Peptide profile
GHK-Cu
Cellular rejuvenation & collagen synthesis · also known as Copper Peptide GHK, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
Compare GHK-Cu with other peptides →Summary
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma that declines with age, known for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and gene-regulatory properties.
- Typical dose
- 0.5-2 mg/day (injectable); varies widely by topical formulation
- Half-life
- Estimated 0.5-2 hours (rapid tissue uptake)
- Route
- Subcutaneous, Topical
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
Mechanism
How it works
Binds copper(II) with high affinity and acts as a chaperone for copper-dependent enzymes. Activates genes associated with tissue repair, antioxidant defense, and collagen synthesis while downregulating inflammatory and tumor-promoting pathways.
Reported in research
Benefits
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis
- Wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant effects via superoxide dismutase activation
- Hair follicle stimulation and hair density improvement
- Downregulation of inflammation and oxidative stress genes
Context, not a prescription
Dosing
- Typical range
- 0.5-2 mg/day (injectable); varies widely by topical formulation (Subcutaneous, Topical)
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
- Half-life
- Estimated 0.5-2 hours (rapid tissue uptake)
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
Possible side effects
- Mild injection-site redness
- Transient skin irritation with topical preparations
Contraindications
- Wilson's disease or other copper metabolism disorders
- Known copper hypersensitivity
Research information, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before considering any peptide.
In depth
Full profile
What it does
More collagen and elastin, less puffiness, and smoother skin.
How it works
Think of GHK-Cu like a software update for your cells. It reloads the younger code that knows how to make collagen.
It works with your skin's builder cells. It brings copper to little helpers that fix your skin.
What to expect
You can see skin changes in 2 to 4 weeks. Deeper changes show up in 2 to 3 months.
- Weeks 1–2: Your skin holds water better and gets a soft glow.
- Weeks 3–6: You can see fewer tiny lines and firmer skin.
- Weeks 6–12: Lots of new collagen and much smaller wrinkles.
Good to know
- Test it on a small patch of skin first
- Don't mix it with strong acids like Vitamin C at the same time
- Start with a weaker amount at first
Staying safe
- A little redness where the shot goes
- Skin feeling a bit itchy for a short time
- Dry or flaky skin
Avoid if you have:
- People with Wilson's disease (a copper problem)
- People who are allergic to copper
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
Mechanism of action
Stimulates collagen, dermatan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate synthesis. Acts as a master switch for tissue repair by modulating over 4,000 genes.
Interacts with fibroblasts and stem cells to deliver copper to enzymes needed for repair.
Pharmacodynamics
Topical effects visible in 2-4 weeks; deeper benefits in 2-3 months.
Increased collagen and elastin production, reduced inflammation, improved skin texture.
Timeline
- Weeks 1–2: Improved skin hydration and subtle glow.
- Weeks 3–6: Visible reduction in fine lines and improved firmness.
- Weeks 6–12: Significant collagen remodeling and reduced wrinkle depth.
Comparisons
- GHK-Cu — effectiveness High, safety Excellent, cost $$, Very Easy to use
- Retinol — effectiveness High, safety Good, cost $, Easy to use
Adverse effects
Common:
- Mild redness at injection site
- Temporary skin irritation
- Dryness or flaking
Rare:
- Copper sensitivity reaction
- Contact dermatitis
- Metallic taste in mouth
Contraindications & risk mitigation
Contraindicated in:
- Individuals with Wilson's disease
- Known copper allergy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Patch test before topical use
- Avoid combining with strong acids like Vitamin C at same time
- Use lower concentration initially
Qué hace
Más colágeno y elastina, menos hinchazón y piel más suave.
Cómo funciona
Piense en el GHK-Cu como una actualización de software para sus células. Recarga el código más joven que sabe cómo fabricar colágeno.
Trabaja con las células constructoras de su piel. Lleva cobre a pequeños ayudantes que reparan su piel.
Qué esperar
Puede notar cambios en la piel en 2 a 4 semanas. Los cambios más profundos aparecen en 2 a 3 meses.
- Semanas 1–2: Su piel retiene mejor el agua y adquiere un brillo suave.
- Semanas 3–6: Puede notar menos líneas finas y una piel más firme.
- Semanas 6–12: Mucho colágeno nuevo y arrugas mucho más pequeñas.
Bueno saber
- Pruebe una pequeña zona de la piel primero
- No lo mezcle con ácidos fuertes como la vitamina C al mismo tiempo
- Comience con una cantidad menor al principio
Manteniéndose seguro
- Un poco de enrojecimiento donde se aplica la inyección
- Sensación de picazón en la piel por un breve periodo
- Piel seca o con escamas
Evitar si tienes:
- Personas con enfermedad de Wilson (un problema con el cobre)
- Personas alérgicas al cobre
- Cualquier persona embarazada o en periodo de lactancia
Mecanismo de acción
Estimula la síntesis de colágeno, dermatán sulfato y condroitín sulfato. Actúa como un interruptor maestro para la reparación tisular al modular más de 4.000 genes.
Interactúa con fibroblastos y células madre para entregar cobre a las enzimas necesarias para la reparación.
Farmacodinamia
Los efectos tópicos son visibles en 2-4 semanas; los beneficios más profundos en 2-3 meses.
Aumento en la producción de colágeno y elastina, reducción de la inflamación y mejora de la textura de la piel.
Cronología
- Semanas 1–2: Mejora de la hidratación cutánea y un brillo sutil.
- Semanas 3–6: Reducción visible de líneas finas y mayor firmeza.
- Semanas 6–12: Remodelación significativa del colágeno y reducción de la profundidad de las arrugas.
Comparaciones
- GHK-Cu — efectividad Alta, seguridad Excelente, costo $$, Muy fácil de usar
- Retinol — efectividad Alta, seguridad Buena, costo $, Fácil de usar
Efectos adversos
Comunes:
- Enrojecimiento leve en el sitio de inyección
- Irritación cutánea temporal
- Sequedad o descamación
Raros:
- Reacción de sensibilidad al cobre
- Dermatitis de contacto
- Sabor metálico en la boca
Contraindicaciones y mitigación de riesgos
Contraindicado en:
- Personas con enfermedad de Wilson
- Alergia conocida al cobre
- Embarazo o lactancia
- Prueba de parche antes del uso tópico
- Evitar combinar con ácidos fuertes como la vitamina C al mismo tiempo
- Usar una concentración menor inicialmente
Reference data
Specifications
- Molecular formula
- C14H23CuN6O4
- Molecular weight
- 390.9 g/mol
- Half-life
- Estimated 0.5-2 hours (rapid tissue uptake)
- Route
- Subcutaneous, Topical
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
- Storage
- Lyophilized: refrigerate to preserve copper complex. Reconstituted: use within 2-4 weeks refrigerated.
- Legal status
- Approved cosmetic ingredient in many jurisdictions. Injectable form is a research compound without therapeutic approval.
FAQ
Common questions
Can I inject it?
Yes, in research settings for systemic benefits, though topical is more common for skin.
Can I use it with Vitamin C?
Avoid using them at the exact same time as they can destabilize each other.
What is the evidence level?
This compound is classified as Limited human data. Some human data exists but trials are small, short-term, or not yet replicated.
Research
Research & sources
Current evidence for GHK-Cu is rated as Limited human data. Limited human data is available.
- 1. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator (2018) — DOI:10.3390/ijms19071987
- 2. The human tri-peptide GHK-Cu (2015) — DOI:10.1111/jocd.12166
- 3. Pickart et al. — GHK-Cu and human gene expression
- 4. Pickart & Margolina — Regenerative and protective actions of copper peptide GHK-Cu
Explore