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Peptide Library / Skin & Hair / Cellular

GHK-Cu

Copper Tripeptide-1

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 5 min read4 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) present in human plasma, saliva and urine. Plasma levels decline sharply with age (~200 ng/mL at 20 to ~80 ng/mL at 60). It is extensively studied in wound-healing, dermatology and gene-expression research.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25 mg/mL
Literature Range (SC)
1–2 mg per administration
Literature Range (topical)
1–3% concentration in cream/serum
Measuring Reference
At 25 mg/mL: 1 mg = 0.04 mL = 4 units
Frequency
Once daily (SC) · Once or twice daily (topical)
Cycle Length
4–8 weeks

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
402.9 Da
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys : Cu(II)
Sequence Length
13
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Copper tripeptide
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 50 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
25.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.040 mL
Syringe Units
4.0 U
Doses / Vial
50

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Solution is characteristically blue-violet from the copper complex — this is normal.

Frequency: Once daily

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Equilibrate vial; swab stoppers.
  2. 2Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water slowly.
  3. 3Swirl until uniformly blue and clear.
  4. 4Label and refrigerate.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for an 8-week protocol at 1.5 mg daily subcutaneous.

Peptide (50 mg vials)
8 weeks ≈ 84 mg ≈ 1.7 vials
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
56
Alcohol Swabs
2 per administration

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model collagen remodelling, antioxidant gene expression and wound-repair pathways.
Schedule
Daily for 4–8 weeks.
Dose Range
1–2 mg/day subcutaneous; topical 1–3%.
Route
Subcutaneous for systemic models; topical/intradermal for dermal models.

Dosing Protocol

Start
1 mg once daily
Increase
To 1.5–2 mg if tolerated
Target Range
1–2 mg/day
Frequency
Once daily
Cycle Length
4–8 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Timing
Evening administration is common; not time-critical

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term; stable at 2–8 °C for months
Reconstituted
2–8 °C, use within 4–6 weeks
Light
Protect from light to prevent copper oxidation

Important Notes

  • GHK-Cu injections are more painful than most peptides — inject slowly and expect transient stinging.
  • Copper loading: total copper intake should be considered in prolonged protocols.
  • Do not combine topically with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — it dissociates the copper complex.
  • Gene-array studies show GHK modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes.

How This Works

GHK-Cu acts as a copper chaperone, delivering Cu²⁺ to enzymes such as lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking) and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defence). It up-regulates collagen I, III, elastin, decorin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while increasing matrix metalloproteinase and TIMP activity in a balanced remodelling pattern. Broad gene-expression studies (Connectivity Map) show it resets patterns associated with ageing, fibrosis and oxidative stress toward a healthier state. It also attracts immune and endothelial cells to wound sites and stimulates nerve outgrowth.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Increased collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
  • Accelerated wound closure and reduced scarring
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant gene up-regulation
  • Hair follicle enlargement and growth-cycle extension in animal models
  • Improved skin firmness, elasticity and photo-damage reversal (clinical dermatology)
  • Potential lung and nerve tissue repair effects
Possible considerations
  • Notable injection-site pain, redness and swelling
  • Transient low blood pressure or dizziness at higher doses
  • Mild nausea
  • Theoretical copper excess with prolonged high-dose use

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate zinc intake balances copper metabolism
  • Sun protection potentiates dermal research outcomes
  • Pairing topical GHK-Cu with retinoids is commonly separated by AM/PM

Injection Technique

  1. 1Subcutaneous abdominal or near the study site for localized models.
  2. 2Inject very slowly (10 s) to reduce stinging.
  3. 3Massage gently after withdrawal; apply cool compress if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] BioMed Research International
    Pickart L. & Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data.
    View Source
  2. [2] International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Pickart L. et al. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.
    View Source
  3. [3] Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
    Pickart L. et al. GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin by Regulating Copper and Modifying Expression of Numerous Antioxidant Genes.
    View Source
  4. [4] Genome Medicine
    Campbell J.D. et al. A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK.
    View Source