GHK-Cu

Quickstart highlights

Dosing & reconstitution guide

Standard protocol (5 mL = 20 mg/mL)

A 100 mg vial dissolved in 5 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 20 mg/mL. Calculate your own dilution →

Reconstitution steps

1. Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
2. Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
3. Draw up 5 mL of bacteriostatic water.
4. Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
5. Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
6. Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.

Supplies needed

• GHK-Cu vial (100 mg)
• Bacteriostatic water
• Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
• Alcohol swabs and sharps container

Protocol overview

Dosing protocol in research

Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.

Storage instructions

• Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
• After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
• Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Important notes

How this works

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a copper ion. It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, though levels decline with age. Researchers study this complex for its potential roles in tissue repair and the regulation of inflammatory processes.

The peptide acts as a carrier that delivers copper to specific cells. Once bound, it influences the expression of genes responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and decorin. Studies suggest an interaction with metalloproteinases, enzymes that break down damaged tissue to allow for new growth. It also appears to support the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Unlike copper alone, the GHK binding ensures targeted delivery and bioavailability. Its plasma half-life is very short, approximately 30 minutes, as enzymes rapidly degrade the peptide.

Research into GHK-Cu spans cell cultures, animal models, and various human studies focused on cosmetic applications. Animal research has observed activity at doses as low as 0.5 mcg/kg, while human protocols often use milligram-range dosing for systemic effects. There is currently no official clinical approval for systemic use; the substance is not approved by the FDA or EMA for medical treatment. GHK-Cu is not on the WADA prohibited list but remains a research compound. Many questions regarding the long-term effects of systemic copper accumulation remain unanswered.

Potential benefits & side effects

Effects described in research

• Collagen production and skin firmness
• Wound healing
• Hair growth support (topical)

Common side effects

• Stinging or burning at injection site
• Redness

Local reactions such as redness, irritation, or a stinging sensation upon injection are the most reported side effects. With systemic use, there is a theoretical risk of disrupting the copper-zinc balance, though this is rarely documented in short-term studies. Safety data regarding long-term human use is currently unavailable.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active or prior cancer
• Under 18 years of age
• Wilson's disease (copper accumulation)

Lifestyle factors

• Keep a log of doses, timing and observed effects.
• Adequate sleep, hydration and a stable diet.

Injection technique

• Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
• Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
• Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
• Rotate sites and use each needle once.

Recommended source

Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.

As a reference we use the GHK-Cu from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.

Frequently asked questions