GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide | Skin Regeneration & Anti-Aging Compound
Overview
Naturally occurring copper tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. GHK-Cu affects 31.2% of human genes and declines significantly with age—from ~200 ng/ml at age 20 to ~80 ng/ml at age 60. Known for exceptional skin regeneration, wound healing, and anti-aging properties.
Key benefits
- Enhanced collagen production (70% increase in type I and III)
- Improved skin elasticity
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
- Accelerated wound healing
- Hair growth stimulation
- Antioxidant protection
Mechanism of action
Penetrates skin layers, activates fibroblasts, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and modulates inflammatory responses. The copper ion is essential for enzyme cofactor activity in tissue repair processes.
Molecular data
- Type
- Copper tripeptide
- Half-life
- 0.5-2 hours
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Skin Regeneration
Hair Growth
Anti-Inflammatory
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 0.5-1% cream | 1-2x daily | — |
| — | 1-2% solution | 1x daily | — |
| — | 1-2% gel | 2-3x daily | — |
| — | 0.5% serum | 1x daily | — |
| — | 2% cream | 1x daily | — |
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1-2mg | 1x daily | — |
| — | 2-3mg | 1-2x daily | — |
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Mild skin irritation initially (usually resolves)
- Increased photosensitivity
Contraindications
- Known copper sensitivity or Wilson's disease
- Active skin infections at application site
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (injectable)
Monitoring
- Patch test before first use
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Featured in these stacks
- Joint & Tendon RebuildA connective-tissue stack pairing BPC-157 and TB-500 with GHK-Cu for collagen-focused joint and tendon repair.3 compounds
- Skin & Hair Glow (GHK-Cu)A copper-peptide skin-and-hair stack — GHK-Cu as the workhorse with AHK-Cu as a hair-focused topical add-on.2 compounds
- Wound Healing TrioA three-peptide topical-and-systemic wound stack — antimicrobial LL-37 plus the BPC-157/GHK-Cu repair pair.3 compounds