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GHK-Cu

Well Studied

Copper Peptide | Skin Regeneration & Anti-Aging Compound

Dose 0.5-2% topical or 1-3mg injectable
Frequency 1-2x daily
Cycle 8-16 weeks
Storage Room temperature (topical) or 2-8°C (injectable)
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Naturally occurring copper tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. GHK-Cu affects 31.2% of human genes and declines significantly with age—from ~200 ng/ml at age 20 to ~80 ng/ml at age 60. Known for exceptional skin regeneration, wound healing, and anti-aging properties.

Mechanism of Action

Penetrates skin layers, activates fibroblasts, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and modulates inflammatory responses. The copper ion is essential for enzyme cofactor activity in tissue repair processes.

Key Benefits

  • Enhanced collagen production (70% increase in type I and III)
  • Improved skin elasticity
  • Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
  • Accelerated wound healing
  • Hair growth stimulation
  • Antioxidant protection
Molecular Weight
404.96 Da
Chain Length
3 amino acids
Type
Copper tripeptide
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: GHK
H₂N
H
G 1
O ‖ C
N
H 2
O ‖ C
N
K 3
COOH
Gly
1

Glycine

Position 1

His
2

Histidine

Position 2

Lys
3

Lysine

Position 3

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified

Skin Regeneration

  • Collagen Synthesis

    Increases type I and III collagen production by up to 70% in human dermal fibroblasts.

  • Elastin Production

    Stimulates elastin synthesis for improved skin elasticity and resilience.

  • Skin Barrier Function

    Strengthens protective barrier and improves moisture retention.

Hair Growth

  • Follicle Stimulation

    Promotes hair follicle enlargement and extends anagen (growth) phase.

  • Scalp Health

    Improves scalp circulation and reduces inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory

  • Immune Modulation

    Regulates inflammatory cytokine production.

  • Tissue Protection

    Protects tissues from oxidative stress and damage.

Most common delivery method for skin and hair applications. Available as creams, serums, and solutions.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Anti-aging skincare0.5-1% cream1-2x dailyTopical application
Hair growth stimulation1-2% solution1x dailyScalp massage
Wound healing1-2% gel2-3x dailyDirect application
General skin health0.5% serum1x dailyFace and neck
Intensive repair2% cream1x dailyTargeted areas

Reconstitution Instructions

  1. 1 Cleanse skin thoroughly with gentle cleanser
  2. 2 Pat skin dry and wait 5 minutes
  3. 3 Apply thin, even layer to target areas
  4. 4 Massage gently until fully absorbed (1-2 minutes)
  5. 5 Follow with moisturizer if using serum
  6. 6 Always apply sunscreen during daytime use
BPC-157

Complementary tissue healing and regeneration pathways.

synergistic
TB-500

Enhanced wound healing and tissue repair when combined.

synergistic
Melanotan II

Both affect melanin production; use caution when combining.

monitor
Copper Supplements

Risk of copper toxicity; do not combine with oral copper supplements.

avoid
CJC-1295

No known interactions.

compatible
Iron Chelators

May affect copper absorption and activity.

monitor
Week 1-2

Improved skin texture and hydration

Week 3-4

Reduction in fine lines and increased skin smoothness

Week 6-8

Enhanced skin firmness and elasticity

Week 8-12

Visible improvement in skin tone and clarity

Hair Growth

6-12 weeks for initial results

Common Side Effects

  • Mild skin irritation initially (usually resolves)
  • Increased photosensitivity

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Severe skin irritation, burning, or persistent redness
  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Unusual skin discoloration or staining
  • Persistent metallic taste (injectable)
  • Worsening of skin condition after 4-6 weeks

Contraindications

  • Known copper sensitivity or Wilson's disease
  • Active skin infections at application site
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (injectable)

Good Signs

  • Light blue tint from copper content
  • Smooth texture, non-gritty
  • Stable formulation without separation or crystallization
  • Professional packaging with UV protection

Warning Signs

  • Slight color variation acceptable within blue spectrum

Bad Signs

  • Green or dark discoloration (oxidation/contamination)
  • Grainy texture (poor formulation or crystallization)
  • Separation or settling of components
  • Regenerative and Protective Actions of GHK-Cu Peptide
    Int J Mol Sci (2018)

    Demonstrates broad regenerative potential across multiple tissue types including skin, hair, and bone.

  • GHK Peptide in Skin Regeneration
    Biomed Res Int (2015)

    GHK-Cu increased elastin and collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts by up to 70%.

  • GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Aging
    Oxid Med Cell Longev (2012)

    Shows neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in aged mice at 10 mg/kg dosing.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.