Also known as: Copper Peptide GHK-Cu, Copper Tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II), Loren Pickart Copper Peptide, GHK, Ghk, ghk cu
Skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and tissue repair via copper peptide signaling
Amount
Topical: 0.01-1% in cream/serum; SC injection: 1-2 mg daily
Frequency
Topical: once or twice daily; SC: once daily
Duration
Topical: 8-12 weeks for visible results; SC: 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Route
TopicalSchedule
Topical: once or twice daily; SC: once daily
Timing
Topical: morning and/or evening on clean skin; SC: any time of day
✓ Rotate injection sites
Duration
Topical: 8-12 weeks for visible results; SC: 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Rest Period
4 weeks off between cycles
Repeatable
Yes
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
Storage: Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C to 4°C. Topical formulations: Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Reconstituted solution: Refrigerate at 2-8°C, use within 2 weeks.
CMP
When: Baseline
Why: Liver and kidney function baseline
Serum copper and ceruloplasmin (for injection use)
When: Baseline
Why: Baseline copper status; avoid supplementation in copper overload conditions
CBC
When: Baseline
Why: General health baseline
Serum copper
When: 4 weeks (injection use only)
Why: Ensure copper levels remain within normal range
CMP
When: 4 weeks (injection use only)
Why: Monitor liver function
Serum copper
When: Ongoing
Why: Elevation above normal range indicates copper accumulation; discontinue injection use
⚠️ Elevation above normal range indicates copper accumulation; discontinue injection use
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GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. The peptide consists of three amino acids — glycine, histidine, and lysine — that form a high-affinity complex with copper(II) ions. Found naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine, GHK-Cu levels decline with age, from approximately 200 ng/mL in plasma at age 20 to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60 (Pickart L et al., 2012; PMID 22666519)1.
GHK-Cu has attracted research interest for its diverse biological activities, including wound healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory signaling, and modulation of gene expression patterns associated with tissue repair and regeneration.
GHK-Cu exerts its biological effects through multiple interconnected mechanisms:
The copper(II) ion is essential for the activity of numerous metalloenzymes involved in tissue repair, including lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), and cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial respiration).
Broad Connectivity Map (CMAP) analyses report GHK-Cu may modulate the expression of approximately 31.2% of human genes (~4,000+ genes), with upregulation of genes associated with tissue repair and stem cell function, and downregulation of genes associated with inflammation and tissue destruction (Pickart L et al., 2015; PMID 26236730)3.
Research on GHK-Cu spans dermatology, wound healing, and regenerative medicine. Animal studies have reported accelerated wound closure, increased collagen deposition, and anti-inflammatory effects2. In cosmetic applications, clinical studies have reported improvements in skin firmness, elasticity, and appearance of fine lines (magnitude varies across small clinical studies).
GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration, published in BioMed Research International (Pickart L et al., 2015; PMID: 26236730):
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2012. PMID: 22666519. DOI: 10.1155/2012/324832. ↩
Pickart L, Margolina A. Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu: biological activity and potential therapeutic applications. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics. 2018. DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics5010011. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015. PMID: 26236730. DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108. ↩
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See real-world usage patterns alongside the clinical evidence above. Community-sourced, not clinically verified.
Based on 90+ community reports
View community protocolsGHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis, promotes wound healing, increases elastin production, and modulates over 4,000 genes related to tissue remodeling. Topical studies show improved skin firmness, reduced wrinkle depth, and enhanced skin thickness comparable to tretinoin.
Preclinical studies suggest GHK-Cu may support hair growth by increasing hair follicle size, stimulating blood flow to follicles, and blocking DHT-related pathways. It is found in some topical hair products, though large-scale human clinical trials are limited.
Both routes show effects in research. Topical GHK-Cu at 0.01-1% concentration is most studied for skin and hair applications. Injectable use is researched for systemic wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects but has less clinical data.
GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as a drug. It is commercially available as a cosmetic ingredient in topical skincare formulations. Cosmetic products containing GHK-Cu are widely sold but are not regulated as pharmaceuticals.
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This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
BPC-157 for deep tissue, GI, and musculoskeletal healing research; GHK-Cu for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and accessible topical applications
GHK-Cu is the more potent and versatile anti-aging peptide with broader biological activity, stronger clinical evidence for wrinkle reduction, and additional benefits for wound healing, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. In a direct head-to-head comparison, GHK-Cu reduced wrinkle volume 31.6% more than Matrixyl 3000. However, Matrixyl is better tolerated, easier to formulate, more widely available in commercial products, and more compatible with other skincare actives. For maximum anti-aging effect, GHK-Cu is superior. For everyday cosmetic use with minimal formulation concerns, Matrixyl is the more practical choice. The two peptides can also be combined synergistically.
GHK-Cu for surface tissue repair, skin rejuvenation, and accessible topical use; TB-500 for deeper systemic healing, cardiac repair, and musculoskeletal injuries
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