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GHK-Cu
Anti-Aging & Skin HealthGHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide known for its regenerative and anti-aging effects. It promotes collagen production, speeds wound healing, improves skin texture, and supports hair follicle health. Widely used in cosmetic serums and creams for skin rejuvenation and hair growth in vitro and in vivo.
Reconstitute
3 mL BAC + 50mg vial
167 mcg/unit
Daily Range
0.5–2 % Topical
Apply 1–2x daily
Standard Dose
1 %
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
GHK-Cucopper peptideskin regenerationhair growthanti-aging
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
In research, topical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1%, while injectable animal studies use 1–5 mg/kg. No dosing has been approved for therapeutic use.
Standard / Gradual Approach
50mg VialstandardPhaseDoseVolume
Weeks 1–41.0 mg (1000 mcg)6 units (0.06 mL)
Weeks 5–81.5 mg (1500 mcg)9 units (0.09 mL)
Weeks 9–12+2.0 mg (2000 mcg)12 units (0.12 mL)
Standard / Gradual Approach
50mg VialadvancedPhaseDoseVolume
Weeks 1–12+2.0 mg (2000 mcg)12 units (0.12 mL)
Standard / Gradual Approach
100mg VialstandardPhaseDoseVolume
Weeks 1–41.0 mg3 units (0.03 mL)
Weeks 5–81.5 mg4.5 units (0.045 mL)
Weeks 9–122.0 mg6 units (0.06 mL)
Protocol Summary
Topical: Apply 1–2x daily · Dose range 0.5–2 % with gradual titration
Subcutaneous (SQ): Daily or 3-5x weekly · Dose range 1–2 mg with gradual titration
Subcutaneous (SQ): Daily or 3-5x weekly · Dose range 1–2 mg with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending
Frequency & Cycling
Topical
Apply 1–2x daily for 8–12 weeks. Safe for continuous use as part of cosmetic maintenance protocols.
🧪 Quick Start
Vial Size
50 mg
BAC Water
3 mL
Concentration
16.67 mcg/unit
Starting Dose
1.0 mg (1000 mcg) (6 units (0.06 mL))
Maintenance Dose
2.0 mg (2000 mcg) (12 units (0.12 mL))
Potential Benefits & Use Cases
GHK-Cu is a research compound not approved for medical or clinical use. Use in cosmetic products varies by country and formulation.
Supports wound healing with 30–50% reduction in healing time across wound types (strong preclinical)
Reduces wrinkle volume by 31.6% and wrinkle depth by 32.8% in 8-week clinical study (human trial)
Demonstrates positive gene regulation for antioxidant enzymes, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory signaling (preclinical)
Promotes hair density and extends anagen (growth) phase in androgenetic alopecia (preclinical)
Shows activity in cognitive and nervous system pathways (preclinical)
Naturally declines with age — from ~200 ng/ml at age 20 to ~80 ng/ml by age 60 (human observational)
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data
Mechanism of Action
→Chelates copper ions to form a biologically active GHK-Cu complex
→Upregulates genes involved in wound healing, skin remodeling, and antioxidant defense
→Suppresses expression of inflammatory cytokines and proteases (e.g., MMPs)
→Increases fibroblast proliferation and migration in injured tissues
Lifestyle & Optimization
timing
Topical: daily application. Injectable: consistent daily SubQ.
diet
Adequate protein for collagen synthesis. Sufficient copper, zinc, and vitamin C.
exercise
Moderate activity as tolerated.
sleep
Quality sleep. Appropriate skincare and wound-care protocols.
Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies
Evidence-Based Research Findings
Study TitleType
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
• Mild redness and irritation (5–10% of new users, topical)
• Tingling or slight burning, temporary "purging" pimples
Contraindications & Warnings
• Copper toxicity risk if injected incorrectly (abdominal pain, vomiting, tremors, metallic taste)
🧮 Dose Calculator
Concentration
166.7
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
3
units (0.030 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 3 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬
Bioavailability & Absorption
SubQ Injection
Rarely used via injection; topical route is preferred
Oral Administration
Limited systemic activity; poorly absorbed orally
Half-Life
Not clearly established; local activity persists longer than plasma half-life
Degradation
Broken down by tissue peptidases and metal ion dissociation
Tissue Specificity
Affects skin, scalp, connective tissue, and epithelial layers
⚗️
Peptide Details
Molecular Weight
340.9
Formula
C14H24N6O4
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys
⚖️
Legal Status & Regulatory
RegionStatus
FDANot Approved
EUNot Approved
AustraliaNot Approved
CanadaNot Approved
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (Powder)
store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 30 days