GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for roles in wound healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, and skin biology. It is used in research and cosmetic contexts primarily as a topical, but is also discussed as an injectable in underground circles.
— 50 mg Vial —
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL sterile water → 16.67 mg/mL concentration.
Typical range: 1.0–2.0 mg per injection (most common protocols use 5 days/week or 3×/week).
Easy measuring: At 16.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 167 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Schedule: Subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extend to 16 weeks if desired).
Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks typical; may extend to 16 weeks.
Goal: Support tissue remodeling, wound healing, and skin regeneration through documented biological pathways.
Frequency: Inject once daily, 5 days per week subcutaneously.
| Phase | Dose | Syringe (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 1.0 mg (1000 mcg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 1.5 mg (1500 mcg) | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
— 100 mg Vial —
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~33.3 mg/mL concentration.
Typical daily range: 1–2 mg once daily (gradual titration over 12 weeks).
Easy measuring: At 33.3 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 333 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections, 5 days on / 2 days off, for 8–12 weeks.
Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; take 2–4 weeks off before repeating.
Goal: Support skin rejuvenation, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and anti-aging tissue repair.
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously, 5 days per week (Mon–Fri) with weekends off.
| Phase | Dose | Syringe (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 1.0 mg | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 1.5 mg | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 2.0 mg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
GHK is a human plasma peptide that can chelate copper (Cu2+). The copper complex (GHK-Cu) has been studied for effects on collagen and elastin biology, fibroblast activity, and gene expression patterns related to tissue remodeling. Much of the evidence base is preclinical or dermatologic/cosmetic research rather than large modern randomized trials.
- Wound healing support signals in skin models.
- Collagen / ECM remodeling: modulation of fibroblast activity and matrix proteins (preclinical).
- Skin appearance: used in topical products for texture/fine lines (cosmetic claims vary).
- Anti-inflammatory / antioxidant signaling in certain experimental systems.
- Hair biology: explored in hair follicle and scalp-skin contexts.
Proposed mechanisms include copper delivery to copper-dependent enzymes, altered signaling in fibroblasts/keratinocytes, and broad gene expression modulation in pathways related to inflammation, remodeling, and repair. Reported effects are highly context-dependent (dose, formulation, tissue, and model system).
- Topical: irritation, redness, dermatitis (especially with higher concentrations or sensitive skin).
- Injectable discussions: injection site pain/irritation; unknown systemic risks due to limited controlled human data.
- Allergic reactions are possible to any topical formulation component.
- Known copper metabolism disorders (theoretical concern; consult clinician).
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited safety data for concentrated cosmetic actives).
- Active dermatitis/compromised barrier: patch test and consider lower concentrations.
There is no robust clinical literature establishing SubQ vs IM advantages for GHK-Cu. If discussed as an injectable in research settings, SubQ is typically chosen due to lower discomfort and smaller volumes. Do not inject topical products; sterility and excipients are not appropriate for parenteral use.
- Topical retinoids: commonly paired in skincare routines, but introduce slowly to minimize irritation.
- Vitamin C and sunscreen: supportive of collagen/photoprotection context.
- Microneedling: sometimes combined with copper peptides in cosmetic protocols; infection control matters.
- Discovery/characterization of GHK and copper binding in plasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1973. PMID: 4519650
- GHK-Cu and wound healing / tissue remodeling signals (review/experimental). FASEB J. 1998. PMID: 9737716
- Copper peptides and skin repair biology overview. Clin Dermatol. 2008. PMID: 19095113
- GHK-Cu influences gene expression relevant to tissue remodeling (systems biology style analysis). Biomed Res Int. 2014. PMID: 24783244
- GHK-Cu and collagen/elastin related pathways in fibroblasts (experimental). J Invest Dermatol. 1999. PMID: 10233764
- Copper and wound repair / angiogenesis context relevant to copper peptides. Wound Repair Regen. 2003. PMID: 12753574