Topically Applied GHK as an Anti-Wrinkle Peptide: Advantages, Problems and Prospective

Plain-language summary

This 2024 review published in BioImpacts examined the evidence for GHK-Cu and its palmitated derivative Pal-GHK as topical anti-aging agents, concluding that cellular studies clearly support GHK-Cu's classification as an effective anti-wrinkle ingredient. The authors noted that while copper complexation and chemical modification improve the peptide's skin permeability, clinical trial data remain surprisingly sparse given its widespread cosmetic use. Emerging delivery strategies — including cell-penetrating peptide carriers, ionic liquid microemulsions, and microneedle pretreatment — were identified as promising avenues to improve skin permeation and unlock GHK-Cu's full regenerative potential.