GHK-Cu vs Melanotan I
GHK-Cu and Melanotan I are both studied in skin research, but they are different classes of compound with different reported research applications.
✓ both US-made · third-party tested · batch COA on every order
Last updated August 25, 2026
How do GHK-Cu and Melanotan I differ?
GHK-Cu (Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research) is catalogued under skin & glow research; Melanotan I (Synthetic linear tridecapeptide) is catalogued under skin & glow research. Verve lists 4 reported research applications for GHK-Cu and 5 for Melanotan I. Both are made in the United States, screened by HPLC to a 99%+ purity standard, and shipped with a batch-level certificate of analysis.
| field | GHK-Cu | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| compound class | Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research | Synthetic linear tridecapeptide |
| research area | skin & glow | skin & glow |
| reported research applications | 4 listed | 5 listed |
| supplied as | single compound | single compound |
| catalog sizes | 100mg | 10mg |
| purity standard | 99%+ by HPLC | 99%+ by HPLC |
| manufactured | United States | United States |
| batch COA | published per lot | published per lot |
| endotoxin-tested option | available | not offered |
| co-formulated together in | not co-formulated | not co-formulated |
| price from | $64.99 | $64.99 |
| availability | in stock | in stock |
Prices and stock read live from the catalog. Both compounds are supplied strictly as reference materials for in-vitro laboratory research.
What is GHK-Cu and what is Melanotan I?
GHK-Cu is classified as Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research; Melanotan I as Synthetic linear tridecapeptide. Both profiles below cover scientific identity only — what the molecule is and which laboratory models it appears in. Verve supplies both strictly as in-vitro reference materials, and neither profile describes human or veterinary use.
GHK-Cu
Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper(II), that occurs naturally in human plasma. Verve supplies it as a high-purity research compound for dermal and tissue-remodeling research.
full GHK-Cu profile →Melanotan I
Synthetic linear tridecapeptide
Melanotan I, also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide and a structural analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the endogenous ligand of the melanocortin receptor family. Substitutions to the native alpha-MSH sequence give the analog greater resistance to enzymatic degradation, which is why it is frequently selected as a stable reference ligand in melanocortin-pathway research.
full Melanotan I profile →Which research models is each compound studied in?
GHK-Cu and Melanotan I both sit inside skin & glow research, so their listed models share framing while differing in specifics. The table lists 4 reported research applications for GHK-Cu and 5 for Melanotan I. Rows are per compound, not equivalences.
| GHK-Cu — reported research applications | Melanotan I — reported research applications |
|---|---|
| Dermal and collagen research models | Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) binding and selectivity research |
| Extracellular-matrix remodeling research | Melanogenesis research in cultured melanocyte models |
| Copper-transport peptide research | cAMP second-messenger signaling research |
| Gene-expression research | Comparative alpha-MSH analog and receptor-agonist studies |
| — | Peptide-stability and enzymatic-degradation research |
Research contexts only. Both compounds are supplied for laboratory research use only, and no entry above describes an effect in humans or animals.
What sizes and prices does verve list for GHK-Cu and Melanotan I?
GHK-Cu is listed from $64.99 and Melanotan I from $64.99. The table below is every catalog size verve currently lists for the two compounds, at single-vial prices before the automatic multi-compound discount. Sizes describe the vial format supplied to the laboratory, nothing more.
| compound | size listed | price | availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 100mg | $64.99 | in stock |
| Melanotan I | 10mg | $64.99 | in stock |
Any 2 different compounds take 20% off, any 3 take 30% — applied automatically in the cart, no code. Orders placed Monday–Friday ship by 2pm CT, free over $100.
shop the compounds →Frequently asked questions about GHK-Cu and Melanotan I
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). Verve supplies it as a research compound for laboratory use only, not for human or veterinary use.
What is GHK-Cu studied for in research?
It is used as a model compound in dermal, collagen, extracellular-matrix remodeling, and gene-expression research. Verve makes no health claims.
What is Melanotan I?
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic tridecapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Verve supplies it as a research compound for laboratory use only, not for human or veterinary use.
What is Melanotan I studied for in research?
It is used as a reference MC1R agonist in melanocortin receptor-binding, cAMP signaling, and melanogenesis research models in cultured cells. Verve makes no claims about use in humans or animals.
related comparisons
verve products are sold for laboratory research and development purposes only and are not intended for human or veterinary use of any kind. statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA.