Product Overview

Oligopeptide-1 (CAS 2097691-58-0, C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄, MW 340.38 g/mol) is a synthetic skin-conditioning tripeptide composed of Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK) — the copper-binding matrikine fragment of the collagen α2(I) chain. Matrikines are short signaling peptides released during collagen remodeling that instruct surrounding cells to synthesize new extracellular matrix. GHK binds copper(II) with exceptionally high affinity (log K ≈ 16.3), forming the biologically active copper complex GHK-Cu, and stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal fibroblasts while promoting fibroblast activity and wound healing. As a skin-conditioning agent, GHK visibly improves skin firmness, elasticity, and texture, and its copper-chelating activity contributes antioxidant protection against oxidative damage. This page uses the INCI name “Oligopeptide-1” as registered for this GHK tripeptide.

As a leading cosmetic ingredient supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity Oligopeptide-1 (GHK) for skin-conditioning, anti-aging, and skin-repair serums, creams, and professional skincare. The recommended usage rate is 0.01 – 0.1% active in the aqueous phase at pH 5.0–7.0, and GHK pairs well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and moisturizing humectants. Important regulatory note: Oligopeptide-1 (GHK) is NOT epidermal growth factor (EGF). China’s NMPA and other regulators have clarified that Oligopeptide-1 and human Oligopeptide-1 (rh-Oligopeptide-1 / EGF, a 53-amino-acid ~6 kDa polypeptide) are entirely different substances — and EGF is prohibited in cosmetics. This product is the safe, approved GHK tripeptide; marketing it as “EGF” or “growth factor” is not permitted. Bulk orders are supplied with full cosmetic documentation and certifications including ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS.

Oligopeptide-1 (GHK) vs EGF (rh-Oligopeptide-1) — Safe GHK Tripeptide, NOT a Prohibited Growth Factor

Oligopeptide-1 is the GHK tripeptide (MW 340.38 g/mol) — a legal, approved skin-conditioning matrikine composed of Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine. EGF / rh-Oligopeptide-1 is a 53-amino-acid growth factor (~6 kDa) prohibited in cosmetics by NMPA and other regulators. UPOR Biotech supplies only the compliant GHK tripeptide.

Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
Product NameOligopeptide-1 (GHK, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) — Cosmetic Grade
INCI NameOligopeptide-1
SynonymsGHK; Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine; Gly-His-Lys; Tripeptide-1; GHK Tripeptide
CAS Number2097691-58-0
Molecular FormulaC₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄ (free base); C₁₆H₂₈N₆O₆ (acetate)
Molecular Weight340.38 g/mol (free base); 400.43 g/mol (acetate)
Peptide SequenceGly-His-Lys (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine)
Peptide ClassMatrikine / collagen α2(I) chain fragment
MechanismCollagen & elastin synthesis; copper(II) chelation; skin conditioning
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
Production MethodSolid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) → HPLC purification → lyophilization
Purity (HPLC)≥98.0%
Water Content≤5.0% (Karl Fischer)
Heavy Metals (Total)≤10 ppm
Lead (Pb)≤1 ppm
Arsenic (As)≤1 ppm
Microbial LimitsTotal Plate Count ≤100 CFU/g; pathogens negative
SolubilityWater-soluble; incorporate into aqueous phase
Recommended Usage Rate0.01 – 0.1% active
pH5.0 – 7.0
GradeCosmetic Grade
Regulatory NoteOligopeptide-1 (GHK) ≠ EGF; EGF is prohibited in cosmetics
CertificationsISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS
Packaging10 g / 100 g / 1 kg sealed containers
Storage2–8°C or −20°C, protected from light and moisture
Shelf Life2 years
DisclaimerFor cosmetic formulation use only

Key Benefits — Oligopeptide-1 (GHK)

Skin-Conditioning GHK Matrikine

Oligopeptide-1 is the Gly-His-Lys matrikine fragment of the collagen α2(I) chain — a signaling peptide that instructs dermal cells to remodel and renew the extracellular matrix for firmer, smoother, more resilient skin.

Collagen Matrikine

Stimulates Collagen & Elastin Synthesis

GHK upregulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts while promoting fibroblast activity — restoring skin density, elasticity, and structural support that decline with age.

Collagen Stimulator

Copper(II) Chelation — GHK-Cu Precursor

GHK binds copper(II) with exceptional affinity (log K ≈ 16.3), forming copper peptide GHK-Cu — the active complex behind skin repair, antioxidant protection, and wound-healing activity.

Copper-Binding

Skin-Repair & Barrier-Support Activity

GHK supports wound healing, skin repair, and barrier function while its copper-chelating activity provides antioxidant defense against oxidative stress — ideal for post-procedure and recovery care.

Repair & Barrier

Applications

Skin-Conditioning & Anti-Aging Serums

GHK at 0.01–0.1% in leave-on serums to stimulate collagen and improve firmness, elasticity, and skin texture for mature and aging skin.

Skin-Repair & Wound-Healing Creams

Matrikine-driven repair creams that promote fibroblast activity and wound healing for compromised or barrier-damaged skin.

Copper-Peptide Precursor Formulations

GHK as the copper-binding precursor to GHK-Cu copper peptide products, delivering skin repair and antioxidant benefits.

Post-Procedure Recovery Care

Gentle recovery and aftercare formulas supporting tissue repair and barrier restoration after professional or aesthetic procedures.

Firming & Elasticity Boosters

Targeted firming treatments leveraging GHK’s collagen and elastin synthesis activity for visibly lifted, more elastic skin.

Clean-Label / COSMOS-Compliant Skincare

COSMOS-certifiable GHK for clean-label and natural-positioned skincare, backed by HALAL and KOSHER compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oligopeptide-1 is the INCI name for the GHK tripeptide (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, CAS 2097691-58-0, MW 340.38 g/mol) — a copper-binding matrikine fragment of the collagen α2(I) chain. As a skin-conditioning signal peptide, GHK stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal fibroblasts, promotes fibroblast activity and wound healing, and chelates copper(II) with high affinity. The result is improved skin firmness, elasticity, texture, and barrier function, plus antioxidant protection through copper chelation.

No. Oligopeptide-1 (GHK) is a three-amino-acid tripeptide (MW 340.38 g/mol) — a legal, approved skin-conditioning matrikine. EGF / rh-Oligopeptide-1 is a 53-amino-acid growth factor (~6 kDa) that is prohibited in cosmetics by China’s NMPA and other regulators. They are entirely different substances. UPOR Biotech supplies only the compliant GHK tripeptide — it must never be marketed as “EGF” or a “growth factor.”

The recommended usage rate is 0.01 – 0.1% active in the final cosmetic formula, added to the aqueous phase. GHK is highly potent at low concentrations, so most skin-conditioning and anti-aging formulas perform well at the lower end of this range. Final pH should be maintained at 5.0–7.0 for optimal stability.

Dissolve Oligopeptide-1 in the aqueous phase at pH 5.0–7.0, ideally below 40°C during incorporation. GHK pairs well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, and moisturizing humectants in serums, creams, lotions, and post-procedure recovery formulas. Avoid strong oxidizing agents and extreme pH during processing. For copper-peptide products, GHK can be complexed with copper(II) to form GHK-Cu.

Every shipment includes a full cosmetic documentation package: COA (HPLC purity ≥98.0%, heavy metals, microbial panel), MSDS/SDS, HPLC chromatogram, and a Cosmetic Ingredient Statement. Quality systems and certifications include ISO 9001, cGMP, FDA facility registration, HALAL, KOSHER, and COSMOS, with complete lot traceability from synthesis through final release.