Copper & cosmetic peptides

Peptides studied largely in skin, hair, and topical contexts, including copper-binding signalling peptides and synthetic cosmetic peptides.

How this class works

Studied for roles in collagen signalling, wound biology, and skin appearance, frequently in topical rather than systemic contexts.

Best-supported in this class

GHK CU grades highest (D-tier) on current published evidence. This reflects evidence maturity — not a recommendation to use anything.

Compounds in this class

GHK CUD
Early human
Best for: early healing / tissue repair research
In progress
ArgirelineD
Early human
Best for: early skin / hair / cosmetic research
In progress
MatrixylD
Early human
Best for: early skin / hair / cosmetic research
In progress
PTD DBMF
Anecdote
Best for: early skin / hair / cosmetic research
In progress

Head-to-head: GHK CU vs Argireline

Research goals this class touches
Healing / tissue repairSkin / hair / cosmetic

FAQ

Which copper & cosmetic peptides has the strongest evidence?

GHK CU currently grades highest in this class (D-tier) on published evidence — which reflects evidence maturity, not a recommendation.

Are any copper & cosmetic peptides FDA-approved?

No members of this class are FDA-approved; they are investigational or research-only.

How do compounds in this class differ?

Studied for roles in collagen signalling, wound biology, and skin appearance, frequently in topical rather than systemic contexts. Within the class, members differ widely in evidence maturity, approval status, and safety — the tiers and evidence stages above show how.

Keep reading
Mechanisms

The pathways these classes act through.

The peptide database

Every compound, filterable by class.

Peptides 101

Background on how peptide classes differ.

The tier board

Compare classes by published evidence.

Research reference only. Not medical advice. Compounds in a class can differ greatly in evidence, approval status, and safety.

The all-in-one peptide app

Stop reading, start tracking.

PepCue logs your doses, runs the vial math, counts your vials, and keeps the whole protocol in one place. It replaces the spreadsheet, the calculator, and the sticky notes.

  • Dose logging
  • Reconstitution math
  • Smart reminders
  • Vial & cost tracking
iPhone · free to start