Benefits
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production for skin firmness and elasticitystrong
- Accelerates wound healing and reduces scarringstrong
- Anti-aging effects — reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spotsmoderate
- Promotes hair growth and increases hair follicle sizemoderate
- Anti-inflammatory — reduces oxidative damage and free radical productionstrong
- May modulate gene expression toward a healthier pattern (4,000+ genes)preliminary
- Supports bone density and joint health via collagen synthesispreliminary
Dosage Protocols
| Route | Dosage Range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical (serum/cream) | 1–2% concentration | 1–2× daily | Most common for skin rejuvenation; apply to clean skin |
| Subcutaneous injection | 1–2 mg | Daily for 10–20 day cycles | For systemic anti-aging and healing effects |
| Microneedling (transdermal) | 1–2% solution | Every 2–4 weeks | Combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration |
Medical disclaimer
Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Side Effects
- Skin irritation or redness at application site (topical)common
- Injection site bruising or swellingcommon
- Mild nausea (subcutaneous injection)rare
- Headacherare
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Articles
- GHK-Cu: The Complete Guide to Copper Peptide GHK-CuA comprehensive guide to GHK-Cu, the naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, anti-aging, and gene expression modulation. Covers mechanism of action, evidence levels by use case, administration routes, and what the research actually shows.
- GHK-Cu Benefits: What the Research Actually ShowsEvidence-based breakdown of GHK-Cu benefits including skin rejuvenation, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, hair growth, and anti-aging gene expression. Each benefit rated by strength of evidence from published research.
- GHK-Cu Dosage: What Research and Practitioner Experience SuggestEducational overview of GHK-Cu dosing across topical, injectable, and microneedling routes. Covers research-derived concentration ranges, cycling conventions, and why no standardized protocol exists for this copper-binding tripeptide.
- GHK-Cu Side Effects: Safety Profile and What to Watch ForWhat does the research say about GHK-Cu side effects? Covers topical irritation, injectable concerns, copper toxicity questions, drug interactions, and practical risk reduction approaches based on available evidence.
Use cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu and where does it come from?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide in human blood plasma. It was first identified by Dr. Loren Pickart in the 1970s. Your body produces it naturally, but levels decline significantly with age — by about 60% between ages 20 and 60.
Is GHK-Cu better applied topically or injected?
For skin-specific benefits (wrinkles, skin texture, scars), topical application is effective and convenient. For systemic effects (joint health, overall anti-aging, hair growth), subcutaneous injection delivers higher bioavailability. Many users combine both approaches.
How long does GHK-Cu take to show results?
Topical: visible skin texture improvements typically appear within 2–4 weeks, with collagen remodeling continuing over 2–3 months. Injection: anti-aging and healing effects are typically reported within 2–4 weeks of daily injection cycles.
Can GHK-Cu promote hair regrowth?
Research suggests GHK-Cu can increase hair follicle size and stimulate growth. A 2012 study showed it was comparable to minoxidil 5% for increasing hair follicle size. It is most effective for early-stage thinning rather than complete baldness.
Is GHK-Cu safe to use with other skincare ingredients?
GHK-Cu is compatible with most skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid and ceramides. However, avoid using it simultaneously with strong acids (AHA/BHA at high concentrations) or vitamin C serums, as low pH can reduce copper peptide efficacy.
References
Last updated: 2026-02-14