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PEPLUX

Copper-binding tripeptide for topical use

Topical GHK-Cu

Also called Copper tripeptide-1, Copper peptide GHK-Cu.

  • Skin
Illustrative PEPLUX product vial in a purple-lit studio
Product illustration

Product form

Topical application

The process

Licensed provider review

Topical GHK-Cu cost

$229 per month

*If medically eligible.
Medication
Included
Clinician visit
Included
Baseline labs
Included
Lab retests
Included when ordered by your provider
Shipping
Included
Patient portal access
Included
Care-team chat support
Included

Considering more than one product?

  • Two products prescribed together: $349 per month
  • Three products prescribed together: $479 per month
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Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA and have not been reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

FDA status, checked on October 13, 2026
Order now

In FDA's 503A Category 1: interim enforcement discretion, not the bulks list.

*If medically eligible.

Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA and have not been reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

PEPLUX is a telehealth platform, not a pharmacy or drug manufacturer. Medications are compounded and dispensed by independently licensed US compounding pharmacies.

Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed provider. Not all patients qualify.

States served: not yet confirmed. How state availability works

What is Topical GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) in a topical cream. The formulation and strength must be documented by the dispensing pharmacy before ordering is enabled.

Adults seeking a provider discussion about a topical GHK-Cu formulation. The prescriber reviews the condition being assessed, other products in use and the limits of the available evidence.

Key risks

  • Topical use can cause skin irritation, redness or an allergic reaction. Reactions may involve GHK-Cu or another ingredient in the formulation.
  • Long-term safety information and interaction data for the specific formulation are limited.
All risks and who should not use it

FDA status

FDA status for Topical GHK-Cu.

Rendered from our regulatory records, which cite FDA, Federal Register and label documents directly. Each record shows the date we last checked it.

In FDA's 503A Category 1: interim enforcement discretion, not the bulks list.

Topical GHK-Cu

FDA interim enforcement discretion (Category 1). Not a listing. Not FDA-approved.

FDA’s documents list it as GHK-Cu.

GHK-Cu for non-injectable use, such as topical, is in FDA's 503A Category 1. FDA is still evaluating it and has said it does not intend to take action against a 503A pharmacy that compounds it against a patient-specific prescription while the interim policy's conditions are met. That is enforcement discretion, not a listing, and it has already been withdrawn once. Injectable GHK-Cu has no compounding pathway. Compounded GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved. FDA does not check the safety, effectiveness or quality of compounded drugs before they are sold.

FDA's Category 1 entry reads "GHK-Cu (except for injectable routes of administration)". It covers non-injectable routes, such as topical use, only. Subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous GHK-Cu are outside it.

Basis
FDA's 503A categories document (updated May 14, 2026) lists "GHK-Cu (except for injectable routes of administration)" in Category 1, bulk drug substances under evaluation. FDA removed GHK-Cu from Category 1 on April 22, 2026 after its nominations were withdrawn. On May 5, 2026 one nominator clarified that it meant to withdraw only the injectable route, and FDA added the non-injectable entry back. GHK-Cu is not in any 503B category and is not on the 503A bulks list in 21 CFR 216.23. Category 1 is FDA's interim enforcement discretion, not a statutory pathway.
Checked on
October 13, 2026

How it works

Topical GHK-Cu mechanism.

GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to a copper ion. This product is intended for application to the skin. Its formulation and inactive ingredients must be confirmed before use.

That describes what the molecule does in the body. It is not a claim about what it will do for you.

What the evidence supports

Topical GHK-Cu: evidence and limitations.

Small studies of topical GHK-Cu formulations do not establish the safety or effectiveness of every formulation. Laboratory findings cannot determine an individual outcome, and evidence from one topical product may not transfer to another.

Risks

Topical GHK-Cu risks and side effects.

  • Topical use can cause skin irritation, redness or an allergic reaction. Reactions may involve GHK-Cu or another ingredient in the formulation.
  • Long-term safety information and interaction data for the specific formulation are limited.
  • People with Wilson's disease, another disorder of copper metabolism or a known copper allergy require specific medical review before considering a copper-containing product.
  • Safety data are insufficient during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not use in these circumstances without medical advice.
  • Stop using the product and seek medical advice if a reaction develops. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

This information is educational and is not medical advice. It does not establish a provider–patient relationship.

Clinical review

What your prescriber will consider.

These are decision factors a licensed provider weighs when deciding whether this product is appropriate for you. They are not instructions, and there is no dosing protocol on this page.

  • The skin condition being assessed, the planned application site and any broken or irritated skin

  • Other active skin products, prescription treatments and known ingredient sensitivities

  • Copper allergy or a disorder affecting copper metabolism

  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans to conceive

PEPLUX does not publish self-administration protocols. Dose, frequency and duration are set by your prescriber against your own history and reviewed over time.

Lot documents

What a certificate of analysis should cover.

When a pharmacy is named, each lot's certificate of analysis is expected to cover the tests below. No certificate exists or is published yet.

  • Potency
  • Microbial limits
  • pH

Sport and anti-doping

WADA status.

  • Not named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List.

The list is revised every year. If you compete, check the current list and your federation’s own rules.

Straight answers

Common questions about Topical GHK-Cu.

What is the FDA status of Topical GHK-Cu?
In FDA's 503A Category 1: interim enforcement discretion, not the bulks list. GHK-Cu for non-injectable use, such as topical, is in FDA's 503A Category 1. FDA is still evaluating it and has said it does not intend to take action against a 503A pharmacy that compounds it against a patient-specific prescription while the interim policy's conditions are met. That is enforcement discretion, not a listing, and it has already been withdrawn once. Injectable GHK-Cu has no compounding pathway. Compounded GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved. FDA does not check the safety, effectiveness or quality of compounded drugs before they are sold. Checked against primary sources on October 13, 2026.
Is compounded Topical GHK-Cu an approved drug?
No. Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA and have not been reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality. PEPLUX is a telehealth platform, not a pharmacy or drug manufacturer. Medications are compounded and dispensed by independently licensed US compounding pharmacies.
What does the evidence support for Topical GHK-Cu, and what does it not?
Small studies of topical GHK-Cu formulations do not establish the safety or effectiveness of every formulation. Laboratory findings cannot determine an individual outcome, and evidence from one topical product may not transfer to another.
What are the risks of Topical GHK-Cu?
Topical use can cause skin irritation, redness or an allergic reaction. Reactions may involve GHK-Cu or another ingredient in the formulation. The full list of side effects, and of who should not use Topical GHK-Cu, is in the risks section of this page. Your prescriber reviews your history before deciding whether it is appropriate for you.
Does Topical GHK-Cu require baseline labs?
Your prescriber determines whether baseline labs are needed before considering Topical GHK-Cu. Baseline labs are included in the price.
What does Topical GHK-Cu cost?
$229 per month. Medication: included. Clinician visit: included. Baseline labs: included. Lab retests: included when ordered by your provider. Shipping: included. Patient portal access: included. Care-team chat support: included. *If medically eligible.
Is Topical GHK-Cu prohibited in sport?
Not named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List.
How is Topical GHK-Cu given?
Topical application. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you and sets the regimen. PEPLUX does not publish dosing.

Next step

A licensed provider reviews every request.

Order now

In FDA's 503A Category 1: interim enforcement discretion, not the bulks list.

*If medically eligible.

Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA and have not been reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Also offered

Other products.

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