Signal / reference entry

Copper tripeptide-1

Also listed as GHK-Cu

Start with the scope. Follow the sources. Use the reading note to examine how a claim is supported.

Reference fields

View sources

Approval labels are specific to a product, route, and use. Read the scope and limitations together.

Status for this entry
Topical cosmetic
Evidence label
Cosmetic-use evidence

Status as of

Product and use
A skin-care ingredient; this entry is limited to topical cosmetics.
Route context
Topical context only; not injection.
Mechanism
A complex formed by copper and a tripeptide.
Evidence
One post-laser study found no objective between-group skin advantage.
Limitations
A topical study cannot establish the effects of an injection.
Safety
FDA identifies limited human safety data for injectable GHK-Cu.

Sources for these reference fields

Read beyond the claim

A closer reading

Before reading a figure as a visual verdict, inspect the axes, labels, and units. Ask where the scale begins and whether the spacing represents equal steps. If two panels use different scales, compare their labels before judging the apparent size of a difference. A useful check is to describe the displayed comparison without relying on words such as dramatic or slight. Then ask whether the caption explains the choices that shape the display. This keeps the appearance of the figure connected to the quantities it is meant to show.

Questions to take to the source

  1. Where does each axis begin, and what do its intervals represent?
  2. Are the panels using comparable scales for the comparison I am making?
  3. How would I describe the displayed difference without relying on its visual impact?

Filed under

  • Skin

Topics organize the index; they do not describe a recommended use.

Sources

These references support the reference fields as a group. Follow each link to inspect its scope and wording.

  1. CIR CIR · Checked
  2. Miller PubMed · Checked
  3. FDA safety FDA · Checked
  4. FDA cosmetics FDA · Checked

Educational reference material. No clinician review is claimed. This entry does not provide personal medical advice.