GHK (Basic) Research Guide

Full name: GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, Copper-Free)

The copper-free form of the human tripeptide GHK, the same signaling peptide that binds copper to form GHK-Cu. On its own it is used for skin remodeling and tissue-repair signaling; it naturally chelates copper from the body.

How GHK (Basic) Works

GHK is a matrikine signal peptide that resets gene expression toward tissue repair, stimulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and modulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. It readily binds copper to become GHK-Cu in situ.

Dosing Protocol

• Typical dose: Topical serum (~1-3 mg/mL)
• Frequency: 1-2x daily
• Duration: Ongoing
• Route: Topical

Reported Benefits

• Skin remodeling and repair signaling
• Stimulates collagen and elastin
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Supports wound healing
• Improves skin firmness

Potential Side Effects

• Mild irritation (rare)
• Contact sensitivity (rare)

Research Citations

1. GHK gene-expression resetting (2015) - GHK shifted gene expression toward tissue repair and regeneration, upregulating collagen and antioxidant pathways.

Related Skin & Anti-Aging Compounds

• Copper Peptides - Full Profile
• Matrixyl - Full Profile
• Argireline - Full Profile
• Leuphasyl - Full Profile
• SNAP-8 - Full Profile
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 - Full Profile

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