Can GHK-Cu Penetrate Human Skin?

By Neshiva · October 13, 2026

The outer layers of human skin form a protective barrier that influences how substances move into and through skin tissue. Researchers have investigated the penetration characteristics of copper-tripeptide preparations.

Scientific findings

In research associated with the University of California, San Francisco, investigators used isolated human skin tissues to measure copper penetration and retention after applying a copper-tripeptide preparation. Their findings showed that penetration differed depending on the tissue layer and experimental conditions. [1]

Research limitations

This research was performed under laboratory conditions. It did not compare commercial OTC creams with prescription creams and did not test Neshiva's finished formulation. It therefore cannot establish that one commercial product penetrates more effectively than another.

Measured penetration under experimental conditions does not demonstrate clinical effectiveness for wrinkles, skin aging, or a specific commercial cream.

Frequently asked questions

Was this research done on living people?

No. The research used isolated human skin tissue outside the living body.

Does this research show one cream absorbs better than another?

No. The research did not compare commercial OTC and prescription creams and did not test Neshiva's finished formulation.

References

Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI. Human skin retention and penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as function of skin layer towards anti-inflammatory therapy. Inflammation Research. 2010;59(11):983-988. doi:10.1007/s00011-010-0214-4. PMID: 20703511; PMCID: PMC2945467. An earlier version of this work, later identified by a published erratum, appeared as: Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI. Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer. Inflammation Research. 2011;60(1):79-86. doi:10.1007/s00011-010-0238-9 (PMC3016279). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2945467/

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This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Research findings discussed here may not apply to a particular skincare product or individual. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.