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 (signal and carrier peptides) + Matrixyl 3000 (matrikine signal peptides) for skin, or GHK-Cu + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (biomimetic peptides) 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 for comprehensive peptide support.

The clinical research on GHK-Cu, Matrixyl 3000, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 examined these peptides as focused complexes, not diluted with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or other actives in the same formulation. Adding these ingredients reduces the peptide concentrations studied in published literature.

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

Many brands use trace amounts of peptides—just enough to list on the label—diluted with filler ingredients. 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 the clinical literature we reference. Our Hair Tonic contains 1% GHK-Cu and 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 at research-backed levels.

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

Matrixyl 3000 contains different amino acid sequences (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7) that function as matrikine signal peptides. Our dual-peptide systems combine these complementary amino acid technologies for comprehensive support.

PLU Laboratories sells cosmetic products, not FDA-approved drugs, so we cannot make claims about producing collagen or affecting body structure or function. However, the NIH research describes GHK-Cu as a copper tripeptide-1 studied for its role in tissue processes, collagen production pathways, and mechanisms involving dermal fibroblasts and skin cells.

Our Face Tonic uses these peptide concentrations for cosmetic use to support the appearance of skin health, skin texture, and skin barrier integrity. Learn more about our approach on our best copper peptide serum guide.

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, helping hair appear more securely anchored.

In comparative trials, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 outperformed 3% Minoxidil in hair density metrics. Our Hair Tonic combines this peptide with GHK-Cu at concentrations studied in published research for comprehensive follicle-level support.

Most peptide products contain either GHK-Cu OR other peptides like Matrixyl 3000, missing the opportunity to combine complementary peptide technologies. The NIH research on copper peptides examined signal and carrier peptide functions, while Matrixyl 3000 research studied matrikine signaling pathways.

Our Face Tonic and Hair Tonic combine both amino acid complexes to address multiple concerns (fine lines, skin texture, hair density, scalp health) through complementary mechanisms studied in clinical literature.

Clinical studies on GHK-Cu and Matrixyl 3000 typically measured improvements over 6-12 week periods. Most users report:

Weeks 1-2: Skin feels smoother, scalp feels healthier
Weeks 3-4: Visible improvements in skin texture or hair appearance
Weeks 6-8: Notable improvements in skin firmness appearance or hair density
Weeks 8-12: Continued improvements with consistent daily use

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

Yes. Our products are designed to maintain clinical peptide concentrations without dilution. If you want to use additional active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide), apply them after our peptide products absorb.

This layering approach preserves the peptide concentrations studied in research while allowing you to customize your routine. Apply PLU peptides first on clean skin, wait for absorption, then layer other actives or moisturizers as desired. Both our Face Tonic and Hair Tonic are designed for this flexible layering approach.