Ask what it is sold to do
The US agency that regulates medicines is the Food and Drug Administration, also called FDA. As of September 2026, a skin product meant only to improve appearance falls under cosmetic rules and generally needs no FDA approval. Colouring ingredients, called colour additives, are an exception: they need FDA approval. Approval of a colouring ingredient does not mean FDA approved the whole cream.
Notice a claim to change the skin
Collagen is a protein that helps give skin strength. As of September 2026, a cream sold to make skin produce more collagen comes under medicine rules, even if it also promises to improve appearance. Ask what the seller promises and which rules the product meets.
Ask what was tested
Reviews of GHK-Cu describe research in people as limited, with many small studies of face creams.
Keep creams and injections separate
Ask whether the study tested this kind of skin product for this concern. Do not let an answer about a cream drift into an answer about an injection.
Cosmetic status does not mean an FDA review
As of September 2026, companies that make or market cosmetics are responsible for the safety of their products.
The cited FDA rules do not require specific tests for every individual cosmetic product or ingredient.
A note on the sources
Read the section on cosmetic products and ingredients.
FDA explanation of cosmetic regulationRead the seller’s claims about what the product can do, such as changing skin collagen. Those promises help decide which rules apply.
FDA explanation of anti-ageing claimsTopical means applied to the skin. Look for the discussion of tests in people.
Research review of topical GHKLook at what the studies measured before judging a claim.
Read the evidence notes