Copper Peptide Research

While some medical practitioners offer injectable GHK-Cu treatments, PLU Laboratories produces topical cosmetic products designed for surface application to skin and scalp. The clinical studies we reference examined topical peptide application, not injection.

Injectable peptides work through systemic mechanisms and are administered by medical professionals. Our Face Tonic and Hair Tonic are formulated at concentrations studied in topical research for appearance benefits through daily surface application.

PLU Laboratories focuses on dual-peptide systems at clinical concentrations without filler ingredient dilution. Most peptide products contain either GHK-Cu OR other peptides, and many dilute peptides with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or botanical extracts.

Our approach combines complementary peptide technologies: GHK-Cu + Matrixyl 3000 for skin, or GHK-Cu + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 for hair. This maintains the concentrations examined in clinical research.

Different peptide technologies work through distinct mechanisms. NIH research describes GHK-Cu as functioning as both a signal peptide (communicating with skin cells) and a carrier peptide (delivering copper ions studied for collagen synthesis pathways).

Matrixyl 3000 works as matrikine signal peptides that interact with dermal fibroblasts and extracellular matrix processes. Our Face Tonic combines these complementary amino acid signaling pathways.

The clinical research on GHK-Cu, Matrixyl 3000, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 examined these peptides as focused complexes. Adding other active ingredients reduces the peptide concentrations studied in published literature.

Our products maintain clinical concentrations by focusing exclusively on complementary peptides. If you want hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, apply them separately after the peptides absorb to maintain efficacy.

Many brands use trace amounts of peptides—just enough to list on the label. Our formulations use peptide concentrations aligned with those examined in published research studies.

For example, our Face Tonic contains 1% GHK-Cu and 3% complete Matrixyl 3000, matching the concentrations studied in clinical literature. Our Hair Tonic contains 1% GHK-Cu and 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3.

Peptides are chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins. GHK-Cu consists of glycine, histidine, and lysine bound to copper ions. The NIH research describes how these work as signal and carrier peptides communicating with skin cells.

Matrixyl 3000 contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 that function as matrikine signal peptides. Our dual-peptide systems combine these for comprehensive support.

PLU Laboratories sells cosmetic products, not drugs, so we do not make drug claims. However, NIH research describes GHK-Cu as a tripeptide studied for its role in tissue processes and collagen production pathways.

Our Face Tonic uses these concentrations for cosmetic use to support the appearance of skin health, texture, and barrier integrity.

Clinical studies on Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 examined this biomimetic peptide for supporting hair density appearance. Research suggests it works by strengthening extracellular matrix proteins around hair follicles.

In trials, it outperformed 3% Minoxidil in density metrics. Our Hair Tonic combines this with GHK-Cu at research-backed levels.

Most products contain only one peptide type. The NIH research on copper peptides examined signal and carrier functions, while Matrixyl 3000 research studied matrikine signaling.

Our Face Tonic and Hair Tonic combine both amino acid complexes to address multiple appearance concerns through complementary mechanisms.

Clinical studies typically measured improvements over 6-12 weeks. Most users report smoother skin or healthier-looking scalp in 1-2 weeks, with notable appearance improvements in skin firmness or hair density by weeks 6-8.

Individual results may vary. These timeframes align with the protocols used in published peptide efficacy studies.

Yes. Our products are designed to maintain clinical concentrations without dilution. If you use additional actives like retinol or niacinamide, apply them after our peptide products absorb.

Apply PLU peptides first on clean skin, wait for absorption, then layer other actives or moisturizers as desired to maintain research-aligned efficacy.