GHK-Cu
A copper peptide for anti-aging skin, wound healing, and hair regrowth. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is a naturally occurring tripeptide with a copper ion that declines with age. Researched for wound healing, skin regeneration, anti-aging, hair growth, and collagen synthesis. Available in topical and injectable forms for research.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- Length: 3 amino acids + Cu²⁺(Tripeptide-copper complex.)
- Natural levels: Decline with age(~200 ng/mL at 20, ~80 ng/mL at 60.)
- Forms: Topical & injectable(Both forms used in research.)
- Primary Use: Skin/anti-aging(Collagen, wound healing, hair growth.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
GHK-Cu Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
Copper Peptide — Regenerative / Wound HealingTarget → Repair Signal → Tissue Healing → Outcomes
Multiple: Copper-Dependent Enzymes + Gene Expression
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide. The tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) delivers copper to tissues, activating copper-dependent enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and wound healing. It also modulates expression of over 4,000 genes.
Gene Expression Modulation → Tissue Regeneration
GHK-Cu resets gene expression patterns toward a younger, more regenerative profile. It upregulates collagen, decorin, and other extracellular matrix components while downregulating inflammatory and tissue-destructive genes. The copper delivery activates superoxide dismutase and other protective enzymes.
Skin Regeneration + Hair Growth + Tissue Repair
Enhanced collagen production improves skin elasticity and wound healing. Follicle stimulation supports hair growth. Systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Available both as injectable (systemic) and topical (localized skin/hair).
Skin Quality → Hair Improvement → Healing
Improved skin texture and elasticity (weeks to months). Hair thickening and growth support. Faster wound healing. Injectable provides systemic effects while topical targets skin and hair specifically. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced penetration.
What Makes This Peptide Different
GHK-Cu is unique as a copper-delivery peptide that modulates thousands of genes. Unlike targeted peptides that affect one pathway, GHK-Cu resets broad gene expression patterns toward regeneration. Available both as injectable (systemic) and topical (skin/hair). Naturally present in blood plasma but declines with age.
Dosing Protocol
Healing / Skin / HairEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Popular Stack Protocols
1 stackCommonly paired protocols from the peptide research community. Educational reference only.
🧬 BPC-157 + GHK-Cu
Healing / Skin / Tissue RepairWhy This Dosing Protocol
Why daily? GHK-Cu's gene-modulatory effects require consistent presence to maintain the regenerative gene expression profile.
Topical vs Injectable: Topical is preferred for skin and hair targets. Injectable provides broader systemic regenerative effects. Both are effective for their respective applications.
Diagrams
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GHK-Cu Pricing
We surface in-stock offers first and normalize by price per mg for quick comparisons.
50 mg / vial
In-stock offers100 mg / vial
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Out of stock (1)
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Stacks
GHK-Cu is commonly paired with ipamorelin in GH-axis research discussions. For comparing bundles fairly, we normalize stack value using the GHK-Cu amount as the driving peptide (assuming ratios remain consistent as bundle sizes scale).
BPC-157 + GHK-Cu + TB-500
Glow Stack
| Vendor | Stack | Price | $/mg (CJC) | COA | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Pep | 80mg | $158.00 | $1.98 | Go → |
Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
Open calculatorEducational Videos
How to Reconstitute Peptides
Handling
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
What is GHK-Cu used for?
GHK-Cu (copper peptide) is researched for wound healing, skin regeneration, anti-aging, hair growth, and collagen synthesis. It naturally occurs in the body but declines with age. Available in topical and injectable forms for different research applications.
What is GHK-Cu and how does it work?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) bound to copper. It works by activating genes involved in tissue remodeling — upregulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while suppressing inflammation and oxidative damage. The copper ion is essential for its biological activity.
Why do GHK-Cu levels decline with age?
GHK-Cu is abundant in youth (around 200 ng/mL in plasma at age 20) but drops to about 80 ng/mL by age 60. This decline correlates with reduced wound healing, skin aging, and decreased regenerative capacity. Restoring GHK-Cu levels is a target for anti-aging research.
Can GHK-Cu be used topically or does it need injection?
Both routes work but for different purposes. Topical GHK-Cu (creams, serums) is popular for skin anti-aging and wound healing — it penetrates skin reasonably well. Injectable GHK-Cu provides systemic effects and is used for deeper tissue healing, hair growth, and broader anti-aging benefits.
Does GHK-Cu help with hair growth?
Yes, research shows GHK-Cu can stimulate hair growth by increasing hair follicle size, prolonging the anagen (growth) phase, and improving scalp blood flow. It's often used topically on the scalp or combined with microneedling. Some protocols combine it with other hair growth peptides like PTD-DBM.
What are the anti-aging effects of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and elastin production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin firmness and elasticity, reduces hyperpigmentation, and accelerates wound healing. It also has antioxidant properties and can help with skin repair after procedures like laser treatments or chemical peels.
Can GHK-Cu help with tissue healing?
Yes, GHK-Cu is one of the most studied peptides for wound healing. It accelerates wound closure, reduces scarring, promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and attracts immune cells to injury sites. It's been researched for surgical wounds, burns, and chronic non-healing ulcers.
What are the side effects of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is generally very well-tolerated as it's a naturally occurring peptide. Topical use rarely causes irritation. Injectable use may cause mild injection site reactions. Some report temporary skin flushing. Excessive copper intake should be avoided, so don't combine multiple copper-containing supplements without consideration.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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