Doctor Report

KYORS · est. 2025
Report KYORS-CA-01
Clinical AffairsKYORS · Practitioner Survey

Practitioner attitudes toward a clearly dosed 1% GHK-Cu serum

A single-question survey of 120 skin-focused practitioners in Australia and New Zealand on dose transparency and the appearance of firmer skin

Contents

  1. Abstract
  2. Background
  3. Method
  4. Results
  5. Selected practitioner commentary
  6. The ingredient in context
  7. Conclusion
  8. References

A panel of 120 skin-focused practitioners across Australia and New Zealand was asked whether they would recommend a clearly dosed 1% GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) serum, with the concentration stated on the label, for a firmer and smoother-looking complexion. 112 of the 120 practitioners (93%) responded that they would.[1] This report summarises the question put to the panel, the result, and a selection of the written comments provided. All commentary relates to the appearance of skin and to cosmetic formulation preferences only.

1. Background

Copper peptides have moved from a clinician-focused ingredient to one of the most discussed actives in cosmetic skincare. GHK-Cu, the copper tripeptide, is one of the most studied peptides in the category, valued in cosmetic use for supporting the look of firmer, smoother and more resilient skin.[1][2] Practitioner opinion is mixed on how such products should be presented to the public, in particular on the question of dose transparency. To gauge this, a short survey was circulated to a panel of skin-focused practitioners.

2. Method

One question was put to the panel: would you recommend a clearly dosed 1% GHK-Cu serum, with the concentration printed on the label, for a firmer and smoother-looking complexion? Responses were collected as a simple yes, or no and unsure. Practitioners were invited to add a short written comment. No product was supplied to the panel and no clinical endpoints were assessed. The survey concerns cosmetic preference and the appearance of skin, not the treatment of any condition.

3. Results

Of the 120 practitioners surveyed, 112 (93%) indicated they would recommend a clearly dosed 1% GHK-Cu serum with the concentration stated on the label. Eight responded no or unsure. The result is shown in Figure 1 and Table 1.

Response Practitioners Share
Would recommend 112 93%
Would not / unsure 8 7%
Total 120 100%

Table 1. Practitioner responses to the survey question (n = 120).

120100806040200 Practitioners (n = 120) 112 (93%) 8 (7%) Would recommend Would not / unsure
Figure 1. Practitioner responses to the survey question (n = 120). 112 of 120 respondents (93%) would recommend a clearly dosed 1% GHK-Cu serum with the concentration stated on the label.

Three themes recurred in the written comments. First, a preference for a stated concentration on the label rather than an unquantified reference to copper peptides. Second, a preference for a fresh, smaller format, on the basis that copper peptides degrade as an opened bottle ages. Third, a preference for a gentle, fragrance-free formula suitable for daily use under sunscreen and makeup.

4. Selected practitioner commentary

The following comments are reproduced from the survey with the practitioners' consent. They relate to the appearance of skin and to formulation preference only.

"What I want to see is the number on the label. A stated 1% GHK-Cu, with no proprietary blend guessing, is exactly the kind of transparency I would point someone toward for skin that is looking for firmness."

Dr Amelia Harding, Cosmetic Physician

"For mature skin, gentleness matters as much as the active. A fragrance-free peptide serum that can be used morning and night, without stinging, is an easy one to recommend for a smoother-looking finish."

Dr Helen Marsh, Cosmetic Physician

"Copper peptides do not keep well in a large bottle used slowly over many months. A fresh, smaller monthly supply is a sensible way to keep the ingredient at strength."

Dr Priya Nair, GP, Cosmetic Medicine

"When a brand prints the concentration on the front and shows the full ingredient list, it signals there is nothing to hide. That transparency is what makes a formula straightforward to recommend for firmer-looking skin."

Dr Marcus Bell, Skin Clinician

5. The ingredient in context

GHK-Cu, or copper tripeptide-1, is a small peptide made up of three amino acids — glycine, histidine and lysine — bound to a copper (II) ion. It occurs naturally in the body and its concentration declines with age.[2] Its structure is shown in Figure 2.

Gly glycine His histidine Lys lysine peptide bond peptide bond Cu copper (II) ion coordination bonds
Figure 2. Schematic of GHK-Cu. The tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine coordinates a single copper (II) ion. The natural blue colour of a genuine copper peptide solution comes from the copper itself.

In cosmetic use, GHK-Cu is studied in relation to the dermis, the layer of skin where collagen and elastin give skin its firmness. Natural levels of the peptide, and of dermal collagen, decline with age, which is one reason skin can begin to look less firm and less smooth over time.[3] The relevant skin layers are shown in Figure 3.

Epidermis surface barrier Dermis collagen + elastin give skin its firmness Subcutis fat + support Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) activity is studied in the dermis, where natural levels decline with age.
Figure 3. Simplified cross-section of skin. The dermis holds the collagen and elastin that give skin its firmness. Cosmetic interest in GHK-Cu relates to the appearance of this layer.

6. Conclusion

On the single question of dose transparency, practitioner opinion in this panel was clear. A large majority would recommend a copper peptide serum that states its concentration on the label, used fresh and daily. This is the basis for the stated 1% GHK-Cu on the KYORS label, delivered as a fresh 10ml bottle each month.

7. References

  1. Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 2008;19(8):969–988.
  2. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.
  3. Brincat M, Versi E, Moniz CF, et al. Skin collagen changes in postmenopausal women. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1987.
  4. Australasian College of Dermatologists. Ageing skin: patient guidance.

This report describes a cosmetic preference survey and relates to the appearance of skin only. It is not medical advice and does not describe the treatment of any condition. KYORS is a cosmetic skincare product intended to improve the look and feel of skin. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary.