GHK (Copper-Free)
Also known as: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine · GHK tripeptide
The GHK tripeptide without its copper ion, commonly cited in the research literature for context on skin and tissue signaling.
GHK (Copper-Free) at a glance
| Name | GHK (Copper-Free) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, GHK tripeptide |
| Category | Skin, hair & regeneration |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Typical dose | ~1-2 mg per day in cited research contexts |
| Frequency | Once daily or as studied |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection or topical (research) |
| Half-life | Short - on the order of minutes to a few hours in circulation. |
Overview
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma that declines with age. The copper-free form is the base peptide without the bound copper(II) ion of its better-known complex. It is studied for gene-expression modulation and tissue remodeling, with much of the data from cell and animal models.
How it’s thought to work
- Appears to modulate expression of genes involved in tissue remodeling.
- May influence collagen and extracellular-matrix synthesis.
- Reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling in vitro.
- Copper-free form lacks the copper delivery attributed to the GHK-Cu complex.
Researched uses
- Skin-appearance and firmness research
- Wound-healing and tissue-repair models
- Hair-follicle and scalp studies
- General regenerative signaling investigations
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~1-2 mg per day in cited research contexts |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once daily or as studied |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection or topical (research) |
| Notes | Often compared against the copper-bound GHK-Cu form. |
Reconstitution
A common presentation is a 50 mg vial; 50 mg in 5 mL gives 10 mg/mL, so a 2 mg amount is about 20 units on a U-100 syringe when injected.
GHK (Copper-Free) dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with GHK (Copper-Free)’s commonly cited vial size and dose. Adjust the vial amount, bacteriostatic water, or dose to match your own vial — it will show the exact insulin-syringe units to draw, the concentration, and how many doses the vial holds.
Add 5 mL of bacteriostatic water to your 50 mg vial. That gives you about 25 doses of 2 mg. For each dose, draw 20 units into a 100-unit insulin syringe.
See the full GHK (Copper-Free) dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- Not FDA-approved for therapeutic use.
- Human clinical data are limited relative to cosmetic claims.
- Source purity varies.
- Educational information only, not a recommendation to use.
GHK (Copper-Free) FAQ
What is GHK (Copper-Free)?
The GHK tripeptide without its copper ion, commonly cited in the research literature for context on skin and tissue signaling.
How does GHK (Copper-Free) work?
Appears to modulate expression of genes involved in tissue remodeling. May influence collagen and extracellular-matrix synthesis. Reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling in vitro. Copper-free form lacks the copper delivery attributed to the GHK-Cu complex.
What is GHK (Copper-Free) used for?
Skin-appearance and firmness research; Wound-healing and tissue-repair models; Hair-follicle and scalp studies; General regenerative signaling investigations.
What is a typical GHK (Copper-Free) dose?
~1-2 mg per day in cited research contexts, Once daily or as studied, Subcutaneous injection or topical (research). This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute GHK (Copper-Free)?
A common presentation is a 50 mg vial; 50 mg in 5 mL gives 10 mg/mL, so a 2 mg amount is about 20 units on a U-100 syringe when injected.
What is the half-life of GHK (Copper-Free)?
Short - on the order of minutes to a few hours in circulation.