GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide studied for its role in skin health, tissue repair, and cellular regeneration. It is widely researched for supporting collagen production, wound healing, and overall tissue quality.

GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively studied peptides in skin and regenerative research.

Skin Health Recovery Regeneration

Common Research Uses

  • Supporting collagen and elastin production (skin firmness/texture)
  • Skin repair and regeneration research
  • Wound healing and tissue remodeling studies
  • Anti-inflammatory signaling support
  • Hair and scalp health research (topical use is common)

Typical Research Dosing

Daily Range: 1-3 mg
Frequency: Once daily or split into two doses
Common Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks; Some researchers utilize GHK-Cu continuously

Subcutaneous Protocol (100 mg + 3 mL BAC = 33.3 mg/mL)

Phase Daily Dose (mg) Units per Injection
Days 1–3 (Tolerance) 1 mg once daily 3 units
Days 4–14 (Standard) 2 mg once daily 6 units
Weeks 3–8 (Maintenance) 2-3 mg once daily 6-9 units

Based on reconstitution of 100 mg with 3 mL bacteriostatic water (33.3 mg/mL).

Reconstitution Steps

Your Mix: 100 mg peptide + 3 mL bacteriostatic water = 33.3 mg/mL
  1. Prep clean: Wash hands, use a clean surface, and gather supplies.
  2. Sanitize: Alcohol swab vial stoppers and allow to air-dry.
  3. Add diluent slowly: Inject bacteriostatic water down the vial wall to reduce foaming.
  4. Mix gently: Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
  5. Label: Write compound name, date, and concentration (mg/mL).
  6. Store appropriately: Store according to supplier guidance and maintain sterile technique.

Educational reference only

Injection Technique

General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.

  • Allow the peptide to reach room temperature before injection.
  • Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol and allow to fully dry.
  • Pinch a small skinfold and insert the needle at a 45–90° angle into subcutaneous tissue.
  • Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
  • Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
  • Inject slowly to help minimize any stinging sensation.

This information is provided for educational reference only and reflects general clinical best practices.

Supplies Needed (Auto Calculator)

Inventory planning tool. Choose presets or enter your own values.

Preset weeks
Preset vials (100 mg each)
Syringes (U-100)
/ week
Bacteriostatic water
mL
bottle(s)
Alcohol swabs
box(es)

Notes: Syringes = (weeks × 7 × injections/day). Swabs = (syringes × swabs/injection). BAC = (vials × mL per vial). Bottles/boxes are rounded up.

How It Works

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide composed of the amino acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper ions. It was first identified in human plasma and has since been studied for its role in tissue repair, cellular communication, and regenerative signaling pathways.

Research suggests GHK-Cu works by interacting with pathways involved in collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and antioxidant defense activity. Studies have explored its potential influence on fibroblast function, wound-related signaling, and the regulation of genes associated with tissue maintenance and recovery.

At the cellular level, GHK-Cu has been studied for its ability to support copper transport and modulate signaling processes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress response, and cellular regeneration. Researchers have also examined its potential role in promoting skin elasticity, hair follicle activity, and connective tissue integrity. Unlike compounds that primarily target hormonal pathways, GHK-Cu is being researched for its localized regenerative and tissue-supportive mechanisms tied to cellular repair and remodeling activity.

Commonly Reported Side Effects

  • Mild Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Injection site reactions
  • Temporary skin sensitivity
  • Temporary burning or tingling sensations

These effects are based on commonly reported research observations and may vary by individual.