GHK-Cu vs MOTS-C
GHK-Cu and MOTS-C come from different research areas and are studied in largely separate models — researchers usually compare them when scoping a broader protocol.
✓ both US-made · third-party tested · batch COA on every order
Last updated August 25, 2026
How do GHK-Cu and MOTS-C differ?
GHK-Cu (Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research) is catalogued under skin & glow research; MOTS-C (Mitochondrial-derived 16-amino-acid peptide) is catalogued under weight & metabolic research. Verve lists 4 reported research applications for GHK-Cu and 5 for MOTS-C. 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 | MOTS-C |
|---|---|---|
| compound class | Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research | Mitochondrial-derived 16-amino-acid peptide |
| research area | skin & glow | weight & metabolic |
| 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 | available |
| co-formulated together in | not co-formulated | not co-formulated |
| price from | $64.99 | $78.99 |
| 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 MOTS-C?
GHK-Cu is classified as Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research; MOTS-C as Mitochondrial-derived 16-amino-acid peptide. 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 →MOTS-C
Mitochondrial-derived 16-amino-acid peptide
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded not by nuclear DNA but by a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It belongs to the mitochondrial-derived peptide family, a group of small peptides that are of interest in research precisely because their genetic origin sits inside the organelle rather than the nucleus.
full MOTS-C profile →Which research models is each compound studied in?
GHK-Cu sits in skin & glow research and MOTS-C in weight & metabolic research, so their listed models largely do not intersect. The table lists 4 reported research applications for GHK-Cu and 5 for MOTS-C. Rows are per compound, not equivalences.
| GHK-Cu — reported research applications | MOTS-C — reported research applications |
|---|---|
| Dermal and collagen research models | Mitochondrial-derived peptide and retrograde-signaling research |
| Extracellular-matrix remodeling research | AMPK pathway research models |
| Copper-transport peptide research | One-carbon (folate–methionine) metabolism studies |
| Gene-expression research | Cellular energy-metabolism and substrate-utilization research |
| — | Exercise-physiology and metabolic-stress research models |
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 MOTS-C?
GHK-Cu is listed from $64.99 and MOTS-C from $78.99. 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 |
| MOTS-C | 10mg | $78.99 | 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 MOTS-C
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 MOTS-C?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame in the mitochondrial genome. Verve supplies it as a research compound for laboratory use only, not for human or veterinary use.
What is MOTS-C studied for in research?
It is used in mitochondrial-signaling research, including AMPK pathway activity, one-carbon metabolism, and retrograde signaling between mitochondria and the nucleus in in-vitro and pre-clinical models. Verve makes no health claims.
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.