# COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 (copper-tripeptide-1) — Global Cosmetic Regulatory & Formulation Monograph

- **Canonical URL**: https://www.inciname.com/en/ingredients/copper-tripeptide-1
- **Standard INCI**: `COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1`
- **KR MFDS Standard Name**: `카퍼트라이펩타이드-1`
- **CAS No.**: `N/A`
- **EC / EINECS No.**: `N/A`
- **Origin**: `peptide`
- **Functions**: 피부컨디셔닝제
- **Molecular Formula / MW**: `C14H22CuN6O4` (403.92 g/mol)

## 1. 7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names
| Track | Official Label Nomenclature |
| :--- | :--- |
| KR (MFDS Standard) | 카퍼트라이펩타이드-1 |
| KR (Former Names) | 카퍼트리펩타이드-1 |
| EU (CosIng 1223/2009) | COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 |
| US (PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 |
| US (FDA OTC Monograph) | — |
| CN (NMPA IECIC) | 三肽-1 铜 |
| JP (JCIA / MHLW QD) | COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1  |

## 2. Layer 1 — Global 6-Region Statutory Summary
- **KR (MFDS)**: `none`
- **EU (1223/2009)**: `none`
- **US (FDA/MoCRA)**: `none`
- **CN (NMPA IECIC)**: `allowed` (Entry: `5807`)
- **JP (MHLW)**: `none`
- **ASEAN (ACD)**: `none`



## 3. Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations
- **cn_iecic_max** (leave_on): ≤ 0.5% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 05915 (2025)
- **cn_iecic_max** (rinse_off): ≤ 0.2% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 05915 (2025)

## 4. Layer 3 — Formulation Quartiles & Compatibility
- **Optimal pH Window**: 5.5 – 7
- **Max Process Temp**: ≤ 45°C
- **Synergy Pairings**: SODIUM HYALURONATE, PANTHENOL, ECTOIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, HYDROLYZED SPONGE
- **Incompatibilities**: CRITICAL INCOMPATIBILITY 1: Never use with chelating agents (Disodium EDTA, Sodium Phytate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid), which strip Cu2+ from the peptide, turning the blue solution green/brown and deactivating it; CRITICAL INCOMPATIBILITY 2: Incompatible with Ascorbic Acid, strong acids (AHA/BHA, pH < 5.0), and Carbomer; formulate at pH 5.5~7.0 using non-ionic thickeners (HEC, Sclerotium Gum)

## 5. Academic Monograph
■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature]
  - INCI Name: COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 | CAS No.: N/A | EC No.: N/A
  - Origin: PEPTIDE | Functions: Skin Conditioning
  - Physicochemical Profile: Formula C14H22CuN6O4 | MW 403.92 g/mol | LogP -4.5 | Ionic Nature: cationic | PubChem CID 9941957
  - Official Regional Label Names: US [COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1] · EU [COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1] · CN [三肽-1 铜] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-]
■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role]
  - Naturally occurring matrikine tripeptide-copper complex (GHK-Cu) that delivers bioavailable Cu2+ into dermal cells. Upregulates superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysyl oxidase, Type I collagen, decorin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while modulating wound-healing and anti-inflammatory gene networks.
■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)]
  - Regional Summary: KR: NONE | EU: NONE | US: NONE | CN: ALLOWED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 5807 (三肽-1 铜))
  - No specific Annex prohibition or numeric restriction across the 6 major jurisdictions (Permitted under general GMP safety assessment).
  - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, leave_on): Max 0.5% / CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, rinse_off): Max 0.2%
■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)]
  - [aqueous_serum] Typical range: 0.01 ~ 0.2% (Median 0.05%, Ref: Pickart et al. PubMed GHK-Cu Monograph & CN IECIC) — Copper-delivering matrikine peptide for collagen remodeling & anti-inflammation (GHK-Cu)
  - [emulsion_cream] Typical range: 0.01 ~ 0.2% (Median 0.05%, Ref: PubMed GHK-Cu Studies & CN IECIC) — Dermal remodeling & barrier repair peptide
■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)]
  - Addition Phase: Final Cool-down Phase (< 40°C)
  - Optimal pH Range: pH 5.5 ~ 7.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 45°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: LOW
  - Incompatibility / Caution: CRITICAL INCOMPATIBILITY 1: Never use with chelating agents (Disodium EDTA, Sodium Phytate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid), which strip Cu2+ from the peptide, turning the blue solution green/brown and deactivating it
  - Incompatibility / Caution: CRITICAL INCOMPATIBILITY 2: Incompatible with Ascorbic Acid, strong acids (AHA/BHA, pH < 5.0), and Carbomer; formulate at pH 5.5~7.0 using non-ionic thickeners (HEC, Sclerotium Gum)
  - Synergy Pairings: SODIUM HYALURONATE, PANTHENOL, ECTOIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, HYDROLYZED SPONGE | Reference Trade Names: Prezatide Copper Acetate, GHK-Cu Pure Powder
■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence]
  - PMID 42193036 (2026, Curr Issues Mol Biol): Multi-Target Restoration of Dermal Elastic Fibers Through Elastin Upregulation, Elastase Suppression, and Scaffold Reinf
  - PMID 41001334 (2025, Cureus): Efficacy and Safety Assessment of ThriveCo Scar Fader Gel With Scarcede™ in the Treatment of Skin Scars
  - PMID 39449909 (2024, Cureus): An Assessment of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of a Novel Scalp Treatment Regimen Combining a Hydroxy Acid-Base

## 6. Linked PubMed Literature
- [PMID: 42193036] Multi-Target Restoration of Dermal Elastic Fibers Through Elastin Upregulation, Elastase Suppression, and Scaffold Reinforcement — *Curr Issues Mol Biol* (2026)
- [PMID: 41001334] Efficacy and Safety Assessment of ThriveCo Scar Fader Gel With Scarcede™ in the Treatment of Skin Scars — *Cureus* (2025)
- [PMID: 39449909] An Assessment of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of a Novel Scalp Treatment Regimen Combining a Hydroxy Acid-Based Scrub and Copper Tripeptide Serum in the Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adults — *Cureus* (2024)
- [PMID: 29482481] Intradermal injections of a hair growth factor formulation for enhancement of human hair regrowth - safety and efficacy evaluation in a first-in-man pilot clinical study — *J Cosmet Laser Ther* (2018)
- [PMID: 11176716] The effect of copper tripeptide and tretinoin on growth factor production in a serum-free fibroblast model — *Arch Facial Plast Surg* (2001)
- [PMID: 32983753] QR678 & QR678 Neo Hair Growth Formulations: A Cellular Toxicity & Animal Efficacy Study — *Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open* (2020)
- [PMID: 29986520] Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data — *Int J Mol Sci* (2018)
- [PMID: 39963574] Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective — *Bioimpacts* (2025)
- [PMID: 22666519] The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health — *Oxid Med Cell Longev* (2012)