Copper Peptide (Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide) Cosmetic Ingredient Supplier — UPOR Biotech
Copper Peptide (Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide) — premium anti-aging copper peptide cosmetic active derived from the GHK-Cu tripeptide. The lipophilic palmitoyl (C16) derivative for enhanced skin penetration and oil-phase/emulsion compatibility. Stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis while delivering copper as an essential cofactor for lysyl-oxidase cross-linking. Clean-label and COSMOS-compliant. Bulk cosmetic supplier — premium copper peptide from UPOR Biotech.
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Copper Peptide (Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide, CAS 2133832-31-0, C₃₀H₅₀CuN₆O₅, MW 638.31 g/mol) is the copper(II) coordination complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide fragment first isolated from human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973, where its concentration declines with age — a decline associated with reduced skin repair capacity. The palmitamide form (Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide) is the lipophilic palmitoyl (C16) derivative of the parent peptide, delivering enhanced stratum corneum penetration, improved stability, and compatibility with oil-phase and emulsion formulations that the water-soluble parent GHK-Cu cannot match. Mechanistically, copper peptide stimulates the synthesis of collagen types I and IV, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), promotes fibroblast activity and angiogenesis (wound healing), and delivers copper as an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase — the enzyme responsible for covalent collagen and elastin cross-linking. It additionally exhibits SOD-like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting skin remodeling, repair, and regeneration.
As a leading copper peptide bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides cosmetic-grade Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide for B2B brands, contract manufacturers, and private-label skincare formulators. From a formulation perspective, copper peptide occupies the premium tier of anti-aging and skin-repair actives, driven by: (1) versatile format compatibility — ideal for serums, creams, masks, eye treatments, and post-procedure recovery formulations, dispersing readily in the oil phase of emulsions at a recommended 0.01–0.5% usage rate; (2) clean-label positioning — COSMOS-compliant with an INCI name of Copper Tripeptide-1 (palmitamide derivative); and (3) sensory benefits — the lipophilic palmitoyl modification imparts a smooth, non-sticky skin feel versus water-soluble peptide salts. Certifications include ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS compliance.
Copper Peptide vs Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) — Copper-Delivery & Collagen/Elastin Remodeling vs Fibroblast Matrix Stimulation
When comparing copper peptide vs palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), the defining distinction is mechanism. GHK-Cu delivers copper — an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase — enabling covalent collagen and elastin cross-linking, while simultaneously driving broad collagen, elastin, and GAG synthesis and providing SOD-like antioxidant and skin-repair activity. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), by contrast, is a shorter matrikine fragment that primarily stimulates fibroblast-mediated matrix synthesis (collagen types I, III, and IV, plus fibronectin) without copper delivery or cross-linking capacity. For formulators targeting skin repair, regeneration, and post-procedure recovery, copper peptide is prized for its copper-dependent remodeling and antioxidant activity; the two actives are frequently combined for complementary collagen stimulation. UPOR Biotech supplies cosmetic-grade Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide with full COSMOS-compliant documentation.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Copper Peptide (Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide) |
| INCI Name | Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide |
| CAS Number | 2133832-31-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₀H₅₀CuN₆O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 638.31 g/mol (copper complex) |
| Peptide Class | Palmitoyl copper tripeptide / GHK-Cu derivative |
| Active Tripeptide | Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK) |
| Palmitoyl Chain | C16 palmitoyl group — lipophilic modification for enhanced penetration |
| Key Feature | Copper(II) complex; C16 palmitoyl for lipophilicity and oil-phase compatibility |
| Appearance | Blue to blue-green powder |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% |
| Copper Content | Specified per COA |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
| Microbial Limits | Total plate count ≤100 CFU/g; E. coli / Salmonella / S. aureus negative |
| Solubility | Lipophilic form — soluble in oils and ethanol; disperse in emulsion oil phase |
| Recommended Usage Rate | 0.01 – 0.5% |
| pH (in formulation) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Cosmetic Function | Anti-aging, skin-repair, collagen/elastin/GAG stimulation |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS |
| Packaging | 10 g / 100 g / 1 kg |
| Storage | 2 – 8°C or -20°C, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 2 years |
| Disclaimer | For cosmetic/skincare formulation use |
Key Benefits — Copper Peptide
Collagen, Elastin & GAG Synthesis Stimulation
Stimulates fibroblast synthesis of collagen types I and IV, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This broad matrix-building activity supports skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration, positioning copper peptide among the most comprehensive anti-aging actives in cosmetic formulation.
Matrix BuilderCopper Delivery for Lysyl-Oxidase Cross-Linking
Delivers copper as an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase, the enzyme that forms covalent collagen and elastin cross-links. This copper-dependent remodeling produces structurally mature, resilient dermal tissue — a mechanism unique to copper peptides among cosmetic actives.
Copper DeliveryPalmitoyl Lipophilic Form for Enhanced Penetration
The C16 palmitoyl modification converts the water-soluble parent GHK-Cu into a lipophilic derivative with enhanced stratum corneum penetration, improved stability, and oil-phase and emulsion compatibility — plus a smooth, non-sticky sensorial profile.
Enhanced PenetrationAntioxidant & Skin-Repair Activity
Exhibits SOD-like antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects that support skin remodeling, wound healing, and post-procedure recovery. GHK-Cu promotes angiogenesis and fibroblast activity, making it ideal for regenerative and skin-repair cosmetics.
Repair & RecoveryApplications
Anti-Aging Serums & Concentrates
Copper peptide at 0.05–0.5% in water-in-oil or anhydrous serums targets collagen, elastin, and GAG synthesis. The lipophilic palmitamide disperses cleanly in the oil phase for a silky, non-sticky finish. OEM and private label formulations available.
Skin-Repair & Post-Procedure Creams
Copper-dependent lysyl-oxidase cross-linking and angiogenesis support barrier recovery and remodeling after cosmetic and dermatological procedures. Ideal for rich recovery creams and reparative balms at 0.01–0.1%.
Eye & Neck Treatment Products
The delicate eye and neck area benefits from copper peptide’s collagen and elastin stimulation without irritation. Formulated into eye serums, contour gels, and firming neck creams for visible smoothing and firmness.
Wound-Healing & Regenerative Cosmetics
GHK-Cu’s fibroblast activity, angiogenesis promotion, and SOD-like antioxidant protection position it for regenerative skincare, scar-management, and after-sun repair products within the cosmetic space.
Hair & Scalp Repair Formulations
Copper peptide supports scalp microcirculation and follicular matrix health, making it a premium active in hair-loss-prevention serums, scalp tonics, and strengthening conditioners targeting thinning and age-related hair changes.
Clean-Label / COSMOS-Compliant Skincare
Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide is COSMOS-compliant with a clean INCI name, enabling natural and clean-label positioning. Pair with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides for complete anti-aging systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is the copper(II) coordination complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). It was first isolated from human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973, where its levels decline with age. In cosmetics, copper peptide stimulates collagen types I and IV, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, promotes fibroblast activity and angiogenesis (wound healing), and delivers copper as an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase — the enzyme that cross-links collagen and elastin. It also exhibits SOD-like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The result is broad support for skin firmness, elasticity, repair, and regeneration.
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is the water-soluble parent peptide, while Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide (Palmitoyl GHK-Cu, CAS 2133832-31-0) carries a C16 palmitoyl chain attached to the tripeptide. This lipophilic modification delivers three formulation advantages: (1) enhanced stratum corneum penetration through lipid bilayers; (2) improved stability versus the free peptide salt; and (3) oil-phase and emulsion compatibility — the palmitamide disperses in the oil phase, whereas the parent peptide requires the aqueous phase. For leave-on anti-aging and skin-repair cosmetics, the palmitamide form is generally preferred for deeper delivery and prolonged contact.
The recommended usage rate for Copper Tripeptide-1 Palmitamide is 0.01–0.5% in the finished formulation. Serums and concentrates typically use the upper range (0.1–0.5%) for maximum anti-aging activity, while creams, lotions, and daily-use products use 0.01–0.1%. The palmitamide form is dispersed in the oil phase or added to the emulsion before homogenization. Maintain the final formulation pH between 5.0 and 7.0 for optimal copper-complex stability and peptide activity.
Copper peptide should be protected from strong chelating agents (such as EDTA at high concentration) and strongly acidic media, which can displace or destabilize the copper(II) complex. It formulates well with hyaluronic acid, other peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, antioxidants, and ceramides. The palmitamide form disperses readily in the oil phase of emulsions. Always run a small-scale stability study and confirm the finished pH remains 5.0–7.0 before scale-up.
Every shipment includes: COA (HPLC purity ≥98.0%, copper content, full impurity profile, heavy metals ≤10 ppm, microbial panel), MSDS, HPLC Chromatogram, and the supporting cosmetic-grade documentation. UPOR Biotech operates under ISO 9001, cGMP, and FDA facility registration, with HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS-compliant options available on request. Complete lot traceability is provided from raw material through final release for clean-label cosmetic formulation.