GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper Peptide, GHK Copper, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II), Loren Pickart Copper Peptide
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It declines significantly with age and has been extensively researched for skin remodeling, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and gene expression modulation favoring tissue repair.
GHK-Cu is a 403.92 Da research peptide. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It declines significantly with age and has been extensively researched for skin remodeling, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and gene expression modulation favoring tissue repair.
Also called: Copper Peptide, GHK Copper, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II)
403.92
Molecular Weight
Daltons
3
Strong Evidence
benefits
5
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
0-0
Typical Dose
N/A
Overview
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide with high affinity for copper(II) ions. First isolated from human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973, it was discovered as a factor in plasma that caused aged human liver tissue to synthesize proteins like younger tissue. GHK-Cu levels in human plasma decline dramatically with age; from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60. This decline correlates with many hallmarks of aging, including reduced wound healing capacity, loss of skin elasticity, and decreased tissue regeneration. Research has revealed that GHK-Cu is a remarkably versatile peptide, influencing the expression of over 4,000 genes, resetting approximately one-third of them to a pattern associated with younger tissue. Its mechanisms include stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, promoting angiogenesis, modulating metalloproteinase activity, reducing oxidative damage, and providing anti-inflammatory effects. GHK-Cu is widely used in cosmetic dermatology and is available in topical formulations, but injectable forms are also researched for systemic anti-aging applications.
Key Takeaways: GHK-Cu
- Strongest evidence supports GHK-Cu for collagen & elastin stimulation and wound healing acceleration
- Research doses typically range from 0 to 0 N/A via topical cream/serum (1-3% concentration typical)
- 3 benefits with strong evidence, 3 moderate, 0 preliminary
- Half-life: Estimated short plasma half-life; prolonged tissue effects through gene expression changes
- 5 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu exerts its effects through multiple interconnected mechanisms. As a copper transporter, it delivers copper(II) ions to cells, which serve as essential cofactors for numerous enzymes including superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin cross-linking), and cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial energy production). GHK-Cu stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesis while modulating metalloproteinase (MMP) activity — it promotes the breakdown of abnormal, scarred collagen while encouraging normal collagen deposition. This remodeling effect is important for wound healing and anti-aging applications. The peptide activates dermal fibroblasts to produce glycosaminoglycans (including hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate), which are essential for skin hydration and structure. At the gene expression level, GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes, with broad patterns showing upregulation of regenerative and repair genes and downregulation of tissue-destructive and inflammatory genes. It suppresses fibrinogen synthesis (anti-inflammatory), reduces oxidative stress through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and promotes angiogenesis through VEGF pathway activation. GHK-Cu also stimulates hair follicle growth by increasing follicle size and proliferation of follicular cells.
Research Benefits
GHK-Cu at a Glance
GHK-Cu exerts its effects through multiple interconnected mechanisms.
Collagen & Elastin Stimulation
Strong EvidenceExtensive research demonstrates GHK-Cu stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesis and elastin production in dermal fibroblasts. Clinical studies show increased skin thickness, density, and firmness with topical application.
Wound Healing Acceleration
Strong EvidenceMultiple studies show GHK-Cu significantly accelerates wound healing, reduces scar formation, and improves the quality of healed tissue through collagen remodeling and angiogenesis promotion.
Skin Remodeling & Photoaging Repair
Strong EvidenceClinical studies with topical GHK-Cu show improvement in fine lines, photoaging damage, skin texture, and hyperpigmentation through extracellular matrix remodeling and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
Anti-Aging Gene Expression
Moderate EvidenceBroad-spectrum gene expression studies show GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 genes toward patterns associated with younger, healthier tissue, simultaneously upregulating repair genes and downregulating destructive/inflammatory genes.
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory
Moderate EvidenceGHK-Cu upregulates antioxidant enzyme expression (including superoxide dismutase), reduces oxidative DNA damage, and suppresses inflammatory markers including fibrinogen, IL-6, and NFκB signaling.
Hair Growth Stimulation
Moderate EvidenceResearch demonstrates GHK-Cu increases hair follicle size and stimulates follicular cell proliferation. It may be comparable to minoxidil in promoting hair growth in some preclinical models.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Topical application (cosmetic) | 0–0 N/A | Topical cream/serum (1-3% concentration typical) |
| Subcutaneous research protocol | 200–500 mcg | Subcutaneous injection |
| Microneedling / mesotherapy | 100–500 mcg | Intradermal (with microneedling device) |
Frequency
Topical: 1-2x daily. Injectable: 1x daily or every other day
Timing
Topical: Evening application preferred (repair during sleep). Injectable: Any time
Cycle Length
Topical: Ongoing. Injectable: 4-8 week cycles
Research Notes
- 1Topical formulations are the most common and well-studied application method.
- 2Commercially available GHK-Cu serums typically contain 1-3% concentration.
- 3Injectable GHK-Cu is less studied than topical but is used in research for systemic anti-aging effects.
- 4Microneedling with GHK-Cu enhances penetration and may amplify collagen stimulation.
- 5GHK-Cu is generally not combined with strong acids (AHAs, vitamin C at low pH) in topical use as copper can oxidize ascorbic acid.
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
5 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
2 mL
Concentration
25 mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
GHK-Cu vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F) after reconstitution. Up to 30 days refrigerated after reconstitution.
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F) after reconstitution
Shelf Life
Up to 30 days refrigerated after reconstitution
Important Notes
- •GHK-Cu solution has a characteristic light blue color from the copper ion.
- •Use bacteriostatic water for injectable reconstitution.
- •The blue color is normal and indicates the copper complex is intact.
- •If the blue color fades significantly, the copper may have dissociated; discard.
- •Protect from light; copper peptides can be light-sensitive.
- •For topical preparations, GHK-Cu can be added to creams/serums at 1-3%.
GHK-Cu Dosing Calculator
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GHK-Cu Reconstitution Calculator
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Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Topical: Mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals (uncommon)
- !Injectable: Injection site redness or irritation (transient)
- !Mild warmth or flushing at application site
- !Potential interaction with vitamin C products (copper may oxidize ascorbic acid)
- !Blue discoloration of skin at injection site (temporary, from copper)
- !No significant systemic side effects reported at standard research doses
- !Well-tolerated in cosmetic clinical studies with long-term topical use
Potential Interactions
- ⚡May interfere with topical vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) — copper catalyzes ascorbate oxidation. Separate application by several hours.
- ⚡Theoretical interaction with zinc supplements; zinc and copper compete for absorption.
- ⚡May interact with chelation therapy (EDTA, penicillamine) which could remove copper.
- ⚡No significant interactions reported with injectable medications.
- ⚡Compatible with retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and most other skincare actives (except direct vitamin C).
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration
thorough review of GHK-Cu's mechanisms in skin regeneration, including collagen stimulation, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and gene expression modulation across 4,000+ human genes.
The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in remodeling of extracellular matrix
Detailed analysis of GHK-Cu's effects on extracellular matrix components, including stimulation of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and matrix metalloproteinase regulation.
GHK and DNA: Resetting the Human Genome to Health
Landmark study using Broad Institute's Connectivity Map showing GHK-Cu modulates 4,048 human genes, with patterns suggesting reversal of disease-associated gene expression toward healthy states.
Copper peptide GHK-Cu accelerates skin wound healing in mice
Demonstrated that GHK-Cu significantly accelerates wound closure, improves collagen deposition, and enhances angiogenesis in full-thickness wound healing models.
Improvement of naturally aged skin with copper peptide cream
Clinical study showing topical GHK-Cu cream produced statistically significant improvement in skin laxity, fine lines, and skin clarity/appearance compared to placebo and vitamin C cream.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human blood plasma. It plays a role in tissue repair, anti-aging, and wound healing. Its levels decline with age, and supplementation through topical or injectable routes is researched for regenerative purposes.
GHK-Cu and L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) should generally not be applied simultaneously in topical skincare, as copper can catalyze the oxidation of ascorbic acid, reducing the effectiveness of both. Separate their application by several hours or use them at different times of day.
GHK-Cu is the most well-researched copper peptide, but 'copper peptide' is a broader term that can refer to any peptide complexed with copper. In skincare and research contexts, 'copper peptide' almost always refers to GHK-Cu specifically.
GHK-Cu and retinol work through different mechanisms. Retinol promotes cell turnover and collagen synthesis through retinoic acid receptor activation. GHK-Cu works through copper delivery, gene expression modulation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. They can be complementary in a skincare regimen.
Injectable GHK-Cu provides direct systemic delivery and is researched for broader anti-aging effects beyond skin. However, topical GHK-Cu has more clinical evidence specifically for skin improvement. The best route depends on the research objective.
The blue color comes from the copper(II) ion complexed with the GHK peptide. Copper(II) compounds characteristically have a blue color in solution. This is normal and indicates the copper-peptide complex is intact. Loss of blue color may indicate degradation.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.