GHK-Cu
INCI: Copper Tripeptide-1
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide with real, well-documented wound-healing activity — it stimulates collagen production, acts as an antioxidant, and modestly calms inflammatory signaling. It's a more specialized, PM-only ingredient than most on this list, generally reached for barrier repair rather than a first-line daily treatment.
How it works
A copper-binding tripeptide with well-documented wound-healing activity: it stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, acts as an antioxidant, and modestly downregulates inflammatory signaling during barrier repair.
In practice, it's more often found in a targeted repair serum used for a period after barrier damage — post-procedure, post-irritation — than as a permanent daily step.
How to introduce it
Wait about 5 minutes before the next step. Judging GHK-Cu before week 12 means judging it before it's had time to actually work — most of what reads as "this isn't doing anything" in the first couple of weeks is just too early to tell.
- Apply before heavier occlusive layers so it isn't blocked from absorbing.
Who should be careful
GHK-Cu is rated moderate risk. Patch test on your inner forearm 48 hours before first facial use, especially if your skin reacts easily to new products.
Common in these product forms
Among the products Skinzy tracks in India that contain GHK-Cu, it most often shows up as a serum.
Questions people ask
A copper peptide with genuine wound-healing and antioxidant activity — specialized barrier support rather than a first-line daily ingredient.
Most people see a fair result around 12 weeks of consistent use — judging earlier usually means judging too soon.
At night. GHK-Cu is intended for PM use.