GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
A naturally occurring copper-linked peptide your body already makes. It's a powerhouse for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and anti-aging -- it boosts collagen production and actually flips on anti-aging genes throughout your body.
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Skin hydration improvement if using topically. Mild anti-inflammatory effects. Subtle changes in skin texture beginning.
Week 3–6
Visible improvement in skin firmness, fine lines, and overall complexion. Hair follicle stimulation may begin showing results. Faster healing of minor cuts and abrasions.
Week 8+
Significant collagen remodeling and skin tightening. Hair thickening and new growth in thinning areas. Reduced hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Common Side Effects
Scientific Overview
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) with copper(II) ion. It functions as a broad-spectrum gene modulator, affecting expression of approximately 4,000 human genes. GHK-Cu upregulates genes involved in collagen synthesis (COL1A1, COL3A1), stem cell markers, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione) while suppressing genes associated with inflammation (IL-6, TGF-β) and fibrinogenesis. Plasma levels decline from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60, correlating with age-related tissue degradation.
Dosing
1-3 mg daily subq, or apply it directly to the skin as a topical. Cycle for 4-8 weeks.
Practical Guide
Reconstitution
Subq: Mix 50mg vial with 2mL BAC water. Topical: use pre-made serum or cream formulation.
Storage
Refrigerate reconstituted solution. Use within 14-21 days. Topical serums stored per manufacturer instructions.
Injection Sites
Very small volumes needed. Use insulin syringe. For skin/hair benefits, topical application is effective and non-invasive.
Timing
Topical: apply to clean skin morning and/or evening. Subq: once daily, any time of day.
Food
No food interactions.
Benefit Profile
Medical Considerations
Contraindications
- ✕Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders
- ✕Active cancer (promotes angiogenesis and tissue remodeling)
- ✕Pregnancy/nursing
Drug Interactions
Recommended Monitoring
- →Serum copper and ceruloplasmin if using subq long-term
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Pricing
Published Research
Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.
Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians.
Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective.
Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?
Protective Functions of β-Alanyl-L-Histidine and Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Glycoconjugates and Copper in Concert.
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.
Developments in the synthesis and biological activity of glycyl-L-histydyl- L-lysine derivatives.
The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health.
Exploring the beneficial effects of GHK-Cu on an experimental model of colitis and the underlying mechanisms.