Updated February 2026

GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol

Q: What is the starting dose of GHK-Cu?

Common injectable starts at 1 mg daily, usually titrated to 1-2 mg/day based on tolerance and goals. Topical workflows generally use 1-3% applied once or twice daily.

Q: What is GHK-Cu's half-life?

Plasma half-life is typically described around 30-60 minutes, while downstream biologic effects can persist much longer due to transcriptional and enzymatic pathway changes.

Q: What results can be expected from GHK-Cu?

Commonly reported timelines are skin texture/hydration changes in 2-4 weeks and more visible skin-firmness/collagen-quality outcomes over 6-12 weeks, with hair workflows often needing multi-month consistency.

Q: How do you reconstitute GHK-Cu?

Add bacteriostatic water against the vial wall, roll gently, and avoid shaking. A common setup is 50 mg with 5 mL (10 mg/mL), where 1 mg equals 10 units on a U-100 syringe.

Q: Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?

GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for injection. It is widely used in cosmetic products under the ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1.

Q: What are the most common side effects of GHK-Cu?

Most reports are mild and transient, such as injection-site irritation, short headache, or light nausea. Topical irritation can occur in sensitive skin.

Q: How does GHK-Cu compare to BPC-157 and TB-500?

GHK-Cu is typically chosen for collagen quality and remodeling, BPC-157 for localized structural repair, and TB-500 for systemic migration/deep repair signaling. They are frequently combined.

Q: What vial sizes is GHK-Cu available in?

Most common lyophilized vial sizes are 10 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Q: How much bacteriostatic water should be added to GHK-Cu?

A practical standard is 50 mg + 5 mL (10 mg/mL) for clean 1-2 mg dosing math. Higher concentrations can be used but require finer syringe precision.

Q: Can GHK-Cu be used topically instead of injected?

Yes. Topical GHK-Cu has strong human evidence for skin and hair applications. Injectable use is chosen when broader systemic pathway exposure is desired.

Definitive GHK-Cu (copper peptide) protocol reference covering injectable and topical dosing, reconstitution precision, gene-modulation mechanisms, and safety context.

Half-life

~30-60 min plasma; biologic effects persist 48-96 hours

Dose range

1-2 mg daily SubQ; 1-3% topical

Status

Not FDA-approved for injection

WADA

Not currently prohibited

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Orbitrex Peptides

Quality peptides with purity reports.

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Pivot Labs

Research-grade peptides with fast shipping.

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Peptide Tech

HPLC-verified compounds for research.

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Orbitrex Peptides

Quality peptides with purity reports.

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Pivot Labs

Research-grade peptides with fast shipping.

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Peptide Tech

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Quick Reference Card

Peptide Name

GHK-Cu

Aliases

Copper Peptide GHK-Cu; Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper; Copper Tripeptide-1; GHK-Copper

Category / Class

Tissue Repair / Collagen Remodeling / Anti-Aging Peptide

Half-Life

~30-60 minutes plasma (rapid clearance); cellular effects can persist 48-96 hours

Dosing Frequency

Once daily (SubQ) or twice daily topical; cycle injectable use

Dose Range

1-2 mg daily SubQ; 1-3% topical

Common Vial Sizes

10mg, 50mg, 100mg

Route of Administration

Subcutaneous, topical, and microneedling-adjacent topical workflows

Regulatory Status

Not FDA-approved for injection. Widely used in cosmetics as Copper Tripeptide-1.

Key Stat

Connectivity Map analysis reported modulation of over 4,000 genes; a 2024 topical trial reported average collagen-density improvement over 3 months.

Peptide Name	GHK-Cu
Aliases	Copper Peptide GHK-Cu; Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper; Copper Tripeptide-1; GHK-Copper
Category / Class	Tissue Repair / Collagen Remodeling / Anti-Aging Peptide
Half-Life	~30-60 minutes plasma (rapid clearance); cellular effects can persist 48-96 hours
Dosing Frequency	Once daily (SubQ) or twice daily topical; cycle injectable use
Dose Range	1-2 mg daily SubQ; 1-3% topical
Common Vial Sizes	10mg, 50mg, 100mg
Route of Administration	Subcutaneous, topical, and microneedling-adjacent topical workflows
Regulatory Status	Not FDA-approved for injection. Widely used in cosmetics as Copper Tripeptide-1.
Key Stat	Connectivity Map analysis reported modulation of over 4,000 genes; a 2024 topical trial reported average collagen-density improvement over 3 months.

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 and is among the most studied regenerative peptides in dermatology and wound-repair literature.

Its compact structure allows high-affinity copper transport into cells, where copper-dependent enzymes linked to collagen organization, antioxidant defense, and tissue remodeling are activated.

Unlike single-pathway compounds, GHK-Cu is researched for broad gene-expression effects, with data sets showing large-scale upregulation of repair-oriented pathways and downregulation of inflammatory/fibrotic signaling patterns.

GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for injectable use. This page is an educational and research reference, not medical advice.

How GHK-Cu Works: Copper-Mediated Gene Modulation and Tissue Remodeling

GHK-Cu combines copper delivery, extracellular-matrix signaling, and broad transcriptional effects to influence tissue quality and repair dynamics.

Copper Delivery and Enzyme Support

GHK-Cu transports copper into cells and supports copper-dependent systems including lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and mitochondrial enzymes that influence collagen structure, oxidative resilience, and cellular energy status.

Collagen and ECM Remodeling

Research shows increased collagen/elastin signaling, glycosaminoglycan support, and matrix-remodeling balance via MMP/TIMP pathway shifts. The target is functional tissue quality rather than rapid disorganized scar output.

Gene-Expression Effects

Connectivity Map analyses indicate broad modulation of repair-relevant genes, including pro-repair and anti-inflammatory signatures. This systems-level profile is one reason GHK-Cu is frequently placed in anti-aging and skin-quality protocols.

Angiogenesis and Wound Context

Preclinical studies report improved wound contraction, reduced inflammatory markers, and enhanced local perfusion signaling, supporting use models where inflammatory burden and remodeling quality both matter.

This mechanism profile differentiates GHK-Cu from tissue-repair peptides focused primarily on angiogenesis or migration alone.

GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol and Administration Schedule

Initiation (injectable)

Weeks 1-2

1 mg/day SubQ

Assess tolerance and rotate sites.

Standard (injectable)

Weeks 3-8+

1-2 mg/day SubQ

Common maintenance range for injectable workflows.

Advanced short-term

4-6 weeks max

2 mg twice daily

High-intensity protocol variant for experienced users only.

Topical face/neck

Ongoing

1-3% cream/serum, 2x daily

Most supported route for visible skin quality outcomes.

Topical scalp

3-6 months

1-3% topical, 1-2x daily

Hair-cycle timelines require sustained consistency.

Post-microneedling

Every 2-4 weeks

1-2% topical immediately post-session

Used as an adjunct in skin-focused workflows.

Injectable cycling

30-60 days on

Follow active daily dose

Common off-period is equal or near-equal duration.

Phase	Weeks	Weekly Dose	Notes
Initiation (injectable)	Weeks 1-2	1 mg/day SubQ	Assess tolerance and rotate sites.
Standard (injectable)	Weeks 3-8+	1-2 mg/day SubQ	Common maintenance range for injectable workflows.
Advanced short-term	4-6 weeks max	2 mg twice daily	High-intensity protocol variant for experienced users only.
Topical face/neck	Ongoing	1-3% cream/serum, 2x daily	Most supported route for visible skin quality outcomes.
Topical scalp	3-6 months	1-3% topical, 1-2x daily	Hair-cycle timelines require sustained consistency.
Post-microneedling	Every 2-4 weeks	1-2% topical immediately post-session	Used as an adjunct in skin-focused workflows.
Injectable cycling	30-60 days on	Follow active daily dose	Common off-period is equal or near-equal duration.

Evidence Level Notice and Dosing Notes

Evidence level: Topical evidence is stronger than injectable evidence. No large injectable RCT has established definitive human dosing standards.

Cycling rationale: Injectable cycling is commonly used to manage long-duration copper exposure and preserve protocol responsiveness.

Copper considerations: Avoid combining injectable GHK-Cu cycles with high-dose copper supplementation; contraindication context includes Wilson disease and copper-metabolism disorders.

Route strategy: Topical is often sufficient for skin/hair targets; injectable is used when systemic remodeling goals are prioritized. Combination route workflows are common.

Timing and site: No strict time-of-day requirement. Standard SubQ sites include abdomen, thigh, and upper arm with routine rotation.

GHK-Cu Reconstitution Guide

Vial Size: 10 mg

BAC Water: 2 mL

Concentration: 5 mg/mL

1 mg: 0.20 mL (20 units)

1.5 mg: 0.30 mL (30 units)

2 mg: 0.40 mL (40 units)

Vial Size: 50 mg

BAC Water: 3 mL

Concentration: 16.67 mg/mL

1 mg: 0.06 mL (6 units)

1.5 mg: 0.09 mL (9 units)

2 mg: 0.12 mL (12 units)

Vial Size: 50 mg

BAC Water: 5 mL

Concentration: 10 mg/mL

1 mg: 0.10 mL (10 units)

1.5 mg: 0.15 mL (15 units)

2 mg: 0.20 mL (20 units)

Vial Size: 100 mg

BAC Water: 3 mL

Concentration: 33.3 mg/mL

1 mg: 0.03 mL (3 units)

1.5 mg: 0.045 mL (~4.5 units)

2 mg: 0.06 mL (6 units)

Vial Size: 100 mg

BAC Water: 10 mL

Concentration: 10 mg/mL

1 mg: 0.10 mL (10 units)

1.5 mg: 0.15 mL (15 units)

2 mg: 0.20 mL (20 units)

Vial Size	BAC Water Added	Concentration	1 mg Dose	1.5 mg Dose	2 mg Dose
10 mg	2 mL	5 mg/mL	0.20 mL (20 units)	0.30 mL (30 units)	0.40 mL (40 units)
50 mg	3 mL	16.67 mg/mL	0.06 mL (6 units)	0.09 mL (9 units)	0.12 mL (12 units)
50 mg	5 mL	10 mg/mL	0.10 mL (10 units)	0.15 mL (15 units)	0.20 mL (20 units)
100 mg	3 mL	33.3 mg/mL	0.03 mL (3 units)	0.045 mL (~4.5 units)	0.06 mL (6 units)
100 mg	10 mL	10 mg/mL	0.10 mL (10 units)	0.15 mL (15 units)	0.20 mL (20 units)

Step-by-Step Reconstitution Instructions

Step-by-step vial preparation visual for peptide reconstitution.

Wipe vial stopper with alcohol and allow to dry.
Draw planned BAC water volume into a sterile syringe.
Inject water against vial wall, not directly onto powder.
Allow gentle flow down the glass; do not force pressure.
Roll vial 30-60 seconds until dissolved; do not shake.
Inspect solution clarity. Slight blue/green tint is expected for GHK-Cu.
Label concentration/date and refrigerate at 2-8C. Use within 30 days.

Need exact syringe units for a custom vial size or BAC water volume? Use the free Peptide Reconstitution Calculator.Open Calculator

GHK-Cu Side Effects and Safety

GHK-Cu has a generally favorable safety profile in topical literature and community injectable practice, but injectable human evidence remains limited.

Injectable effects: Most reported effects are mild, including temporary injection-site irritation, occasional headache, or short-lived lightheadedness.

Topical effects: Topical GHK-Cu is generally well tolerated; mild skin sensitivity is possible in reactive skin types.

Copper context: Chronic high-dose injectable use without cycling is generally avoided due to theoretical copper-accumulation concerns.

Contraindications: Copper metabolism disorders, significant hepatic impairment, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and active infections at application/injection sites.

Evidence boundary: No large RCT has established long-duration injectable safety outcomes.

GHK-Cu Clinical Trial and Research Results

Yuvan / McGill 2024

IRB-approved clinical • 3 months

21 women, topical gel

Reported average collagen-density improvement by ultrasound, with stronger response in high-responder subgroup.

Facial cream controlled study

Controlled clinical • 12 weeks

71 women with photoaging

Improvements reported across laxity, fine lines, and skin density metrics.

Eye-area controlled study

Controlled clinical • 12 weeks

41 women

Reduced wrinkle visibility and improved local skin-quality markers versus control comparators.

Collagen biopsy context

Clinical biomarker • ~1 month

Topical users

Histological evidence supported collagen production response in a majority of participants.

Ischemic wound model

Preclinical • 13 days

Rat ischemic wounds

Faster contraction and reduced inflammatory markers versus controls.

Connectivity Map profiling

In silico / in vitro • N/A

Gene-expression database

Large-scale transcriptional modulation signal with broad repair and inflammation-pathway implications.

Trial	Phase	Duration	Population	Key Result
Yuvan / McGill 2024	IRB-approved clinical	3 months	21 women, topical gel	Reported average collagen-density improvement by ultrasound, with stronger response in high-responder subgroup.
Facial cream controlled study	Controlled clinical	12 weeks	71 women with photoaging	Improvements reported across laxity, fine lines, and skin density metrics.
Eye-area controlled study	Controlled clinical	12 weeks	41 women	Reduced wrinkle visibility and improved local skin-quality markers versus control comparators.
Collagen biopsy context	Clinical biomarker	~1 month	Topical users	Histological evidence supported collagen production response in a majority of participants.
Ischemic wound model	Preclinical	13 days	Rat ischemic wounds	Faster contraction and reduced inflammatory markers versus controls.
Connectivity Map profiling	In silico / in vitro	N/A	Gene-expression database	Large-scale transcriptional modulation signal with broad repair and inflammation-pathway implications.

GHK-Cu has stronger human evidence in topical skin-rejuvenation settings than most peptides in this category. Injectable use remains extrapolated from mechanistic data, preclinical models, and practitioner/community patterns rather than large route-specific RCTs.

Storage and Handling

Lyophilized (powder)

-20C (freezer)

Long-term (years)

Lyophilized (powder)

2-8C (refrigerator)

Months

Lyophilized (powder)

15-25C (room)

Weeks (shipping tolerance)

Reconstituted

2-8C (refrigerator)

Up to 30 days

Reconstituted

Do not freeze

N/A

State	Temperature	Duration
Lyophilized (powder)	-20C (freezer)	Long-term (years)
Lyophilized (powder)	2-8C (refrigerator)	Months
Lyophilized (powder)	15-25C (room)	Weeks (shipping tolerance)
Reconstituted	2-8C (refrigerator)	Up to 30 days
Reconstituted	Do not freeze	N/A

Protect from light, avoid freeze-thaw cycling, and use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose workflows. Slight blue/green coloration after reconstitution is expected for copper complexes.

GHK-Cu vs BPC-157 vs TB-500

Primary Mechanism

GHK-Cu: Copper-mediated gene modulation and ECM remodeling

BPC-157: VEGF/NO modulation and cytoprotection

TB-500: Actin regulation and cell-migration signaling

Half-Life

GHK-Cu: ~30-60 min plasma

BPC-157: <30 min

TB-500: <2 hours plasma

Best Fit

GHK-Cu: Skin quality, collagen remodeling, anti-aging

BPC-157: Tendon/ligament/gut structural repair

TB-500: Systemic and deep-tissue repair contexts

Oral Viability

GHK-Cu: No (topical route is key)

BPC-157: Yes

TB-500: No

Human Clinical Depth

GHK-Cu: Topical controlled trials available

BPC-157: Limited human data

TB-500: Phase I/II context available

Unique Advantage

GHK-Cu: Broad gene-expression profile and dual route utility

BPC-157: Localized and oral-capable repair utility

TB-500: Systemic migration and anti-fibrotic profile

Feature	GHK-Cu	BPC-157	TB-500
Primary Mechanism	Copper-mediated gene modulation and ECM remodeling	VEGF/NO modulation and cytoprotection	Actin regulation and cell-migration signaling
Half-Life	~30-60 min plasma	<30 min	<2 hours plasma
Best Fit	Skin quality, collagen remodeling, anti-aging	Tendon/ligament/gut structural repair	Systemic and deep-tissue repair contexts
Oral Viability	No (topical route is key)	Yes	No
Human Clinical Depth	Topical controlled trials available	Limited human data	Phase I/II context available
Unique Advantage	Broad gene-expression profile and dual route utility	Localized and oral-capable repair utility	Systemic migration and anti-fibrotic profile

These compounds are complementary and are often combined in multi-peptide protocols for repair plus tissue-quality goals.

Dose units differ materially across these compounds. Always verify concentration math and syringe conversion before administration.

GHK-Cu adds copper-cycling considerations not present in standard BPC-157 and TB-500 frameworks.

See the BPC-157 Protocol, TB-500 Protocol and Wolverine Stack for compound-specific guides.

GHK-Cu Stacking Protocols

Stack 1

GHK-Cu + BPC-157 (Collagen Repair Stack)

GHK-Cu supports collagen quality and ECM remodeling while BPC-157 adds vascular and cytoprotective support for structural healing contexts.

See the compound-specific See BPC-157 protocol for additional context.

View protocol

Stack 2

GHK-Cu + TB-500 (Deep Tissue Repair Stack)

Pairs matrix-quality remodeling with migration and anti-fibrotic support where complex injury patterns need broader pathway coverage.

See the compound-specific See TB-500 protocol for additional context.

View protocol

Stack 3

GHK-Cu + KPV (Inflammation + Remodeling)

KPV adds NF-kB-oriented anti-inflammatory control while GHK-Cu drives remodeling and collagen quality, useful in inflammation-plus-skin workflows.

See the compound-specific See KPV protocol for additional context.

View protocol

Frequently Asked Questions - GHK-Cu

Q1: What is the starting dose of GHK-Cu?

Common injectable starts at 1 mg daily, usually titrated to 1-2 mg/day based on tolerance and goals. Topical workflows generally use 1-3% applied once or twice daily.

Q2: What is GHK-Cu's half-life?

Plasma half-life is typically described around 30-60 minutes, while downstream biologic effects can persist much longer due to transcriptional and enzymatic pathway changes.

Q3: What results can be expected from GHK-Cu?

Commonly reported timelines are skin texture/hydration changes in 2-4 weeks and more visible skin-firmness/collagen-quality outcomes over 6-12 weeks, with hair workflows often needing multi-month consistency.

Q4: How do you reconstitute GHK-Cu?

Add bacteriostatic water against the vial wall, roll gently, and avoid shaking. A common setup is 50 mg with 5 mL (10 mg/mL), where 1 mg equals 10 units on a U-100 syringe.

Q5: Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?

GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for injection. It is widely used in cosmetic products under the ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1.

Q6: What are the most common side effects of GHK-Cu?

Most reports are mild and transient, such as injection-site irritation, short headache, or light nausea. Topical irritation can occur in sensitive skin.

Q7: How does GHK-Cu compare to BPC-157 and TB-500?

GHK-Cu is typically chosen for collagen quality and remodeling, BPC-157 for localized structural repair, and TB-500 for systemic migration/deep repair signaling. They are frequently combined.

Q8: What vial sizes is GHK-Cu available in?

Most common lyophilized vial sizes are 10 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Q9: How much bacteriostatic water should be added to GHK-Cu?

A practical standard is 50 mg + 5 mL (10 mg/mL) for clean 1-2 mg dosing math. Higher concentrations can be used but require finer syringe precision.

Q10: Can GHK-Cu be used topically instead of injected?

Yes. Topical GHK-Cu has strong human evidence for skin and hair applications. Injectable use is chosen when broader systemic pathway exposure is desired.

Q11: How should reconstituted GHK-Cu be stored?

Store reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8C, protect from light, and use within about 30 days. Do not freeze the mixed solution.

Q12: Does GHK-Cu help with hair growth?

Hair-focused protocols use GHK-Cu for follicle-support signaling and scalp remodeling context. Visible outcomes generally require sustained multi-month use.

Sources & Research

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration." BioMed Research International, 2015 Link.
Pickart L, Margolina A. "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018 Link.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. "GHK and DNA: Resetting the Human Genome to Health." BioMed Research International, 2014.
Pickart L. "The Human Tripeptide GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Degenerative Conditions of Aging." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2012 Link.
Yuvan Research / McGill University clinical trial summary (EurekAlert). Link.
Maquart FX, Pickart L, et al. "Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+." FEBS Letters, 1988.
Simeon A, et al. "Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+)." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000.
Fu C, et al. "Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction." Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2015.
Broad Institute Connectivity Map (GHK-Cu gene-expression profile). Link.
Wikipedia: Copper peptide GHK-Cu. Link.

Related Protocols

Half-life: <30 min

BPC-157

Tissue Repair / Cytoprotective

View protocol

Half-life: <2 hours

TB-500

Tissue Repair / Actin Sequestration

View protocol

Half-life: short

KPV

Anti-Inflammatory / Melanocortin Fragment

View protocol

Stack Protocol

Wolverine Stack

Combined Tissue Repair

View protocol

Half-life: ~2 hours

Ipamorelin

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Half-life: ~11 min

Sermorelin

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Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and research reference purposes only. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for injectable use. It is an approved cosmetic ingredient for topical formulations. No compounds discussed on this site are intended for human consumption. This is not medical advice.

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