Copper tripeptide
Copper tripeptide-1 (Cu-GHK) was the first peptide used in cosmetics for skin application, and resemble the alpha chain of collagen.
This carrier peptide is very versatile concerning several skin functions, including stimulation of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, elastin and proteoglycans synthesis by fibroblasts, as well as anti-inflammatory response. Cu-GHK comprises numerous cosmetic applications, being used in products for its efficacy in reducing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and photo damage, in stimulating keratinocyte proliferation and improving the skin barrier.
A study conducted by Huang et al., demonstrated that Cu-GHK when used with therapeutic light-emitting diode (light therapy to prevent aging and aid the healing process) led to an increase in pro collagen type I synthesis (about 230.0 %), as well as in basic fibroblast growth factor production (about 30.0 %). Therefore, it is concluded that Cu-GHK may be an ally in combating skin aging, since it promotes fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis, as well as epidermal repair.
Source: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology - Anti-aging peptides for advanced skincare: Focus on nanodelivery systems