---
title: "Buying GHK-Cu, Matrixyl or SNAP-8 for research: what should you check? | Sable Peptides"
description: "A checklist for cosmetic-science research peptides (GHK-Cu, Pal-GHK, Matrixyl, SNAP-8): INCI vs chemical names, copper content, lipopeptide identity, mass per vial and like-for-like pricing. Research use only."
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/guides/buyer-checklist-for-cosmetic-peptide-research-materials
dateModified: 2026-10-16
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

# 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](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/71587328); [PubChem CID 9897237: Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9897237); [PubChem CID 76283482: Acetyl octapeptide-3](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/76283482)

## 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

-   [GHK-Cu vs Pal-GHK](/guides/ghk-cu-vs-pal-ghk-copper-peptide-and-lipopeptide)
-   [Matrixyl vs SNAP-8](/guides/matrixyl-vs-snap-8-signal-and-neurotransmitter-peptides)
-   [Copper and cosmetic prices](/guides/uk-copper-and-cosmetic-peptide-prices-october-2026)
-   [Cheapest GHK-Cu UK](/cheapest-ghk-cu-uk)

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