Cosmetic & Aesthetic

Copper tripeptide-1, GHK-copper, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper peptide

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring human tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). Plasma GHK declines with age, and the complex has well-documented roles in wound healing, collagen and extracellular-matrix synthesis, antioxidant defense, and broad gene-expression modulation. It is widely used and regarded as safe as a topical cosmetic ingredient, with some supportive human skin studies; injectable "research" use has no human trial evidence.

Afamelanotide, Scenesse (brand), Melanotan 1, [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, NDP-MSH, NDP-alpha-MSH, CUV1647

A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and melanocortin-1 receptor agonist, marketed as Scenesse and approved by the EMA (2014) and FDA (2019) to prevent phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare painful light-sensitivity disorder, not for cosmetic tanning.

Melanotan 2, MT-II, MT-2

A synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R) studied in small human trials for skin tanning and erectile function. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere, is widely sold as an unregulated injectable, and is associated with documented serious harms including priapism, nausea, changes in moles, and rare reports of rhabdomyolysis and encephalopathy. It is distinct from the approved drug afamelanotide (Melanotan I / Scenesse).

Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl glutamyl heptapeptide-1, Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH2, Acetyl-EEMQRRAD-amide, SNAP-8 (trademark)

SNAP-8 (INCI Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a synthetic, acetylated and amidated octapeptide marketed as a topical cosmetic "neuromodulating" ingredient and sold as a research reagent. Its identity and sequence are well documented, but its anti-wrinkle efficacy claims come from manufacturer literature rather than independent trials. Not an approved drug.