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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

GHK-Cu Dosage Guide: Injection, Topical & Protocol

Educational reference for GHK-Cu (copper peptide) dosage protocols including subcutaneous injection, topical application, and microneedling as discussed in published research.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Dosages described reflect ranges discussed in published research and clinical practice literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide. Legality and availability vary by jurisdiction.

Overview

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma. Research has demonstrated its involvement in wound healing, tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling. The peptide is found endogenously at approximately 200 ng/mL in plasma at age 20, declining to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60, which has prompted interest in supplementation. GHK-Cu has been studied in both injectable and topical formats, with topical copper peptide serums being widely available in the skincare market. The following dosage information is compiled from research literature for educational reference only.

Dosing Protocols

Subcutaneous Injection Protocol

Route: Subcutaneous
Dose: 200–600 mcg
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 4–8 weeks

Discussed in research contexts for systemic wound healing and anti-aging effects. Start at the lower end of the range to assess individual tolerance. Inject into fatty tissue (abdomen, thigh). Rotate injection sites.

Topical Serum Application

Route: Topical
Dose: 1–3% concentration
Frequency: Twice daily (morning and evening)
Duration: Ongoing — effects reported in studies after 8–12 weeks of consistent use

Apply to clean, dry skin. Commonly used on the face, neck, and hands. Research by Pickart et al. has documented improvements in skin thickness, elasticity, and firmness with regular topical application of copper peptides.

Microneedling Combination Protocol

Route: Topical (post-microneedling)
Dose: 1–2% GHK-Cu serum applied after microneedling session
Frequency: Once every 2–4 weeks (aligned with microneedling sessions)
Duration: 3–6 sessions total

Microneedling creates microchannels that enhance peptide absorption into the dermis. Apply GHK-Cu serum immediately after the microneedling procedure. This approach has been discussed in dermatological literature for scar remodeling and skin rejuvenation.

Reconstitution & Storage

Vial sizes50 mg lyophilized powder per vial (injectable format)
Recommended water volume2 mL bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
StorageStore unreconstituted vials at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F). Protect from light.
Stability once reconstitutedReconstituted solution is generally stable for up to 30 days when refrigerated. Copper peptide solutions may develop a blue tint, which is normal and indicates the copper complex is intact.

Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe units for your dose.

Cycle Guidance

For injectable protocols, cycles of 4–8 weeks followed by a similar off period are commonly discussed. Topical application can generally be used on an ongoing basis, as systemic absorption from topical copper peptides is minimal. Research has not established firm cycling requirements, but periodic breaks from injectable use are often recommended in community protocols.

Stacking Considerations

  • Frequently discussed alongside BPC-157 for enhanced tissue repair and wound healing, as the two peptides may act through complementary pathways.
  • Topical GHK-Cu is often combined with retinoids (with separate application times — retinoid at night, GHK-Cu in morning) in skincare protocols.
  • May be used concurrently with TB-500 for recovery-focused stacks, though clinical evidence for this combination is absent.
  • Avoid combining topical GHK-Cu with strong acids (AHAs, BHAs at high concentrations) in the same application, as low pH may destabilize the copper complex.

Potential Side Effects

  • Injection site irritation, redness, or mild swelling
  • Skin flushing (transient, typically mild)
  • Mild headache reported in some users of injectable protocols
  • Contact dermatitis from topical application (uncommon; patch test recommended)
  • Theoretical copper accumulation with prolonged high-dose injectable use
  • Nausea at higher injectable doses (rare)

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to copper or any component of the formulation
  • Wilson disease or other copper metabolism disorders — exogenous copper may exacerbate copper overload
  • Active skin infections at the intended topical application or injection site
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data
  • Individuals with hepatic impairment should exercise caution due to copper metabolism through the liver

Related

GHK-Cu Profileskin healthhair growthhealinganti agingbpc-157 dosageepithalon dosage

References

  1. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health (2008) — PubMed
  2. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration (2015) — PubMed
  3. GHK-Cu may prevent oxidative stress in skin by regulating copper and modifying expression of numerous antioxidant genes (2020) — PubMed
  4. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data (2018)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between injectable and topical GHK-Cu?
Injectable GHK-Cu delivers the peptide systemically, allowing it to reach tissues throughout the body. This route is discussed in research for systemic wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Topical GHK-Cu primarily affects the skin where it is applied, with minimal systemic absorption. Both forms have been studied, but topical copper peptides have the larger body of dermatological evidence.
How long does it take to see results from GHK-Cu?
Published research on topical copper peptides reports measurable improvements in skin thickness and elasticity after 8–12 weeks of twice-daily application. For injectable protocols, users in community reports describe noticing effects on skin quality and healing speed within 2–4 weeks. Results depend significantly on the specific outcome being targeted and individual biology.
Is GHK-Cu the same as other copper peptides in skincare?
GHK-Cu is one specific copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys with a copper ion). The term "copper peptides" in skincare is sometimes used broadly and may include GHK-Cu as well as other copper-peptide complexes like AHK-Cu. When selecting products, look for formulations that specifically list GHK-Cu as the active ingredient, as this is the form with the most published research by Pickart and colleagues.
Can GHK-Cu help with hair loss?
Research has suggested that GHK-Cu may support hair follicle health by increasing follicle size, stimulating blood flow to the scalp, and reducing follicular inflammation. A study by Pyo et al. demonstrated that copper peptides could extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle in animal models. While promising, large-scale controlled human trials are limited, and results are discussed as preliminary.
What concentration of GHK-Cu serum is most effective?
Most published studies on topical GHK-Cu have used concentrations between 1% and 3%. Higher concentrations are not necessarily more effective and may increase the risk of skin irritation. Research by Pickart and Margolina (2018) suggests that even low concentrations can produce meaningful biological effects given consistent application over several weeks.