Healing
GHK-Cu
Longevity
3
Amino acids
Molecular weight
Peptide
Type
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper(II) coordination complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (molecular weight 401.9 Da as the Cu complex, C14H22CuN6O4), found in human plasma, saliva, and urine at concentrations that decline roughly 60% between ages 20 and 60. It modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes and activates collagen synthesis, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis pathways. Although not FDA-approved as a pharmaceutical drug, it is approved as a cosmetic ingredient under the INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1 (EU and US cosmetics), and human topical studies — including an IRB-approved randomized clinical study showing a 28% average increase in dermal collagen density — support its use in skin anti-aging, wound healing, and hair growth applications.
Top researched benefits
Overview of GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper to enzyme systems including superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase while activating TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts to upregulate collagen I, III, and IV synthesis. It selectively modulates matrix metalloproteinases — inhibiting MMP-1 and MMP-2 while stimulating MMP-9 — and suppresses NF-κB and p38 MAPK inflammatory pathways, producing balanced extracellular matrix remodeling and reduced oxidative stress.
skin regeneration
- Increases type I and III collagen production by up to 70% in human dermal fibroblasts.
- Stimulates elastin synthesis for improved skin elasticity and resilience.
- Strengthens protective barrier and improves moisture retention.
hair growth
- Promotes hair follicle enlargement and extends anagen (growth) phase.
- Improves scalp circulation and reduces inflammation.
antiinflammatory
- Regulates inflammatory cytokine production.
- Protects tissues from oxidative stress and damage.
Typical Dose
1–2mg per injection (plasma half-life ~30–60 min; dose once daily)
Frequency
once daily
Cycle Duration
1 month on, 1 month off
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C in dry, dark conditions for 12+ months. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Chemical Makeup
Key benefits
Increases collagen I, III, and IV synthesis by 50–200% in fibroblast cultures by activating TGF-β signaling and integrin expression
Accelerates wound closure through VEGF upregulation, promoting angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration at injury sites
Demonstrated a 28% average increase in subdermal collagen density by ultrasound in a randomized human clinical study over 3 months of topical application
Suppresses NF-κB and p38 MAPK activation to lower pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, reducing systemic inflammation
Community interest
This peptide is still gaining traction in the community.
Copper Peptide | Skin Regeneration & Anti-Aging
This overview is informational and based on aggregated descriptions from studies and user reports.
Was it helpful?YesNoGHK-Cu Molecular Information
View the scientifc details of GHK-Cu.
3
Amino Acids
GHK-Cu
Gly
Gly
Position 1
His
His
Position 2
Lys
Lys
Position 3
Molecular Weight
401.9DaChain Length
3Amino AcidsType
PeptideGHK-Cu Protocols
Subcutaneous injection is the primary systemic delivery route for GHK-Cu, providing the highest bioavailability for wound healing, anti-aging, and hair restoration goals. Injections are typically administered into the abdomen lateral to the navel using a 30-day on/off cycle.
| Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-aging / Skin Rejuvenation | 1 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Anti-aging / Skin Rejuvenation (escalated phase) | 2 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Wound Healing / Tissue Repair | 2 | 1 day range | SubQ near injury site |
| Hair Loss / Hair Restoration | 1 | 5 week range | SubQ |
| General Systemic Anti-inflammatory | 2 | 3 week range | SubQ |
| 30-Day Escalation Cycle (days 1–15) | 1 | 1 day range | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials needed:
Steps to reconstitute
- Remove the flip cap from the GHK-Cu vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab
- Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a 3 mL syringe
- Insert the needle at an angle and direct the stream of BAC water slowly down the inner wall of the vial — never shoot it directly onto the powder
- Remove the syringe and gently roll the vial between your palms until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake
- The resulting solution is 0.5 mg per 0.01 mL (500 mcg/mL); 4 units on an insulin syringe = 1 mg, 8 units = 2 mg
- Draw the calculated dose into an insulin syringe and remove any air bubbles by gently tapping and depressing the plunger
- Wipe the injection site (abdomen lateral to navel, thigh, or upper arm) with an alcohol swab and allow to dry for 10–15 seconds
- Pinch a fold of skin, insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into subcutaneous fat, and inject slowly over 5–10 seconds
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean swab after withdrawal — do not rub
- Store the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator at 2–8°C in a closed box; use within 30 days
GHK-Cu Cycle
The GHK-Cu Cycle section explains how long a typical cycle lasts and what to expect during each phase. Over time, your body can become less responsive with continuous use.
Taking breaks between cycles may help maintain effectiveness and support better overall results.
- Week 1-2
- Improved skin texture and hydration
- Week 3-4
- Reduction in fine lines and increased skin smoothness
- Week 6-8
- Enhanced skin firmness and elasticity
- Week 8-12
- Visible improvement in skin tone and clarity
- Week 0-0
- 6-12 weeks for initial results
Dosing tools
GHK-Cu Peptide Dosage Calculator
Calculate peptide doses with our visual syringe guide.
mg
Enter the total amount of peptide in the vial in milligrams (as stated on the label).
The dose you want to inject per administration, in mcg or mg.
1,000 mcg = 1 mg
1 mL
2 mL
3 mL
5 mL
Custom
Volume of bacteriostatic water you add to reconstitute the powder. Use BAC water for preservation.
Injection Results
Based on your vial and dilution inputs.
GHK-Cu
SINGLE COMPOUNDVolume per injection
0.05
mL
Concentration
10.00
mg/mL
Doses per vial
20
doses
Total injections per vial
20 injections
How it works
Based on a 10 mg GHK-Cu vial diluted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 500 mcg injection equals 0.05 mL.
1mL / 100 units
5 units
0.050 mL
Reference Guide
Dosing Cycle
- Peptide
- GHK-Cu
- Dosing
- 1–2mg per injection (plasma half-life ~30–60 min; dose once daily)
- Dosing Frequency
- once daily
- Cycle Duration
- 1 month on, 1 month off
- Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C in dry, dark conditions for 12+ months. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Note: Triple agonist; microdose for fewer side effects
Reconstitution Tips
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservation
- Inject water slowly — aim down the vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Never shake — gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved
- Store properly — refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
- Use within 28 days — most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 4 weeks
- Keep sterile — always clean vial tops with alcohol before drawing
Peptide Interactions
Research suggestions of GHK-Cu interactions with other common peptides and substances.
Healing
bpc
Longevity
BPC-157
SYNERGISTIC
Complementary tissue healing and regeneration pathways.
Healing
tb5
Longevity
TB-500
SYNERGISTIC
Enhanced wound healing and tissue repair when combined.
Side effects
Monitor: Be careful when combining GHK-Cu with Melanotan II.
Contraindications
Known copper sensitivity or Wilson's disease
Active skin infections at application site
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (injectable)
Stop signs
Severe skin irritation, burning, or persistent redness
Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Unusual skin discoloration or staining
Persistent metallic taste (injectable)
Worsening of skin condition after 4-6 weeks
Bad signs
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Frequently asked questions
What is a peptide dosage calculator?
A peptide dosage calculator is a free tool that converts your vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and target dose into an exact syringe draw volume. Instead of doing the reconstitution math by hand, you enter three inputs and instantly get the concentration of your solution and how many milliliters or syringeunits to draw. This calculator works for single peptide compounds and multi-peptide blends.
How do I calculate peptide dosage from a vial?
To calculate your peptide dose, divide the total peptide content of your vial in micrograms by the volume of bacteriostatic water you added in milliliters. This gives you your solution concentration in mcg/mL. Then divide your target dose by that concentration to get your draw volume. For example, a 5mg (5,000 mcg) vial reconstituted with 2mL of BAC water gives a concentration of 2,500 mcg/mL. A 250 mcg dose would require drawing 0.1mL. This calculator automates all of those steps instantly.
How much Bacteriostatic water should I add to a peptide vial?
Most people add 2mL to 3mL of bacteriostatic water per vial, but the right amount depends on the dose you want to draw and the syringe size you are using. Adding 1mL to a 5mg vial gives you a concentration of 5,000 mcg/mL, making each dose very small in volume. Adding 2mL gives you 2,500 mcg/mL, which is easier to measure on a standard insulin syringe. A general guideline is to choose a volume that puts your typical dose somewhere between 10 and 30 units on a U-100 syringe. Use the calculator above to test different water volumes and find what works for your dose.
How are peptides different from proteins?
Both are made of amino acids, but peptides are much smaller than proteins. Because of their tiny size, peptides can act like tiny messengers in the body, sending specific signals to your cells to tell them exactly what to do.
GHK-CuResearch References
GHK-Cu is an experimental compound
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is an experimental compound
Regenerative and Protective Actions of GHK-Cu Peptide
Demonstrates broad regenerative potential across multiple tissue types including skin, hair, and bone.
n.d.
GHK Peptide in Skin Regeneration
GHK-Cu increased elastin and collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts by up to 70%.
n.d.
GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Aging
Shows neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in aged mice at 10 mg/kg dosing.
n.d.
Calculate peptide dosages
Learning how to calculate a peptide dose? Use our beginner-friendly peptide dosage, blend, and accumulation calculators. Enter vial size, reconstitution volume, and target dose to get exact draw volumes instantly. No guesswork, just clear guidance that helps prevent common mistakes.
