GHK-Cu

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide for skin, collagen, and regenerative support.

Quick Reference

Dose: 1–2 mg SC
Frequency / schedule: Daily
Route: Subcutaneous (or topical)
Timing: Flexible / evening common
Fasting: Not required
Cycle: 4–8 weeks
Time off: Equal time off common (copper load consideration)
Common vial strengths: 50 mg

How this works

GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, modulates antioxidant enzymes, and influences gene expression related to repair and remodeling. Copper delivery supports these processes.

Benefits + side effects

Potential Benefits

Improved skin density and appearance (strongest evidence is topical)
Faster healing in preclinical models

Side Effects

Local irritation (injection site or topical)
Mild systemic effects rare

Dosing / Protocol

Reference Protocol

Phase / week	Dose	Frequency	Timing	Notes
Initiation	1 mg	Once daily	Flexible	Assess tolerance
Maintenance	1–2 mg	Once daily	Flexible	Standard SC

Timing + Fasting Notes

Flexible. Evening is popular. Food does not matter.

Reconstitution

Common vial strengths50 mg

Approved preparation example
50 mg + 5 mL BAC → 10 mg/mL (1 mg = 10 units)

Practical Reference

Storage: Lyophilized frozen/refrigerated; reconstituted refrigerated
Route / injection context: Subcutaneous (or topical)
Bloodwork / markers: Copper status if high-dose/long-term
Common vial strengths: 50 mg
Cycle / time off: 4–8 weeks · Equal time off common (copper load consideration)
Practical notes: Topical has the strongest human data. Research injectable use only.

References

Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+FEBS Letters · 1988

PRECLINICAL02

The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodelingJournal of Biomaterials Science · 2008

REVIEW03

In vitro observations on the influence of copper peptide aids for the LED photoirradiation of fibroblast collagen synthesisPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery · 2007 · DOI 10.1089/pho.2007.2062

PRECLINICAL04

Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skinArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery · 2006

HUMAN05

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene DataInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2018

REVIEW

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