Side-by-side · Research reference

GHK-CuvsSelank

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AHuman-MechanisticReviewed8/47 cited

BHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited

GHK-Cu

Tripeptide · Skin / Hair / Wound Healing

1–2 mgSQ dosePickart 2018

HumanMechanisticPickart 2018 Zink 2003

HoursHalf-life

SQ or topical · Local · Daily or 2-3×/week

Selank

Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma

150–300 mcg/doseIntranasalZaderej 2014

HumanMechanisticZaderej 2014 Medvedev 2007

~30 minOnset

Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Selank

Primary target

Copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD); regulator of >4000 human genesPickart 2018

Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014

Pathway

Cu(II) delivery via GHK chelation → ↑collagen / elastin / GAG synthesis; ↓inflammatory cytokines; ↑hair follicle growth-factor signalingPickart 2018

Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007

Downstream effect

Skin firmness + texture improvement, accelerated wound healing, hair regrowth, anti-inflammatory actionPickart 2018 Zink 2003

Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007 Zaderej 2014

Feedback intact?

Replaces declining endogenous levels

No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007

Origin

Endogenous tripeptide first isolated from human plasma; declines from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60Pickart 2018

Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Selank

Standard SQ dose

1–2 mg / dayPickart 2018

Anecdotal injectable range; topical creams use 0.1–2% solutions.

—

Topical concentration

0.1–2.0% in serum / cream

—

Frequency

Daily or 2–3× per week (SQ)

2–3× per day during stress

Lower / starter dose

0.5 mg / day SQ

75 mcg / dose

Evidence basis

Human-mechanistic + topical clinical studiesPickart 2018

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007

Duration

8–12 weeks for visible skin / hair effect

10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water; light-protected

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

Timing

No specific time; evening preferred for topicals

Morning + early afternoon preferred

Half-life

Hours (estimated; rapid tissue uptake)

Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr

Standard dose

—

150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Selank

Injection site reaction

Erythema, mild pruritus (common)

—

Topical irritation

Mild redness, transient stinging

—

Copper accumulation

Theoretical with very high chronic doses

—

Allergic reaction

Rare hypersensitivity to copper

Rare hypersensitivity

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid topical and SQ — insufficient data

Avoid — insufficient data

Wilson disease

Contraindicated

—

Nasal irritation

—

Mild burning or congestion (transient)

Sedation

—

None — distinct from benzodiazepinesMedvedev 2007

Dependence / withdrawal

—

None reported in clinical useZaderej 2014

Cognitive impairment

—

None — opposite effect (enhancement)

Long-term safety

—

Limited Western RCT data

Absolute Contraindications

GHK-Cu

·Wilson disease (copper-overload disorder)
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Known copper hypersensitivity

Selank

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

Relative Contraindications

GHK-Cu

·Hemochromatosis (copper-iron crosstalk theoretical)
·Concurrent copper-chelator therapy

Selank

·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Selank

1. Reconstitution

Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25–50 mg/mL. Use within 30 days, refrigerated.

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

2. Injection site

SQ — local to the area of interest (face, scalp) for skin / hair indications. Rotate sites.

Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.

3. Timing

Anytime; evening preferred. Topical: apply to clean dry skin.

Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate, light-protected, ≤30 days.

Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.

5. Needle

30–31G, short (4–6 mm) for shallow SQ. Topical: clean fingertips, no needle.

Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.

06Stack Synergy

GHK-Cu

+ BPC-157

Moderate

View BPC-157 →

GHK-Cu drives ECM remodelling and copper-dependent enzymes; BPC-157 upregulates VEGFR2 angiogenesis and fibroblast migration. The pathways are non-overlapping and complementary — together they accelerate wound healing more than either alone in anecdotal protocols.

GHK-Cu: 1–2 mg SQ · daily near wound
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg SQ · daily near wound
Primary benefit: Combined ECM rebuilding + angiogenesis for tissue repair

Selank

— no documented stacks