GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper Tripeptide-1 · Gly-His-Lys copper complex
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in cosmetics and studied for skin remodeling, wound healing and hair support.
GHK-Cu at a glance
| Name | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Copper Tripeptide-1, Gly-His-Lys copper complex |
| Category | Skin, hair & regeneration |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (bound to copper(II)) |
| Typical dose | Topical: low cosmetic concentrations. Research injectable figures cited around 1–2 mg/day. |
| Frequency | Varies by format |
| Route | Topical (cosmetic) most commonly; subcutaneous in research |
| Half-life | Short in circulation; topical effects are local and gradual. |
Overview
GHK is a tiny three-amino-acid peptide that circulates naturally in human plasma and drops sharply with age. Bound to a copper ion it becomes GHK-Cu, a complex with a long history in skincare. Research describes it as a signal that tells skin to "remodel" — clearing damaged matrix and rebuilding fresh collagen and elastin. It is most established as a topical cosmetic ingredient, with injectable use confined to research settings.
How it’s thought to work
- Stimulates production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans that give skin structure.
- Acts as an antioxidant and modulates genes involved in tissue remodeling and repair.
- Delivers copper, a cofactor for enzymes central to wound healing.
Researched uses
- Skin firmness, elasticity and fine-line appearance (topical)
- Wound healing and scar remodeling
- Hair-follicle support in some studies
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | Topical: low cosmetic concentrations. Research injectable figures cited around 1–2 mg/day. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Varies by format |
| Route | Topical (cosmetic) most commonly; subcutaneous in research |
| Notes | Topical serums are the mainstream, best-supported use. |
Reconstitution
Injectable research vials are often 50 mg. Because copper can accumulate, injectable use is approached conservatively in the literature; topical formats avoid the systemic-copper question entirely.
GHK-Cu dosage calculator
The calculator below is pre-filled with GHK-Cu’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-Cu dosing chart (units for every dose & water amount), or open the full peptide calculator →
Cautions
- Excess copper exposure is a concern with high or frequent injectable dosing.
- Most human evidence is for topical, cosmetic use.
- Can cause local irritation in sensitive skin.
GHK-Cu FAQ
What is GHK-Cu?
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in cosmetics and studied for skin remodeling, wound healing and hair support.
How does GHK-Cu work?
Stimulates production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans that give skin structure. Acts as an antioxidant and modulates genes involved in tissue remodeling and repair. Delivers copper, a cofactor for enzymes central to wound healing.
What is GHK-Cu used for?
Skin firmness, elasticity and fine-line appearance (topical); Wound healing and scar remodeling; Hair-follicle support in some studies.
What is a typical GHK-Cu dose?
Topical: low cosmetic concentrations. Research injectable figures cited around 1–2 mg/day., Varies by format, Topical (cosmetic) most commonly; subcutaneous in research. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute GHK-Cu?
Injectable research vials are often 50 mg. Because copper can accumulate, injectable use is approached conservatively in the literature; topical formats avoid the systemic-copper question entirely.
What is the half-life of GHK-Cu?
Short in circulation; topical effects are local and gradual.