What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a small peptide comprised of three amino acids (glycine, histidine, and lysine). In fact, the GHK stands for the medical abbreviations of these three amino acids. GHK binds copper ions, forming GHK-Cu. Copper is essential for many enzymatic reactions related to healing and antioxidant defense. This copper-peptide complex has been demonstrated in research studies to act as a signaling molecule, directing cells toward repair and regeneration.
How Does GHK-Cu Work?
GHK-Cu influences gene expression related to tissue remodeling, collagen production, and inflammation control. It has been shown to stimulate fibroblasts, increase collagen and elastin synthesis, and promote angiogenesis. GHK-Cu also appears to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. These factors have led to the research findings that GHK-Cu promotes skin rejuvenation and wound healing.
What is GHK-Cu Used for?
Common areas of research interest include:
- Skin rejuvenation
- Wound healing
- Hair follicle support
- Anti-inflammatory signaling
GHK-Cu is also widely used in topical skincare formulations.
Side Effects of GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated, especially when used topically. Systemic safety data is more limited, but available research suggests low toxicity.
The most common side effect is injection site pain or reactions.
GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol (for Research)
While there is no established recommended dose, GHK-Cu research protocols call for injection under the skin (subcutaneous). One research/educational protocol is shown below:
| Phase | Dose & frequency |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 1 mg/day |
| Weeks 3-4 | 2 mg/day |
| Weeks 5 and beyond | 3 mg/day |
Shown for education. A licensed clinician should set any actual dose. Compare protocols across peptides in the peptide dosage chart.
Common questions about GHK-Cu
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a small peptide comprised of three amino acids (glycine, histidine, and lysine). In fact, the GHK stands for the medical abbreviations of these three amino acids. GHK binds copper ions, forming GHK-Cu.
What is GHK-Cu used for?
Areas studied include: Skin rejuvenation; Wound healing; Hair follicle support; Anti-inflammatory signaling.
How does GHK-Cu work?
GHK-Cu influences gene expression related to tissue remodeling, collagen production, and inflammation control. It has been shown to stimulate fibroblasts, increase collagen and elastin synthesis, and promote angiogenesis.
What are the side effects of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated, especially when used topically. Systemic safety data is more limited, but available research suggests low toxicity.
What is the dosage of GHK-Cu?
One commonly referenced research protocol is: Weeks 1-2: 1 mg/day; Weeks 3-4: 2 mg/day; Weeks 5 and beyond: 3 mg/day. Shown for education only; a licensed clinician should set any actual dose. See the dosing table.
How do you mix (reconstitute) GHK-Cu?
Wipe the vial tops with alcohol, add bacteriostatic water slowly so it runs down the inside of the glass, then roll the vial gently until the powder dissolves; don’t shake it. See the step-by-step guide with diagrams for the pen and syringe methods.
How much bacteriostatic water do you add to GHK-Cu?
There is no single correct amount. We recommend 2.1 mL: about 0.1 mL is lost during transfer, leaving roughly 2.0 mL of usable solution. You can add more or less (most peptide vials hold up to 3 mL); just enter the amount in the dose calculator. See the step-by-step mixing guide.
Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?
No. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved in the US (status as of October 2026).
References
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19:969-88. doi: 10.1163/156856208784909435. View source
- Maquart FX, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988 Oct 10;238(2):343-6. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x. View source
- Pickart L, et al. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul 7;19(7):1987. doi: 10.3390/ijms19071987. View source