GHK-Cu

Copper Peptide | Skin Regeneration & Anti-Aging Compound

Weight: 404.96 Da
Half-life: 0.5-2 hours
Chain: 3 amino acids
5 studies
2024 latest
2 recent
Well Studied
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.

01 Enhanced collagen production (70% increase in type I and III)
02 Improved skin elasticity
03 Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
04 Accelerated wound healing
05 Hair growth stimulation
06 Antioxidant protection

Molecular Data

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
Peak 0.0 mcg
Trough 0.0 mcg
SS Peak 0.0 mcg
SS Trough 0.0 mcg

Research Indications

Skin Regeneration
Collagen Synthesis most effective

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

Elastin Production most effective

Stimulates elastin synthesis for improved skin elasticity and resilience.

Skin Barrier Function effective

Strengthens protective barrier and improves moisture retention.

Hair Growth
Follicle Stimulation effective

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

Scalp Health effective

Improves scalp circulation and reduces inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory
Immune Modulation moderate

Regulates inflammatory cytokine production.

Tissue Protection moderate

Protects tissues from oxidative stress and damage.

Dosing Protocols

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

Interactions

++
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

What to Expect

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

Side Effects & Safety

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)

Quality Checklist

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

References

  • Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
    Pickart, L., Margolina, A.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018)

    Broad regenerative potential demonstrated across skin, lung, bone, liver, and stomach tissue; cell protective actions including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, DNA repair, and proteasome activation via gene modulation.

  • GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
    Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.
    BioMed Research International (2015)

    GHK-Cu stimulates synthesis of collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and decorin; tightens loose skin, improves elasticity, density, and firmness; reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage.

  • The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health
    Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.
    Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2012)

    GHK possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties; regulates genes critical for neuronal development and maintenance; implications for cognitive health in aging.

  • Tripeptides GHK and GHK-Cu-modified silver nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial and wound healing activities
    Islam, R., Bilal, H., Wang, X., Zhang, L.
    Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces (2024)

    GHK and GHK-Cu modified silver nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity and accelerated wound healing through improved delivery and bioactivity.

  • Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective
    Mortazavi, S.M., Mohammadi Vadoud, S.A., Moghimi, H.R.
    BioImpacts (2024)

    Comprehensive review confirming GHK and Pal-GHK effectiveness as anti-wrinkle ingredients; skin permeability can be enhanced via metal complexation, chemical modification, and cell-penetrating peptides.

Related Peptides

BPC-157 synergistic

Complementary tissue healing and regeneration pathways.

TB-500 synergistic

Enhanced wound healing and tissue repair when combined.

Disclaimer

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