GHK-Cu — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

GHK-Cu (copper peptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Discovered by Dr. Loren Pickart in the 1970s, GHK-Cu declines dramatically with age — from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60. It is one of the most gene-modulating peptides known, influencing the expression of over 4,000 human genes — approximately 31% of the genome — with a broad shift toward regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-remodeling activity. GHK-Cu is studied for wound healing, skin rejuvenation, hair growth, bone repair, and systemic anti-aging.

GHK-Cu operates through an extraordinarily diverse array of molecular mechanisms, making it arguably the most pleiotropic peptide in therapeutic use. Its effects stem from three interconnected capabilities: copper delivery, direct signaling, and gene expression remodeling. As a copper chaperone, GHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper(II) ions to tissue sites where copper-dependent enzymes are critical. Copper is an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin crosslinking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial energy production), and tyrosinase (melanin synthesis). By supplying copper precisely where it is needed, GHK-Cu activates these enzymes and supports their downstream biological functions — from structural tissue integrity to cellular energy metabolism. Beyond copper delivery, GHK-Cu directly modulates gene expression on a massive scale. A landmark 2012 genomics study by the Broad Institute's Connectivity Map project identified GHK as one of the most potent gene-expression-modulating compounds tested. It upregulates genes involved in collagen synthesis (COL1A1, COL3A1), extracellular matrix remodeling (TIMPs, decorin), stem cell markers (p63, integrin β1), antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, SOD3, glutathione-S-transferases), DNA repair (GADD45A, XPC), and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways (clearing damaged proteins). Simultaneously, it suppresses genes associated with inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, NFκB pathway), fibrosis (TGF-β1 overexpression), and tissue destruction (MMPs 1, 2, 9, and 13). This bidirectional gene modulation — simultaneously activating repair programs while suppressing destructive ones — is what makes GHK-Cu unique among therapeutic peptides. In wound healing, GHK-Cu accelerates all four phases: hemostasis (platelet aggregation), inflammation (macrophage recruitment followed by resolution), proliferation (fibroblast migration, angiogenesis, collagen deposition), and remodeling (scar-free tissue maturation). It attracts immune cells, mast cells, and endothelial cells to wound sites through chemotactic signaling. For skin aging, GHK-Cu stimulates dermal fibroblasts to produce collagen I, III, and V, increases elastin synthesis, rebuilds the glycosaminoglycan ground substance (hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate), and improves dermal vascularity. It also promotes hair growth by increasing follicular proliferation and enlarging hair follicle size — likely through Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Systemically, GHK-Cu has demonstrated neuroprotective effects (upregulating brain antioxidant genes), anti-anxiety activity, bone remodeling (osteoblast stimulation, osteoclast inhibition), and anti-cancer gene expression signatures in genomic studies.

• Dr. Loren Pickart's original research in the 1970s–80s demonstrated that GHK-Cu in human plasma was responsible for the ability of young blood to stimulate old liver tissue to synthesize proteins at a youthful rate (Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1973)
• The Broad Institute Connectivity Map study (2012) confirmed GHK modulates 31.2% of human genes, with a net expression signature shifting from a damaged/aged phenotype to a healthy/youthful one
• A controlled human study showed GHK-Cu cream increased collagen synthesis in photoaged skin by 70% and skin thickness by 29% over 12 weeks (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2002)
• Wound healing studies demonstrated GHK-Cu accelerated wound closure by 33% compared to controls and improved tensile strength of healed tissue (Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1993)
• Genomic analysis published in Genome Medicine (2014) showed GHK suppressed 54 genes overexpressed in aggressive metastatic colon cancer, suggesting anti-cancer gene modulatory effects
• Hair follicle organ culture studies showed GHK-Cu increased hair follicle size, stimulated proliferation of follicular keratinocytes, and extended the anagen growth phase
• Animal studies demonstrated GHK-Cu improved nerve regeneration and reduced post-ischemic brain damage when administered after experimental stroke
• In vitro studies showed GHK-Cu increased decorin expression by 2.9-fold — decorin is a key proteoglycan that regulates collagen fibril assembly and has anti-fibrotic properties
• Research on bone healing showed GHK-Cu stimulated osteoblast differentiation and new bone formation while inhibiting osteoclast-mediated resorption

• Subcutaneous injection for systemic effects: 1–3 mg daily or every other day, cycled 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off
• Topical application for skin/hair: 0.1–1% GHK-Cu cream or serum applied once or twice daily to target areas
• Mesotherapy/microneedling protocol: 50–100 mcg per cm² delivered via microneedling to facial skin every 2–4 weeks
• Hair loss protocol: 1–2 mg subcutaneous injection into scalp weekly, combined with daily topical application
• Wound healing: 1–2 mg injected locally around wound margins daily for 5–10 days
• Systemic anti-aging protocol: 2 mg subcutaneous injection daily for 30 days, repeated 2–3 times per year
• Post-procedure recovery (laser, chemical peel): 1 mg subcutaneous daily for 7–14 days starting day of procedure
• Injectable solution: reconstitute in bacteriostatic water; topical: compound in a suitable vehicle (hyaluronic acid base preferred)

Known Side Effects

• Injection site reactions: transient redness, mild stinging, and occasional bruising (very common, resolves within minutes to hours)
• Mild skin flushing after subcutaneous injection due to local vasodilation and mast cell activation
• Topical application may cause temporary skin warmth or tingling, especially on sensitive skin or immediately after microneedling
• Rare: temporary increase in hair shedding during first 2 weeks of use (telogen effluvium-like, precedes new growth)
• At high systemic doses (>5 mg/day), potential for copper accumulation — liver function monitoring advisable for long-term use
• Nausea reported rarely with higher subcutaneous doses
• Contact dermatitis possible with topical use in copper-sensitive individuals

Safety Profile

GHK-Cu has an excellent safety profile supported by decades of human use in both cosmetic and clinical settings. As a naturally occurring human peptide, it is well-tolerated with minimal immunogenicity. Topical GHK-Cu has been used in commercial skincare products since the 1990s with an extensive post-market safety record. Injectable GHK-Cu has not been associated with serious adverse events in research settings. The primary theoretical concern is copper overload with prolonged high-dose systemic use — copper is an essential trace element but is toxic in excess. Individuals with Wilson's disease (impaired copper metabolism) should absolutely avoid GHK-Cu. For healthy individuals, standard cycling protocols prevent copper accumulation. Liver function tests (including ceruloplasmin) are advisable for those using injectable GHK-Cu continuously beyond 8 weeks. No drug interactions have been documented. Safe to combine with most other peptides. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insufficient data, avoid as precaution.

Week 1–2: Skin may appear slightly flushed or have a subtle glow due to increased dermal vascularity. Injection sites heal quickly. If using topically, skin texture begins to feel smoother. Any initial hair shedding is possible as follicles reset to a synchronized growth phase. Weeks 3–4: Visible improvements in skin firmness and elasticity. Fine lines appear softer. Wound healing is noticeably accelerated. Hair may begin to appear thicker at the base if using for hair loss. Collagen synthesis is ramping up significantly. Weeks 5–8: Substantial improvements in skin quality — increased thickness, improved hydration, reduced hyperpigmentation. Joint comfort may improve as cartilage and connective tissue benefit. Hair growth becomes visible with new vellus hairs converting to terminal hairs in responsive individuals. Months 2–3: Peak benefits for a single course. Skin quality improvements are well-established and often commented on by others. Scars and stretch marks may appear lighter and smoother. Benefits persist for weeks to months after discontinuation due to the long-lasting nature of collagen and matrix remodeling.

Prices sourced from peptides.gg marketplace. Prices may vary.