Tyrosinase modulation + turnover
  • 21.3% MASI reduction, 4.2-unit L* increase
  • Gradual brightening without rebound. Best for maintenance
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2019)
  • Cultured human melanocytes
  • 1–5 µM in vitro
  • 72 hours
  • Tyrosinase gene expression
  • 28–35% reduction in tyrosinase mRNA
  • Demonstrates gene-level regulation, not enzyme blocking
  • Journal of Dermatological Science (2021)
  • Hairless mice + UVB exposure
  • 0.1% topical gel
  • 6 weeks
  • UV-induced melanogenesis
  • 34% lower melanin content vs controls
  • Preventive effect stronger than corrective in animal models
  • Biomolecules (2020)
  • Keratinocyte culture
  • 2 µM
  • 48 hours
  • Keratinocyte migration
  • 42% faster migration, increased MMP-2/9
  • Accelerates pigment shedding through turnover