Skin & Cosmetic
GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide-1
This one's different from most of the list: it's a copper-based skincare ingredient, not something you'd inject. It prompts skin cells to make more collagen, which is why it turns up in anti-ageing creams and hair products. Properly trial-tested, and no prescription needed.
The best-evidenced compound in the whole list — a copper-carrying for skin and hair, available topically without any legal complexity.
How well studied
Tier Guide: A = Well studied, B = Some good studies, C = Early evidence & D = Barely studied
Backed by large human trials — we have solid data on how it works and what it does.
How it works
Copper gets carried straight to skin cells, which respond by producing more collagen — the protein that keeps skin firm and speeds up healing.
Delivers copper directly to skin cells, signalling them to produce more collagen and support tissue repair.
Reported benefits
- Collagen support, reduced wrinkles, improved skin density
- Hair follicle support — outperformed minoxidil in one head-to-head RCT
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action
Who it's typically used for
Timeline to results
Dosage
Topical 1-2% concentration, once daily — standard cosmetic range. Injectable route exists in some clinics but has no published human trials.
Side effects
- Mild redness~4%
- Itchinguncommon, patch-test recommended
Getting it in the UK
A doctor can prescribe this the normal way, like anything from a pharmacy — officially checked and approved for this use.
MHRA: the UK government body that checks a medicine is safe and actually works before doctors are allowed to prescribe it.
Content freshness
- Last reviewed
- 11 Aug 2026
- Regulatory status last checked
- 11 Aug 2026