Peptide Comparison
Palmitoyl OligopeptidevsCopper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Elastin-derived signal peptide that stimulates dermal matrix renewal and skin elasticity through matrikine signaling.
Multi-functional copper peptide complex that stimulates collagen, enhances wound healing, and provides broad antioxidant protection for skin renewal.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
0.003%–3% %
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
0.01%–1% %
Frequency
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Once daily
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Once daily
Administration
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Topical
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Topical
Cycle Length
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Ongoing/indefinite
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Limited human trials
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Limited human trials
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Collagen Stimulation
Skin Elasticity
Skin Hydration
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Defense
Skin Rejuvenation
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Molecular Formula
C36H63N5O7 (hexapeptide-12 variant)
Molecular Weight
694.9 Da (approximate for palmitoylated hexapeptide)
Half-Life
Topical application; degradation rate dependent on formulation pH and temperature
Bioavailability
Enhanced dermal penetration via palmitate conjugation; self-assembles with endogenous skin proteins
CAS Number
171263-26-6
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
Applications
Best
suited for
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Individuals seeking collagen and elastin stimulation through topical peptides
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking collagen and elastin stimulation through topical peptides. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with age-related loss of skin firmness and elasticity
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with age-related loss of skin firmness and elasticity. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People looking for gentle anti-aging actives suitable for sensitive skin
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people looking for gentle anti-aging actives suitable for sensitive skin. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Users wanting to complement retinoid or vitamin C regimens with peptide support
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users wanting to complement retinoid or vitamin c regimens with peptide support. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
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.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Common
- Transient Dryness
- Mild Tingling
- Product Interaction Sensitivity
- Minimal Erythema
Uncommon
- Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Allergic Reaction
- Comedogenic Potential from Palmitic Acid
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
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Palmitoyl oligopeptide has GRAS-equivalent status for cosmetic use with no serious adverse events in safety testing up to 5% w/w in topical formulations. Mild skin irritation reported in <3% of subjects at high concentrations (irritation index 0-1 on 0-10 scale). No dermal penetration beyond stratum corneum in Franz diffusion cell studies. Long-term use data spans 15+ years of cosmetic industry application with no systemic toxicity.
Contraindications
- xKnown allergy or hypersensitivity to palmitoylated peptides or formulation excipients
- xActive skin infections or open wounds at the application site
- xConcurrent use with strong oxidizing agents that may degrade peptide structure
- xSevere dermatitis or eczema flares at intended application areas
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)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Palmitoyl Oligopeptide if...
- Individuals seeking collagen and elastin stimulation through topical peptides
- Those with age-related loss of skin firmness and elasticity
- People looking for gentle anti-aging actives suitable for sensitive skin
- Users wanting to complement retinoid or vitamin C regimens with peptide support
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