GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper Peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
Key Facts: GHK-Cu
- Category
- Skin & Hair
- FDA Status
- Not FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- Widely used in cosmetics - Human clinical studies support topical efficacy. Injectable compounding was FDA Category 2 restricted; pending reclassification to Category 1 (April 15, 2026 HHS announcement; PCAC review July 23-24, 2026)
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection or topical application
- Typical Dose
- 1-2 mg daily (injection) or 0.05% topical
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Duration
- Varies by application
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes glycosaminoglycan production, supports blood vessel growth, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It remodels damaged tissue and activates wound-healing genes.
Research Summary
2023 double-blind split-face study (n=60) showed 22% increased skin firmness and 16% reduction in fine lines with 0.05% GHK-Cu serum. 2024 multicenter study found 25% faster epithelial recovery after laser resurfacing. 2025 research demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in ulcerative colitis model via SIRT1/STAT3 pathway. Growing evidence for wound healing and anti-aging applications.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
1-2 mg daily (injection) or 0.05% topical
0.5-3 mg daily
Once daily
Most clinical evidence is for topical use (0.05% concentration). Can be injected subcutaneously or used topically for skin/hair. Copper peptide with wound healing and anti-aging properties.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
Doses observed in research and cosmetic use
Doses from Studies
1-2 mg for injectable protocols
Topical: various concentrations in serums
Duration
Varies by application
Administration
Subcutaneous injection or topical application
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Evening (for skin/recovery)
1-2 times daily
Food Recommendation
With or without food
Why This Timing?
GHK-Cu supports tissue repair which occurs primarily during sleep. Evening use may enhance overnight recovery.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Generally well-tolerated
- ●Topical: mild skin irritation, redness, or tingling
- ●Injectable: injection site reactions
- ●May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity
- ●Risk of copper toxicity with excessive use
- ●Contraindicated with Wilson's disease
- ●Caution with active cancer (angiogenesis concern)
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26236730/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18644225/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25690343/
Research This Peptide Further
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GHK-Cu do?
A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Widely used in skincare for its wound healing and anti-aging properties.
How does GHK-Cu work?
GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes glycosaminoglycan production, supports blood vessel growth, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It remodels damaged tissue and activates wound-healing genes.
Is GHK-Cu FDA approved?
No, GHK-Cu is not currently FDA approved. Current status: Widely used in cosmetics - Human clinical studies support topical efficacy. Injectable compounding was FDA Category 2 restricted; pending reclassification to Category 1 (April 15, 2026 HHS announcement; PCAC review July 23-24, 2026)
What are the side effects of GHK-Cu?
Reported side effects include: Generally well-tolerated, Topical: mild skin irritation, redness, or tingling, Injectable: injection site reactions, May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity, Risk of copper toxicity with excessive use. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal health factors.
What is the typical dose of GHK-Cu?
Community-reported common dose: 1-2 mg daily (injection) or 0.05% topical (Once daily). Range: 0.5-3 mg daily. Administration: Subcutaneous injection or topical application. Community-reported doses. Not medical advice. Consult healthcare provider.
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with GHK-Cu or used in similar applications.
BPC-157
PreclinicalA synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. Known for its remarkable tissue healing properties across multiple body systems. FDA classified as Category 2 in 2023, restricting compounding.
HealingTB-500
PreclinicalA synthetic 17-amino acid fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-4). Unlike TB-4, TB-500 has a longer half-life (~2-4 days vs ~2 hours) and is the active region responsible for tissue repair and cell migration. Note: Many vendors mislabel TB-4 as 'TB-500' in premixed products.
HealingMatrixyl
ResearchA collagen-stimulating peptide widely used in anti-aging skincare. One of the first peptides proven to reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen synthesis.
Skin & HairMatrixyl 3000
ResearchAn advanced version of Matrixyl combining two peptides for enhanced anti-aging effects. Targets both collagen production and inflammation.
Skin & HairCopper Peptide AHK-Cu
ResearchA copper-binding tripeptide primarily used for hair growth stimulation. Shows promise for both hair loss prevention and scalp health.
Skin & HairMelanotan I
FDAA 13-amino acid synthetic analog of α-MSH that stimulates melanin production. FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for treating phototoxicity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). More selective than Melanotan II with fewer side effects.
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