GHK-Cu Dosing Calculator
GHK-Cu: Copper tripeptide for skin healing and anti-aging.
Pre-filled with the most-reported community reconstitution protocol for GHK-Cu. See how 1 mL and 2 mL of bacteriostatic water change concentration and syringe-draw volume, then adjust the calculator below for your own vial.
Quick answer · Community-reported standard
A 5 mg vial of GHK-Cu reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL. At that concentration, a 1 mg dose of GHK-Cu equals 40 units on a U-100 insulin syringe (0.400 mL). GHK-Cu is typically administered every other day via subcutaneous.
GHK-Cu reconstitution: 1 mL vs 2 mL bac water
Bacteriostatic water volume is flexible. Less water means higher concentration and smaller injection volumes; more water means lower concentration and easier dose precision. Both options below are valid for a 5 mg vial.
| BAC water added | Concentration | Volume per 1 mg dose | Draw on U-100 syringe (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5.00 mg/mL | 0.200 mL | 20 units |
| 2 mL | 2.50 mg/mL | 0.400 mL | 40 units |
Calculate your GHK-Cu dose
Alternative GHK-Cu protocols
Beyond the default above, GHK-Cu is also reported in the following protocols. Use these as starting points and recalculate with the tool above.
Topical Skin Rejuvenation Protocol
Community- Dose
- 1-3% concentration serum
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Duration
- 8-12 weeks ongoing
- Route
- Topical
Most common route; applied to clean skin as serum or mixed into cream base for anti-aging and wound healing
Hair Restoration Protocol
Community- Dose
- 1-2% concentration
- Frequency
- Once daily to scalp
- Duration
- 12+ weeks
- Route
- Topical
Applied directly to scalp areas of thinning; some users combine with microneedling for enhanced penetration
Microneedling + GHK-Cu Protocol
Community- Dose
- 1-2% concentration
- Frequency
- 1-2 times per week (microneedling sessions)
- Duration
- 8-12 weeks
- Route
- Topical (with microneedling)
Microneedling followed by topical GHK-Cu application to enhance penetration and stimulate collagen remodeling
Topical Skin Rejuvenation
Clinical- Dose
- 0.01-1% concentration in cream or serum
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Duration
- 8-12 weeks for visible results
Most commercial products contain 0.01-0.1% GHK-Cu
Wound Healing (Topical Research)
Clinical- Dose
- 0.5-2% in hydrogel or cream formulation
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily application to wound area
- Duration
- Until wound closure
Based on preclinical animal wound models
GHK-Cu reconstitution & storage
Lyophilized GHK-Cu reconstituted with sterile water or bacteriostatic water for injection use. For topical, typically supplied pre-formulated in creams or serums.
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.
GHK-Cu dosing FAQ
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to a 5 mg vial of GHK-Cu?
The community standard is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water for a 5 mg GHK-Cu vial. That gives a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL, so a 1 mg dose is 40 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Adding 1 mL instead doubles the concentration to 5.00 mg/mL and halves the draw to 20 units. Less water = smaller injection volume but harder to measure precisely.
How many syringe units is a 1 mg dose of GHK-Cu?
On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, a 1 mg dose of GHK-Cu is 40 units when the 5 mg vial is reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (2.50 mg/mL). If you use 1 mL of bac water instead, draw 20 units (5.00 mg/mL).
What is the standard GHK-Cu dose?
Community-reported protocols for GHK-Cu typically use 1 mg–2 mg every other day via Subcutaneous. 1 mg is a common starting dose. Injectable protocol for systemic anti-aging effects; most common dose is 2 mg daily. Gaining popularity despite limited clinical validation for this route
How long does a vial of GHK-Cu last at 1 mg every other day?
A 5 mg vial of GHK-Cu contains roughly 5 doses at 1 mg per injection. At every other day dosing, that is approximately 10 days (about 1 weeks) of supply per vial. Reconstituted GHK-Cu should generally be used within 28 days when refrigerated.
Where do you inject GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is typically injected subcutaneous. Common sites reported in the literature and by users include: Subcutaneous (abdomen) - research use, Subcutaneous (thigh) - research use, Topical application (face, scalp, wound site). Rotate sites with each injection to reduce localized irritation.
Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water for GHK-Cu?
Bacteriostatic water (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative) is strongly preferred for multi-dose vials like GHK-Cu because it inhibits microbial growth and lets a single vial be used over multiple weeks. Sterile water has no preservative and should generally be reserved for single-use preparations only.
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Medical Disclaimer
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.