Ingredient or product comparison
GHK-Cu Cosmetic Pharmacokinetics: Formulation Comparison
Aqueous solution (no enhancers) None <5% 18–30 minutes Minimal. Most studies show poor efficacy Not recommended. Too much loss before penetration Liposomal encapsulation Phospholipid bilayer 15–25% 60–90 minutes Moderate. Several controlled trials show benefit
This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.
- Aqueous solution (no enhancers)
- None
- <5%
- 18–30 minutes
- Minimal. Most studies show poor efficacy
- Not recommended. Too much loss before penetration
- Liposomal encapsulation
- Phospholipid bilayer
- 15–25%
- 60–90 minutes
- Moderate. Several controlled trials show benefit
- Best passive delivery option for intact skin
- Propylene glycol carrier (10–20%)
- Chemical disruption of lipid lamellae
- 10–18%
- 20–40 minutes
- Low. Solvent irritation may limit use
- Effective but can cause sensitivity in some users
- Microneedling + aqueous solution
- Physical barrier disruption
- 40–60%
- N/A (bypasses surface degradation)
- Strong. Multiple RCTs show collagen synthesis
- Gold standard for GHK-Cu delivery if tolerated
- Anhydrous silicone base
- Occlusion + lipid solubility
- 8–12%
- 45–75 minutes
- Low. Few studies on this vehicle
- Improves stability but limited dermal penetration