Skin/HairCategory 1 — Legally Compoundable

GHK-Cu

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine Copper

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Reconstitution

Overview

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of a human tripeptide found in plasma. It is a well-established topical cosmetic ingredient for photoaged skin and is NOT an FDA-approved drug.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu acts as a copper delivery vehicle, supporting cuproenzymes (lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase, cytochrome c oxidase), stimulating dermal fibroblast activity and synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, and producing broad transcriptional effects that upregulate DNA repair and antioxidant genes while downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways.

Research Summary

Peer-reviewed evidence is strongest for topical application in photoaging and wound healing (controlled human studies). Microarray work by Pickart and colleagues reports modulation of ~4,000 genes. Injectable (SubQ) use for systemic effects is a grey-market practice with little or no controlled human data. Not FDA-approved; appears on FDA's Category 1 bulk substances nominated list for compounding.

Dosing Information

Typical Dose

Topical ~2% cream; SubQ 1-2 mg (unvalidated)

Range

Topical ~2%; SubQ 1-2 mg

Frequency

Topical 1-2x daily; SubQ (research-only) typically daily

Route

Topical (primary) or SubQ (research-only)

Duration

4-12 weeks

Reconstitution

50mg vial + 2mL bacteriostatic water = 25mg/mL (for SubQ research)

Notes

Topical is by far the most evidence-based route. No clinically validated injection dose exists. Sustained high-dose copper exposure is a theoretical concern.

Verified testing for GHK-Cu

Aggregated from 187 lab-verified Certificates of Analysis uploaded directly by 1 verified lab. Purity averages exclude values outside [50%, 100%] to filter unit-misreads.

COAs

187

Verified labs

Avg purity

99.64%

±1.05%

Endotoxin tested

38%

Tested by

ILS Labs6 COAsA

See every GHK-Cu COA

Reported Side Effects

Local irritation or erythema (topical)
Injection site reactions (SubQ)
Theoretical risk of copper overload with sustained high-dose exposure

Contraindications

Wilson's disease or other copper metabolism disorders
Known hypersensitivity to copper complexes
Active skin infections at the application site

Labs to monitor before & during your GHK-Cu protocol

These biomarkers are commonly tracked to assess response and safety. Run baseline labs before starting, mid-cycle labs halfway through, and post-cycle labs 1–2 weeks after the final dose.

Serum copperCeruloplasminFerritinSkin biopsy/imaging markers

Commonly Stacked With

BPC-157 Epithalon

Research References

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015. PMID 26236730. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26236730/
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018. PMID 29986520. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29986520/
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:151479. PMID 25302294. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25302294/

This platform provides informational tools only, not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed provider.