GHK-Cu: Copper tripeptide (GHK : Cu)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with strong topical evidence for skin repair and collagen — injectable use is not clinically established.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a small peptide naturally present in human plasma that binds copper to form GHK-Cu. Its level declines with age (from roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20 to about 80 ng/mL by 60), which is one reason it's studied in the context of ageing and repair. It is among the best-studied peptides for skin — but the strongest evidence is topical/cosmetic; systemic injectable dosing is not clinically established, and it is not an approved drug.
Published-literature summary: A naturally occurring copper complex with extensive published research showing effects on collagen and elastin synthesis, wound healing, and skin barrier repair. Genomic studies suggest it activates over 4,000 human genes related to tissue remodeling and anti-aging. Well-documented for dermal regeneration and hair follicle stimulation. (Pickart et al. (2015) — BioMed Res Int; Pickart & Margolina (2018) — Biomolecules)
How GHK-Cu works (mechanism)
GHK-Cu is reported to stimulate synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, modulate matrix metalloproteinases (and their inhibitors), and activate TGF-β–linked repair pathways in fibroblasts [1]. Genomic analyses reviewed by Pickart and colleagues describe GHK-Cu shifting the expression of a large fraction of human genes toward tissue-repair and anti-inflammatory states [2][3]. It also shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and supports angiogenesis and extracellular-matrix regeneration [4].
Why it's studied / reported uses
Skin repair & anti-ageing (topical)
The best-supported use is topical: reviews describe improved skin remodeling, collagen production, firmness and wound healing, which is why GHK-Cu is common in cosmetic serums [1][4].
Wound healing & tissue regeneration
In animal and in-vitro studies GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing across several tissues and supports regeneration of the extracellular matrix [3]. Systemic (injectable) human evidence is not established.
Hair & other tissues
Copper peptides are studied for hair-follicle support, and broader work links GHK to nervous-system and gene-expression effects [5]. These remain largely preclinical or cosmetic-scale.
Dosing reported in studies
Route: subcutaneous
Most human evidence is topical/cosmetic, not injectable.
Route: topical
Best-supported use in dermatology literature.
Sources: Pickart et al. (2015) — BioMed Res Int · Pickart & Margolina (2018) — Biomolecules
A naturally occurring copper tripeptide. Systemic injectable dosing is not clinically established. These figures reflect what studies or protocols reported — not a recommendation and not tailored to you.
Calculate a dose in the reconstitution calculator →Common combinations & stacks
Safety & side effects
Topical GHK-Cu is generally well-tolerated and widely used in cosmetics. Injectable/systemic use is not clinically established and GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as a drug. Because it delivers copper, systemic use raises a theoretical concern about copper balance, and injectable research-chemical products carry the usual purity and sterility risks. Consult a licensed physician before any non-topical use.
Studies & references
- GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration — NCBI / PMC4508379
- Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in light of new gene data (review) — NCBI / PMC6073405
- Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide (PubMed record) — PubMed 29986520
- The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide (review) — NCBI / PMC8789089
- GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health — NCBI / PMC4180391
- Effect of GHK on gene expression relevant to nervous-system function — NCBI / PMC5332963
Frequently asked questions
Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?
Not as a drug. GHK-Cu is used as a cosmetic topical ingredient; injectable/systemic use is not FDA-approved and not clinically established.
What is GHK-Cu used for?
Mainly skin — collagen support, firmness, wound healing and anti-ageing — where topical evidence is strongest. It's also studied for hair and tissue regeneration, largely in preclinical or cosmetic settings.
Is injectable GHK-Cu safe?
Injectable/systemic GHK-Cu has not been established in controlled human trials. Topical use is well-tolerated; injectable use is a community practice with unknown long-term safety.
How is GHK-Cu dosed?
Topically it's typically about 0.2% (≈2 mg/mL) in serums; community injectable protocols cite roughly 1–2 mg/day, cycled (see the dosing section). These are not recommendations.
What is the GLOW blend?
A community peptide blend combining GHK-Cu with BPC-157 and TB-500 (KLOW adds KPV), marketed for skin and healing. It is not a validated or approved product.
⚠ Research & educational use only. This page is compiled from published research and does not constitute medical advice. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as a drug and is used mainly as a cosmetic topical ingredient. Nothing here is a recommendation to use or a prescription. Safe use can only be determined by a licensed physician. Last updated 2026-07-06.