ResearchSafe

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide GHK-Cu (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Copper))

Category: Skin & Anti-Aging. Status: Research compound.

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age. Promotes collagen synthesis, wound healing, and has broad regenerative effects on skin, hair follicles, and tissues.

How it works

Copper delivery enhances antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD), stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes stem cell activation, and modulates gene expression.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: 403.93 Da
  • Half-life: ~2-4 hours
  • Bioavailability: Topical: local; Injectable: ~90% subcutaneous
  • Storage: Topical: room temperature, protect from light. Injectable: 2-8°C reconstituted.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: 1-3 mg topical · 200-500 mcg injectable
  • Frequency: Daily (topical) · 3x/week (injectable)
  • Duration: 8-12 weeks
  • Route: Topical cream/serum or subcutaneous injection

Protocol notes

  • Skin/hair/anti-aging: a 1-3 mg/mL topical applied daily to clean skin is the most common route.
  • Systemic healing: 200-500 mcg subcutaneously ~3x weekly, often stacked with BPC-157/TB-500.

Reported benefits

  • Collagen and elastin synthesis
  • Wound healing acceleration
  • Skin tightening and remodeling
  • Hair follicle stimulation
  • Antioxidant protection

Possible side effects

  • Skin irritation (topical)
  • Injection site bruising
  • Temporary redness

Research

  • GHK-Cu gene expression modulation (2020): Identified modulation of 4,000+ genes involved in tissue repair, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer pathways.
  • Copper peptides in skin rejuvenation (2019): Demonstrated significant improvement in skin laxity, clarity, and fine line reduction over 12 weeks.

Community reviews of GHK-Cu

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 community reviews by ResearchSafe members.

  • honest_wes rated it 4/5 - Does something, just subtle for the price: Did a full 10-week cycle and my fine lines are maybe 10-15% better. For the money and the daily pinning I expected more. No real hair change yet, though I know 10 weeks is short for hair. I did get mild flushing and a headache after injecting a couple times, which I think is a histamine thing. Not mad I tried it, just would not call it dramatic.
  • labrat_zoe rated it 5/5 - Nicks and blemishes heal faster: First thing I noticed was small nicks and blemishes healing faster, which sold me it is actually doing something. Been running it for general skin quality since and the tone and glow have steadily improved. Broke out briefly at the start. Buy tested product and be careful with the recon.
  • retired_hank rated it 5/5 - Crepey skin looks fuller: The main thing for me was my skin looking fuller and less crepey after a few months, especially on my arms and neck. Slow to show but it stuck. No side effects beyond the odd bruise. If you are patient and consistent it delivers a quiet, real improvement.
  • grace_k rated it 5/5 - 50F, first thing to firm my neck: Started around 1.5mg five days a week. By week 6 my husband noticed my neck and under-eye looked firmer, which never happens. My shedding slowed a lot too. Side effects were minor redness and one bruise. Only real complaint is you have to cycle it and my skin backslides a bit during the off weeks. Easily my favorite skin peptide so far.
  • coastal_daph rated it 5/5 - Dewy skin and an old scar flattened: About 7 weeks into subQ at 2mg most days and my skin genuinely looks better, pores less obvious, that dewy thing people mention, and an old chin scar flattened out. Not a miracle, more like "did you change your skincare?" level. Got a faint blue-green mark at one site that freaked me out until I read it is just copper. First two weeks I broke out. Keeping going.
  • midwest_cora rated it 5/5 - Even tone and glow, buy tested: Tone evened out and I got that glow by around week 6. The big caveat with this whole category is sourcing, I only run vials with a COA. Cycled off and my skin backslid a little, which honestly convinced me it was the peptide doing the work. Reordering.

Compare GHK-Cu

Community discussions about GHK-Cu

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.