GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 · Cu-GHK · GHK-copper
Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age
Overview
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that forms a strong complex with copper(II). It is present in human plasma, where its concentration is reported to fall markedly from early adulthood into later decades, a decline that has motivated interest in it as a 'regenerative signal' for skin and connective tissue.
In cell and tissue models the copper complex has been associated with increased synthesis of collagen and other extracellular-matrix components, modulation of metalloproteinases, antioxidant activity, and a broad pattern of gene-expression changes. Pickart and Margolina's 2018 review catalogues these effects and proposes mechanisms spanning matrix remodeling, anti-inflammatory signaling, and copper delivery to enzymes.
Pharmacokinetically the free peptide is short-lived — plasma half-life is reported at roughly 30–60 minutes as aminopeptidases and carboxypeptidases clear it and the copper ion is redistributed onto albumin and ceruloplasmin — yet the gene-expression and matrix-remodeling effects it triggers in fibroblasts persist well beyond that, for a day or more. Topical copper-peptide formulations are widely sold as cosmetics, and most controlled human data concern skin appearance from topical use rather than injection. Subcutaneous use is a community/research practice without approved-label support, so the figures and protocols summarized here are an educational reference only and not medical advice.
Key parameters
- Dose range
- 1–2 mg daily (SC) or topical
- Frequency
- Daily
- Half-life
- ~30–60 minutes (plasma)
- Route
- Subcutaneous or topical
- Vial sizes
- 50 mg · 100 mg
- Regulatory status
- Used cosmetically (topical); injectable is research use only. Copper tripeptide-1 is a long-standing ingredient in skin and hair cosmetics, but no injectable GHK-Cu product is approved as a drug. Research-vial material is labeled for laboratory use only.
Mechanism of action
Extracellular-matrix synthesis
Associated in skin models with increased production of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, supporting matrix remodeling and wound-healing processes.
Copper transport and chaperoning
The tripeptide binds copper(II) with high affinity and is thought to help shuttle copper to copper-dependent enzymes involved in matrix maturation and antioxidant defense.
Metalloproteinase / tissue-remodeling modulation
Reported to influence matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors (TIMPs), shifting the balance of breakdown versus rebuilding during repair.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling
Associated with reduced reactive-oxygen and inflammatory signaling in tissue models, which has been proposed as part of its skin-conditioning effect.
Dosing protocol & phases
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical (cosmetic) | Ongoing | Per product (commonly ~0.05–2% copper-peptide serum) | Most controlled human data concern topical cosmetic use; follow the specific product's directions. |
| Subcutaneous (community/research) | Ongoing | 1–2 mg daily | Community-derived; not a clinically established injectable protocol. Cycle length and necessity are unverified. |
Reconstitution guide
For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.
50 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration10,000 mcg/mL · 10 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 mcg | 0.1 mL | 10 |
| 2,000 mcg | 0.2 mL | 20 |
Worked example from the brief: a large 50 mg vial in 5 mL gives 10,000 mcg/mL, so 2 mg = 0.2 mL = 20 units.
100 mg vial + 10 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration10,000 mcg/mL · 10 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 mcg | 0.1 mL | 10 |
| 2,000 mcg | 0.2 mL | 20 |
Same 10,000 mcg/mL strength using a larger vial and proportionally more diluent.
50 mg vial + 10 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration5,000 mcg/mL · 5 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 mcg | 0.2 mL | 20 |
| 2,000 mcg | 0.4 mL | 40 |
More dilute mix (5,000 mcg/mL) that gives a larger, easier-to-measure draw for the same dose.
Reconstitution calculator
Pre-filled with GHK-Cu's vial sizes. Adjust the water volume and target dose to see the exact draw, with warnings for doses that are hard to measure or won't fit a syringe.
At 10,000 micrograms per millilitre, a 1,000 microgram dose is 0.1 millilitres, or 10 units on a U-100 syringe, giving 50 doses per vial.
Supplies needed
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from supplier links, at no extra cost to you. For research and educational use only.
Recommended supply
GHK-Cu — research vial
From our verified partner Dynotides, with a third-party certificate of analysis per batch.
Injection supplies
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Bacteriostatic water
Diluent for reconstituting lyophilized vials.
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Insulin syringes (U-100)
0.3–0.5 mL, 29–31 G for accurate small draws.
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Alcohol prep pads
Sterile swabs for the vial stopper and site.
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Sharps container
Safe disposal of used needles.
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Storage fridge
Keeps reconstituted vials at 2–8 °C.
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Insulated travel case
Cooled, TSA-friendly case for travel.
Missed-dose guidance
There is no approved-label dosing schedule for injectable GHK-Cu. For topical cosmetic use, simply resume the next scheduled application. For community subcutaneous use, missing a daily dose is not expected to be significant; skip it and resume the usual routine rather than doubling up.
Side effects & safety
| Category | Effect | Trial incidence |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site | Local irritation, redness, or stinging (subcutaneous use)Reported anecdotally with injection; not quantified in controlled trials. | — |
| Dermatologic | Contact irritation or sensitivity (topical use)Uncommon with cosmetic copper-peptide products; discontinue if irritation develops. | — |
| General | Theoretical concern with excess copper exposureCopper is a trace mineral with an established tolerable upper intake level, so cumulative exposure from injectable copper-peptide plus dietary and supplemental sources is a theoretical consideration with sustained high dosing. | — |
Clinical trials & evidence
Leyden et al. photoaged-skin facial cream study
Clinical (cosmetic)12 weeks · 71 women with photoaged facial skin
Daily application of a GHK-Cu facial cream significantly increased skin density and thickness and reduced fine lines, wrinkle depth, and mottled pigmentation, as measured by ultrasound and profilometry — among the strongest controlled human data for topical copper peptides.
Trial identifier needs verification
Leyden et al. companion eye-cream study
Clinical (cosmetic)12 weeks · 41 women with periorbital photodamage
A GHK-Cu eye cream outperformed both placebo and a vitamin-K comparator for reducing periorbital lines and improving skin density.
Trial identifier needs verification
Wound-healing and tissue-model research
Preclinical / mechanisticVaries · Cell culture and animal models
Associated with enhanced collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis plus anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling — the mechanistic basis reviewed by Pickart & Margolina (2018).
Trial identifier needs verification
Storage & handling
- Lyophilized
- Store lyophilized powder cold (2–8 °C) and protected from light. The copper complex gives it a characteristic blue color; long-term storage at −20 °C extends shelf life.
- Reconstituted
- After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light; use within ~28 days. Do not freeze.
Comparisons
| Vs. | Target | Half-life | Dosing | Efficacy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Copper-binding ECM signal vs angiogenic/cytoprotective peptide | ~30–60 min vs short | 1–2 mg daily or topical vs ~200–500 mcg daily | Skin/matrix focus vs broad tissue-repair focus | Both not FDA-approved as drugs |
| TB-500 | ECM/copper signaling vs actin-regulating (thymosin β4) repair | ~30–60 min vs longer (community-reported) | 1–2 mg daily or topical vs weekly mg-range (community) | Skin appearance vs systemic repair | Both research-use only |
Featured in these stacks
GLOW (BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu)
GLOW extends the Wolverine repair pairing with GHK-Cu, a copper-binding tripeptide associated with collagen synthesis, skin remodeling, and wound cosmesis. The idea is to combine systemic/structural repair (BPC-157 + TB-500) with a skin- and collagen-oriented signal (GHK-Cu).
KLOW (KPV + BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu)
KLOW adds KPV — a tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH with anti-inflammatory properties — to the GLOW stack, aiming to pair tissue/skin repair with an inflammation- and gut-oriented signal.
Sources & references
- [1]Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. ↗ source
- [2]Leyden J et al. Treatment of photodamaged facial skin with a peptide-copper complex (clinical cosmetic studies of GHK-Cu creams). ↗ source
Frequently asked questions
Is GHK-Cu the same as the copper peptides in skincare?
Yes — copper tripeptide-1 is the same molecule used as a cosmetic ingredient in many serums. The strongest human evidence concerns topical cosmetic use; injectable use is a research/community practice without approved-label support.
Why is the injectable form considered research-only?
No injectable GHK-Cu product has been approved as a drug. Research-vial material is labeled for laboratory use, so subcutaneous protocols are community-derived rather than clinically established.
Why are the vials so large compared with other peptides?
Aesthetic GHK-Cu is typically supplied in large vials (e.g. 50–100 mg), so even at high dilution the per-dose volumes stay small — for example, 50 mg in 5 mL yields 10,000 mcg/mL, making a 2 mg dose just 0.2 mL (20 units).
Related protocols
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157
Broad tissue-repair effects in rodent models; no human efficacy trials
TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 fragment
Promotes cell migration and angiogenesis in models; no human efficacy trials
Glutathione
GSH
Oral 500 mg/day reduced the melanin index vs placebo in RCTs; IV use for skin lightening is not recommended
Looking to match this protocol to a verified research vial? Our partner supplier publishes a certificate of analysis per batch.
For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.