Science & manufacturing
Follow how a peptide moves through six connected stages: design, synthesis, isolation, quality control, formulation and supply.
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Research & molecular design
Liquid-phase synthesis
Isolation & ingredient preparation
Batch quality control
Formulation & application
Documentation & supply
Stage 01Stage 01
We start with the intended cosmetic application, then select and design the peptide architecture.
Our researchers develop both peptide actives and the routes used to make them. Linear, cyclic and branched architectures are selected for their intended cosmetic applications; evidence and specifications remain product-specific.
Stage 02Stage 02
The amino-acid chain is built in solution using our patented liquid-phase route.
A peptide is a chain of amino acids joined by peptide bonds. Our patented route builds these chains in solution, shortening the manufacturing process and avoiding chromatographic purification.
Stage 03Stage 03
The synthesised peptide is isolated and prepared in the format required for evaluation or formulation.
The synthesised peptide is isolated as a powder. For GHK-Cu, the peptide binds copper ions to form the characteristic blue copper-peptide complex; our crystal powder has a stated purity above 99%.
Stage 04Stage 04
Each batch is checked against its product specification before release.
Production takes place in a GMP-standard, sterilised environment. Batch-specific results are recorded in a Certificate of Analysis and supported by the relevant technical documentation.
Stage 05Stage 05
The ingredient is matched to a suitable concentration, format and incorporation method.
Powders can be supplied as raw ingredients or made into singular and complex solutions at defined concentrations in ppm. Product-specific use levels, solubility and formulation tips guide incorporation into serums, creams and other cosmetic formats.
Stage 06Stage 06
Samples and production volumes are packed with the information teams need to move forward.
COA, SDS / MSDS, technical data sheets and formulation tips are available on request, supporting customers from laboratory evaluation through production.
Technology & architecture
Our team develops both the peptide and the route used to make it. Each technology below is clearly identified as an ingredient or a complex used in a reference formulation.
A shorter synthesis route in solution, designed without chromatographic purification.
Architectures developed to support stability and performance in cosmetic formulations.
Fully synthetic peptide actives inspired by plant-derived structures.
Cyclic architecture
Peptide complex used in reference formulations
A cyclic peptide complex featured in the Flora Brightening Renewal Serum, formulated to reduce the look of wrinkles, brighten the skin and defend the barrier from oxidative stress.
Cyclic architecture
Peptide complex used in reference formulations
A cyclic peptide complex featured in the Skin Quench Barrier Serum, formulated to support skin-barrier repair and collagen production.
Plant-inspired peptide
Peptide complex used in reference formulations
A plant-inspired peptide complex with a botox-like effect, featured in the Lifting Mask Serum to tighten and give a lifted look to the skin.
Dendrimer architecture
Peptide complex used in reference formulations
A branched dendrimer peptide complex featured in the Clarifying Elixir Serum, formulated for anti-bacterial effects, collagen I and III production and barrier defence.
Dendrimer architecture
Peptide complex used in reference formulations
A branched dendrimer peptide complex featured in the Age-Defy Strengthening Serum, formulated to help firm, lift and reduce UV-induced oxidative stress.
Peptide ingredient
Saleable ingredient (Acetyl Dipeptide-91)
The trade name used for Acetyl Dipeptide-91, a soothing peptide for sensitive-skin formulations that calms redness.
Copper peptide science
GHK was first described by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973 as a tripeptide in human serum. His subsequent research into the GHK-copper complex shaped much of what is known about copper peptides today.
The discovery story
In September 2021, Active Peptide co-founder Janet Du interviewed Dr. Loren Pickart, the scientist who discovered GHK, in Seattle. He discusses the history of copper peptide research; the interview is general scientific context, not product-specific clinical testing.
We produce GHK-Cu with patented liquid-phase synthesis (CN113150066B) as a >99% crystal powder and as solutions from 1,000 to 20,000 ppm. High purity is verified by an American third-party testing company, with batch-specific purity confirmed on each Certificate of Analysis.
Abdulghani et al. established that facial cream containing GHK-Cu increased collagen in photoaged skin in 20 female volunteers, performing better than vitamin C and retinoic acid.
Abdulghani AA, Sherr S, Shirin S, Solodkina G, Tapia EM, Gottlieb AB. Disease Manag Clin Outcomes. 1998;1:136-141.
Leyden et al. reported significant improvement of skin laxity, clarity and appearance, skin density and thickness, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles compared with placebo. GHK-Cu eye cream performed better than vitamin K cream.
Leyden J, Stephens T, Finkey MB, Appa Y, Barkovic S. Amer Academy Dermat Meeting, February 2002, Abstract P68, P69.
Finkley et al. reported that GHK-Cu cream applied twice daily improved the appearance of aged skin, increased thickness, reduced wrinkles and stimulated dermal keratinocyte proliferation; the study found GHK-Cu non-toxic and non-irritating.
Finkley MB, Appa Y, Bhandarkar S. Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 2nd ed., Marcel Dekker, 2005:549-563.
Published studies of GHK-Cu generally; they are not studies of Active Peptide products. Cosmetic ingredient — not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.
Manufacturing
Active Peptide is a manufacturer, not a distributor. Powders and solutions are produced in our own facilities using patented technology in a GMP-standard environment.
Compared with conventional solid-phase routes, our liquid-phase process is shorter and avoids chromatographic purification, supporting lower solvent use and supply from laboratory samples to production volume.
Quality & compliance
Every product is produced within a GMP-standard, sterilised environment and supplied with product-specific support.
Batch-specific analytical results against the product specification.
Safety information for handling, storage and transport.
Product specification, including appearance, purity, solubility and recommended use level.
Practical guidance for incorporating the peptide into a formulation.
Sustainability
Our patented liquid-phase technology shortens the production process.
Avoiding chromatographic purification removes a solvent-intensive step.
Dozens of leading peptides use neither PFAS in the process nor the finished product.
Our peptides do not involve plant, vegetable, marine or animal sources.
Technical library
Patents protect how peptides are made or composed. A patent on its own is not evidence of an ingredient’s efficacy.
| Patent number | Title | Territory | Status | Technology | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113150066B | Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu) synthesis | China | Granted | Liquid-phase synthesis | Public record ↗ |
| CN111004304B | Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (Biotin-GHK) | China | Granted | Liquid-phase synthesis | Public record ↗ |
| CN114702546B | Tripeptide-29 | China | Granted | Liquid-phase synthesis | Public record ↗ |
| CN113563408B | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | China | Granted | Liquid-phase synthesis | Public record ↗ |
| CN117069795B | Acetyl Dipeptide-91 (NuroPep-91) | China | Granted | Peptide ingredient | Public record ↗ |
| CN112830956B | Extensive Anti-Wrinkle Essential Peptide Solution | China | Granted | Complex solution | Public record ↗ |
Third-party, peer-reviewed literature on GHK and GHK-Cu.
These studies concern GHK and GHK-Cu generally; they are not studies of Active Peptide products.
