COMPOUND

Compounds / Anti-aging

GHK-Cu

Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper

Anti-aging SubQ · Topical Compoundable (FDA Cat. 1)

A copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) naturally present in human plasma. Levels decline with age. Most evidence is topical (skin/hair); systemic SC use is less studied but growing.

At a glance

Half-life
~5 h ~5h serum t½ after SC injection. Topical GHK-Cu acts locally. Systemic exposure from topical use is minimal.
Routes
SubQ · Topical
Evidence base
2 studies 2 review

Mechanism

Chelates copper and delivers it to target tissues. Drives fibroblast collagen and elastin synthesis, modulates matrix metalloproteinases (remodeling vs degradation balance), stimulates hair follicle dermal papilla cells, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity via SOD upregulation. Connectivity Map analyses show GHK-Cu modulates ~30% of human genes, an unusually broad signaling footprint. Topical GHK-Cu thickens skin, improves firmness and elasticity, reduces fine lines via fibroblast activation and MMP rebalancing.

Dosing

No standardized human dosing has been established. Every catalogued study for GHK-Cu is preclinical or a literature review. Amounts used in animal models do not translate directly to humans.

Published evidence

  1. Review 2018

    Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data

    Pickart L, Margolina A. Int J Mol Sci

    Connectivity Map analysis shows GHK-Cu modulates ~30% of human genes. Collagen, elastin, hair-follicle cycling, wound healing all upregulated; MMPs rebalanced.

    PMID 29986520

  2. Review 2015

    GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration

    Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. Biomed Res Int

    Topical GHK-Cu thickens skin, improves firmness and elasticity, reduces fine lines; mechanism via fibroblast activation + MMP rebalancing.

    PMID 26236730

Reported side effects

Injection site reaction
Occasional Mild · SC only. Mild redness or bruising.
Topical irritation
Rare Mild · Rare contact dermatitis, usually at higher concentrations (≥2%). Patch-test before full-face use.
Hair color shift
Theoretical Mild · Anecdotal. Copper may darken hair in some users. Limited clinical data.

Reconstitution and storage

Lyophilized for SC. Typical: 2mL BAC water per 50-100mg vial. For topical, use pre-formulated 1-2% serum. Formulation affects copper bioavailability.

Lyophilized: refrigerate or freezer. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30 days. Topical serum: room temp, protect from light, check formulation-specific shelf life.

Open the reconstitution calculator for GHK-Cu