Ingredient or product comparison
GHK-Cu Serum Same as GHK-Cu Cosmetic: Formulation Comparison
The following table clarifies the functional and formulation distinctions between GHK-Cu serum and GHK-Cu cosmetic. Both contain identical tripeptide-copper complexes but differ in delivery base, stability profile, and optimal research application. Active Pept
This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.
- The following table clarifies the functional and formulation distinctions between GHK-Cu serum and GHK-Cu cosmetic. Both contain identical tripeptide-copper complexes but differ in delivery base, stability profile, and optimal research application.
- Active Peptide
- Gly-His-Lys-Cu2+ complex, typically 1–5mg per vial
- Molecularly identical. No difference in peptide sequence or copper coordination
- Formulation Base
- Aqueous solution (bacteriostatic water or buffered saline), minimal excipients
- Emulsion or gel base with humectants, emulsifiers, preservatives, pH buffers
- Serum optimized for rapid penetration; cosmetic optimized for prolonged stability and sustained release
- Stability (Reconstituted, 4°C)
- 85–90% activity retained for 28 days
- 80–90% activity retained for 60–90 days with stabilizers
- Cosmetic formulations extend usable lifespan in multi-week protocols
- Dermal Penetration (Peak Concentration)
- 2–4 hours post-application in ex vivo models
- 6–8 hours post-application in ex vivo models
- Serum shows faster initial uptake; cosmetic provides sustained exposure
- Optimal Research Use
- Acute signaling studies, short-term wound models, in vitro assays
- Chronic exposure models, prolonged topical application studies, long-term collagen synthesis assays
- Choose based on experimental timeline. Not peptide identity
- Regulatory Positioning
- Supplied as research-grade peptide for investigational use
- Supplied as research-grade peptide for investigational use (topical focus)
- Both are research-only products. 'cosmetic' label reflects application context, not consumer product status