Peptide Comparison
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)vsSnap-8
Multi-functional copper peptide complex that stimulates collagen, enhances wound healing, and provides broad antioxidant protection for skin renewal.
An advanced 8-amino-acid peptide that relaxes facial muscles from the outside in—think of it as 'Botox in a bottle' that you apply to your skin to smooth expression lines without needles or injections.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
0.01%–1% %
Snap-8
3–10 %
Frequency
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Once daily
Snap-8
Once daily
Administration
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Topical
Snap-8
Topical application
Cycle Length
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Ongoing/indefinite
Snap-8
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Snap-8
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Limited human trials
Snap-8
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Defense
Skin Rejuvenation
Wrinkle Reduction
Muscle Relaxation
Skin Smoothing
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Molecular Formula
C14H22N6O4Cu
Molecular Weight
401.9 Da
Half-Life
Susceptible to enzymatic degradation; liposomal formulation extends stability. Highly water-soluble (325 mg/mL).
Bioavailability
Limited percutaneous absorption at topical concentrations (local dermal effects primary); systemic bioavailability via injection
CAS Number
49557-75-7
Snap-8
Molecular Formula
C41H70N16O16S
Molecular Weight
1075.16 g/mol
Half-Life
Topical activity persists 12-24 hours on skin
Bioavailability
Penetrates stratum corneum; reaches viable epidermis with appropriate formulation
CAS Number
868844-74-0
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Snap-8
Applications
Best
suited for
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with antioxidant protection
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with antioxidant protection. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with wounds, scars, or post-procedural skin requiring accelerated healing
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with wounds, scars, or post-procedural skin requiring accelerated healing. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People experiencing hair thinning who want to support follicle health
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people experiencing hair thinning who want to support follicle health. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Individuals looking for multi-pathway anti-aging through a single active ingredient
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals looking for multi-pathway anti-aging through a single active ingredient. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Snap-8
Expression Line Fighters
If you've noticed those lines that form when you smile, frown, or squint are starting to stick around even when your face is relaxed, Snap-8 is designed exactly for this. It works on the muscle-skin connection that creates these dynamic wrinkles.
Botox-Curious but Needle-Shy
Love the idea of smoother skin but not ready for injections? Snap-8 offers a topical alternative that works through a similar mechanism as Botox—just gentler and without the commitment. Perfect for testing the waters of muscle-relaxing anti-aging.
Prevention-Focused Millennials
Starting in your late 20s or early 30s with preventive skincare? Snap-8 can help keep expression lines from becoming permanent fixtures by calming the repetitive muscle movements that eventually etch wrinkles into your skin.
Sensitive Skin Types
Unlike some anti-aging actives that can be harsh, Snap-8 is remarkably well-tolerated. If retinoids make your skin angry or acids cause irritation, peptides like Snap-8 offer effective anti-aging without the drama.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Common
- Mild Tingling or Warmth
- Transient Redness
- Skin Dryness or Peeling
Uncommon
- Injection Site Reactions
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Copper Accumulation (Theoretical with Injection)
- Copper Toxicity from Excessive Accumulation
Snap-8
Common
- Mild tingling sensation
- Temporary redness
- Skin dryness
Uncommon
- Contact irritation
- Skin tightness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is not FDA-approved and lacks human clinical safety data, though cosmetic use in topical formulations is generally recognized as safe based on its composition. The tripeptide-copper complex has been shown to be non-toxic in in vitro cell studies and animal models at cosmetic concentrations (< 200 ppm). However, systemic absorption and safety at higher concentrations or with chronic use remain untested in humans. Copper accumulation in tissues is theoretically possible with repeated systemic use, and effects on copper metabolism have never been characterized. No human Phase 1 studies or formal toxicology assessments have been conducted.
Contraindications
- xWilson's disease (genetic copper metabolism disorder)
- xKnown hypersensitivity to copper compounds or GHK-Cu
- xActive skin infections at the application site
- xSevere hepatic impairment (reduced copper clearance capacity)
Snap-8
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Not FDA approved
Safety Overview
Snap-8 has an excellent safety profile backed by extensive cosmetic industry testing. As a topical peptide, it works locally on the skin without systemic absorption, making it much safer than injectable alternatives. Clinical studies show it's well-tolerated even with long-term daily use, with adverse events limited to occasional mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It's considered safe for most skin types and has been used in cosmetic formulations worldwide since the mid-2000s.
Contraindications
- xKnown allergy to peptide ingredients
- xActive skin infections at application site
- xOpen wounds or severe skin irritation
- xPregnancy (as a precaution due to limited data)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) if...
- Individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with antioxidant protection
- Those with wounds, scars, or post-procedural skin requiring accelerated healing
- People experiencing hair thinning who want to support follicle health
- Individuals looking for multi-pathway anti-aging through a single active ingredient
Choose Snap-8 if...
- Wrinkle reduction
- Expression line smoothing
- Preventive anti-aging
- Non-invasive cosmetic enhancement