What it is
Copper tripeptide-1 is a complex of the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) bound to copper. It is used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent and is a familiar ingredient in peptide-focused skincare. In sunscreens it is typically included as a conditioning or supporting component rather than for sun protection.
Safety & warnings
Copper tripeptide-1 is generally well tolerated in cosmetic use at typical levels. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic peptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) complexed with copper; the peptide is produced through peptide synthesis.
Questions everyone asks
What is copper tripeptide-1?
It is a small peptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) bound to copper, used as a skin-conditioning ingredient in peptide-focused skincare.
Why is copper peptide in a sunscreen?
It is generally added as a conditioning or supporting ingredient, not for sun protection, which comes from the product's UV filters.