GHK-Cu
Also called Copper tripeptide-1; glycyl-histidyl-lysine copper
A copper-binding peptide found in human plasma and studied in skin biology, cosmetics and wound repair. Results depend heavily on product and route; topical studies do not establish the benefits or safety of injections.
Overview
What it is
The tripeptide glycine-histidine-lysine bound to copper. GHK alone and GHK-Cu are different.
How it works
In cultured skin cells (fibroblasts), GHK-Cu increased collagen production. In rat wounds, local exposure increased collagen and connective tissue.
What the research shows
A topical gel improved diabetic foot-ulcer area closure (98.5% vs 60.8% median), but a venous-ulcer trial found no advantage. After laser resurfacing, blinded reviewers saw no extra improvement, though patient satisfaction was higher. A small 2016 cosmetic study reported better wrinkle measures. A hair-loss trial used a different complex (5-ALA plus GHK), not GHK-Cu.
Studied for
- Collagen productionlab, rats
- Diabetic foot ulcerstopical, positive
- Venous ulcerstopical, negative
- Wrinklessmall topical studies
- Hair lossdifferent compound
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Topical tolerability does not establish injection safety. FDA lists injectable GHK-Cu among compounding substances with safety concerns. Infected wounds or diabetic foot ulcers need medical care, not a cosmetic serum.
Regulatory status
Used as a cosmetic ingredient. Injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA approved and is on FDA's safety-risk list.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
GHK-Cu (50 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 50 mg GHK-Cu
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 16.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 166.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Standard / Conservative Approach, 5 days/week
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Alternative Protocol, 3 times weekly
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL of the protocol-specified sterile diluent with a sterile syringe.
- Add it slowly down the vial wall to reduce foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label the vial with the 16.67 mg/mL concentration, preparation date, and storage instructions.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does GHK-Cu regrow hair?
The often-cited trial tested a different compound, so this is not established.
Is GHK the same as GHK-Cu?
No. GHK is the peptide; GHK-Cu is its copper complex.
Is it worth the hype?
There is real topical research, but not proof of whole-body anti-aging.
Found in these blends
Related in Skin and Hair
Sources and further reading (6)
- Maquart FX, et al. Collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by tripeptide-copper. FEBS Lett, 1988.
- Mulder GD, et al. Topical GHK-Cu in diabetic ulcers. Wound Repair Regen, 1994.
- Miller TR, et al. Topical copper tripeptide on laser-resurfaced skin. Arch Facial Plast Surg, 2006.
- Badenhorst T, et al. GHK-Cu and facial wrinkle parameters. J Aging Sci, 2016.
- FDA. Compounding safety-risk information: GHK-Cu injectable.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: GHK-Cu Research Use Only