Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

GHK-Cu Dark Spots Mechanism: Formulation Comparison

Serum (aqueous) 0.2–0.5% elemental Cu 5.5–6.0 6–9 months refrigerated Epidermis (50–80 microns) Daily maintenance, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Cream (emulsion) 0.3–0.7% elemental Cu 5.0–6.5 12–18 months Epidermis + papillary dermis Melasma, age spots,

This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.

  • Serum (aqueous)
  • 0.2–0.5% elemental Cu
  • 5.5–6.0
  • 6–9 months refrigerated
  • Epidermis (50–80 microns)
  • Daily maintenance, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Cream (emulsion)
  • 0.3–0.7% elemental Cu
  • 5.0–6.5
  • 12–18 months
  • Epidermis + papillary dermis
  • Melasma, age spots, textured pigmentation
  • Anhydrous oil
  • 0.5–1.0% elemental Cu
  • N/A (no aqueous phase)
  • 18–24 months
  • Variable (depends on carrier)
  • Sensitive skin, rosacea-prone with PIH
  • Lyophilised powder
  • 1.5–3.0% elemental Cu
  • Reconstituted to 5.5–6.0
  • 24+ months (dry state)
  • Epidermis (controlled by vehicle)
  • Research applications, custom compounding
  • Professional peel additive
  • 1.0–2.0% elemental Cu
  • 3.5–4.5 (acid carrier)
  • Single-use ampules
  • Deep epidermis + reticular dermis
  • Clinical treatment of resistant melasma