GHK-Cu

Copper Tripeptide-1

GHK-Cu is the beauty peptide with actual science behind it. It's a copper-binding tripeptide your body already makes — just less and less every year after about 22 (rude). Injectable GHK-Cu is a completely different thing from the serums at Sephora — it's systemic, and people report faster skin turnover, thicker hair, and scars that fade noticeably faster. The reconstituted solution turns blue from the copper, and the injection sting is real. It's skincare with a needle, which sounds dramatic until you remember you let someone put a needle in your face for filler.

Protocol

Dose: 1-2mg per day | Frequency: Once daily | Cycle: 4-6 weeks on, 4 weeks off | Route: SubQ

Reconstitution: 2mL bacteriostatic water per 5mg vial (solution turns blue — that's normal). Use our free reconstitution calculator for exact syringe units.

Effects

• Skin texture improvement (72%) — Smoother, tighter skin usually noticeable within the first 30-day cycle
• Wound and scar healing (65%) — Faster resolution of scars, cuts, and post-procedure recovery
• Hair thickness (45%) — Thicker, faster-growing hair reported by many users, though results are modest compared to minoxidil
• Collagen production (60%) — Measurable improvement in skin elasticity and firmness from upregulated collagen synthesis

Side Effects

• Injection-site sting (47%) — This one stings when you pin it. Like a bee sting that lasts a couple minutes. It's the copper. Everyone talks about it.
• Redness at injection site (30%) — The area gets red for a couple hours. Normal reaction, just rotate your sites.
• Mild itching (15%) — Some itching around where you pinned. Part of the local reaction, nothing to worry about.
• Nausea (5%) — Rare and mild. More likely if you're dosing higher than you need to.

Evidence

Emerging evidence — GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide that declines with age. Strong in vitro and animal data on collagen synthesis, wound healing, and gene expression modulation. Topical forms are widely used in skincare. Injectable forms are not FDA-approved but have a growing community following for accelerated skin and hair results.

Approval status: Not approved

References

1. Maquart FX, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett, 1988. PMID: 3169264
2. Siméon A, et al. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures. Life Sci, 2000. PMID: 11045606
3. Pickart L, et al. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2008. PMID: 18644225
4. Pickart L, et al. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health. Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2012. PMID: 22666519
5. Pickart L, et al. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int, 2015. PMID: 26236730
6. Pickart L, et al. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci, 2018. PMID: 29986520

Storage

• Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 2-8C. Keep away from light. The powder is blue-tinted.
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate. Use within 3-4 weeks. The blue color should remain consistent — if it changes, discard.
• Water: Bacteriostatic water, 2mL per 5mg vial.
• Needle: 29-31 gauge, 0.5 inch for subcutaneous injection

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any protocol.

vialprep research · Sources: PubMed, FDA, peer-reviewed trials · How we verify