GHK-Cu
also known as GHK, copper peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) found in human plasma at ~200 ng/mL in young adults, declining sharply with age. Forms a 1:1 complex with Cu(II) to deliver copper to tissues, regulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and triggers anti-inflammatory + regenerative gene programs. Widely used topically and via SQ injection for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and hair regrowth.
At a glance
SQ or topical · Local · Daily or 2-3×/week
Mechanism
Primary target — Copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD); regulator of >4000 human genes [pickart-2018].
Pathway — Cu(II) delivery via GHK chelation → ↑collagen / elastin / GAG synthesis; ↓inflammatory cytokines; ↑hair follicle growth-factor signaling [pickart-2018].
Downstream effect — Skin firmness + texture improvement, accelerated wound healing, hair regrowth, anti-inflammatory action [pickart-2018][zink-2003].
Origin — Endogenous tripeptide first isolated from human plasma; declines from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60 [pickart-2018].
Feedback intact — Replaces declining endogenous levels.
Dosage
Protocols described in the cited literature; not medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard SQ dose | 1–2 mg / day [pickart-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) |
| Lower / starter dose | 0.5 mg / day SQ |
| Evidence basis | Human-mechanistic + topical clinical studies [pickart-2018] |
| Duration | 8–12 weeks for visible skin / hair effect |
| Reconstitution | Bacteriostatic water; light-protected |
| Timing | No specific time; evening preferred for topicals |
| Half-life | Hours (estimated; rapid tissue uptake) |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
Adverse events
Severities follow the FDA / CTCAE convention.
- — Wilson disease (copper-overload disorder)
- — Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- — Known copper hypersensitivity
- — Hemochromatosis (copper-iron crosstalk theoretical)
- — Concurrent copper-chelator therapy
Administration
- 01Reconstitution
Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25–50 mg/mL. Use within 30 days, refrigerated.
- 02Injection site
SQ — local to the area of interest (face, scalp) for skin / hair indications. Rotate sites.
- 03Timing
Anytime; evening preferred. Topical: apply to clean dry skin.
- 04Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate, light-protected, ≤30 days.
- 05Needle
30–31G, short (4–6 mm) for shallow SQ. Topical: clean fingertips, no needle.
Synergies
Sources
of 47 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [pickart-2018]Pickart 2018 — Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide
Int J Mol Sci, 2018 - [zink-2003]Zink 2003 — GHK and the regulation of skin homeostasis
J Cosmet Sci, 2003