Reference overview of the peptides most often used in US cosmetic and dermal-research literature, including GHK-Cu and signaling fragments.
Peptides used in skin and dermal research are typically grouped into four categories: signal peptides, carrier peptides, neurotransmitter-modulating peptides, and enzyme-inhibitor peptides. Each category has well-documented in-vitro endpoints used to compare lot performance.
Signal peptides
Signal peptides — including GHK and the palmitoyl pentapeptide family — are studied for their ability to upregulate extracellular matrix gene expression in cultured fibroblasts. Published US laboratory work most often references collagen I/III, elastin, and fibronectin transcript changes.
Carrier peptides
GHK-Cu is the most published carrier peptide. Its copper-binding capacity makes it a common positive control in copper-mediated antioxidant and matrix-remodeling studies.
Documentation expected
- Identity by HPLC and LC-MS
- Lot-specific purity
- Coordination metal quantification (for GHK-Cu)
- Endotoxin per published analytical method
