GHK-Cu and KPV are both three-amino-acid peptides, and both come up in skin-related discussion. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide bound to a copper ion, studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis and skin. KPV is the final three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), studied for anti-inflammatory activity in the gut and skin.
At a glance
| GHK-Cu | KPV | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin and hair | Tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) from the end of alpha-MSH, studied for anti-inflammatory activity in the gut and skin |
| How it's thought to work | Studied for stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and for copper-dependent wound-repair pathways; also anti-inflammatory effects | Studied for entering cells and reducing NF-kB inflammatory signaling, without the pigmentation activity of full alpha-MSH |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved as an injectable product; widely used as a topical skin-care ingredient | Not FDA-approved for any human use; sold only as a research chemical |
| Strength of evidence | Human studies support topical use on skin; injected use has been studied far less formally | Preclinical (animal and lab) studies in colitis and skin inflammation; human clinical data is limited |
| Reported side effects | Minimal; possible injection site irritation. Reconstituted solution turns blue from the copper, which is normal | Minimal; occasional injection site irritation. Long-term human safety data is limited |
| Common vial sizes | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | 5mg, 10mg |
| Mixing math example | 50 mg + 5 mL BAC water = 10,000 mcg/mL, 100 mcg per unit | 5 mg + 1 mL BAC water = 5,000 mcg/mL, 50 mcg per unit |
Key differences
GHK-Cu is studied for stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and for wound-repair pathways that depend on its copper. KPV is studied for reducing pro-inflammatory NF-kB signaling inside cells, without the pigmentation activity of full alpha-MSH.
GHK-Cu is widely used as a topical skin-care ingredient and is not FDA-approved as an injectable product. KPV is not FDA-approved for any human use and is sold only as a research chemical.
Both have minimal reported side effects, mainly injection site irritation. Reconstituted GHK-Cu turns blue because of its copper, which is normal.
What the research covers
GHK-Cu has human studies supporting topical use on skin, while injected use has been studied far less formally. KPV's anti-inflammatory findings come from animal models of colitis and skin inflammation, and human clinical data is limited.
Sources
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Pickart L et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018. Review
- The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Pickart L et al. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2008. Review
- Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Kannengiesser K et al. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2008. Preclinical
- PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Dalmasso G et al. Gastroenterology, 2008. Preclinical
- Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides. Getting SJ et al. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2003. Preclinical
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and KPV?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for collagen, wound healing and skin. KPV is a tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH studied for reducing inflammatory signaling in the gut and skin.
Is GHK-Cu or KPV FDA-approved?
Neither is FDA-approved as an injectable product. GHK-Cu is widely used in topical skin care, and KPV is sold only as a research chemical.
Which has more human research, GHK-Cu or KPV?
GHK-Cu has human studies of topical use on skin. KPV's research is mainly in animal models, and human clinical data is limited.
Are GHK-Cu and KPV both tripeptides?
Yes. Both are made of three amino acids, but they come from different sources and are studied for different effects.
Both entries, plus the calculator
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