Buying GHK-Cu, Matrixyl or SNAP-8 for research: what should you check?
Cosmetic-science peptides are sold under INCI names (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, acetyl octapeptide-3) and trade names (Matrixyl, SNAP-8), so match the chemical structure first. For GHK-Cu, check that copper is present. For palmitoylated peptides, check the identity mass includes the lipid. Then compare per mg, because GHK-Cu sells in 50–100 mg vials.
What names and structures should match?
| Trade / catalogue name | INCI name | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Copper tripeptide-1 | Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II) |
| Pal-GHK | Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 | Pal-Gly-His-Lys |
| Matrixyl | Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 | Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser |
| SNAP-8 | Acetyl octapeptide-3 | Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2 |
Source: PubChem CID 71587328: GHK-Cu; PubChem CID 9897237: Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4; PubChem CID 76283482: Acetyl octapeptide-3
What is on the checklist?
- GHK-Cu: blue colour and a copper-complex identity; uncomplexed GHK is white
- Lipopeptides: expected mass includes the palmitoyl group (+238 Da over the bare peptide)
- SNAP-8: contains Met, so the Met-sulfoxide (+16 Da) is a known impurity to look for
- Mass per vial and price per mg, compared at the same size
- Lot number on the vial matching the CoA
- Research-use labelling: no cosmetic or health claims on a research material
How did prices compare at the latest check?
| Vial | Sable | Lowest other UK | Median other | £/mg at Sable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu 50 mg | £10.93 | £10.95 | £24.47 | £0.22 |
| GHK-Cu 100 mg | £24.98 | £25.00 | £42.50 | £0.25 |
| Pal-GHK 10 mg | £20.98 | £24.95 | £24.95 | £2.10 |
| SNAP-8 10 mg | £13.93 | £13.95 | £20.45 | £1.39 |
Where does Sable stand?
Sable lists GHK-Cu: 50 mg at £10.93; 100 mg at £24.98; SNAP-8: 10 mg at £13.93 (prices at the 16 October 2026 daily UK price check, the latest verified check; at each of these sizes Sable was the lowest UK listing that day). Lowest UK price guaranteed, confirmed by daily price checks.
Every lot has a certificate of analysis, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches it. Supplied for laboratory research use only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the INCI name of GHK-Cu?
Copper tripeptide-1.
How do I know GHK-Cu contains copper?
The complex is blue, and its identity mass and formula include copper (C14H23CuN6O4+ per PubChem).
Is SNAP-8 oxidation-prone?
It contains one methionine, which can oxidise to the sulfoxide.
Related
Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.
Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)
- PubChem CIDs: 71587328, 9897237, 76283482
- Research use only; no administration amounts or health claims
- Updated 2026-10-16