GHK-Cu
A natural copper-binding tripeptide with decades of skin research.
Overview
GHK-Cu is found naturally in human plasma and declines with age. Topically it has real human data for skin firmness, wrinkle depth and hair growth. Injectable use for systemic effects is much less studied.
How it works
Delivers copper to tissue, stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, supports wound remodeling, and appears to reset expression of many genes toward a younger profile (gene-expression studies).
Evidence
3/5
Several small human topical/cosmetic studies; injection data is mainly preclinical.
Half-life
Short (minutes–hours); effects driven by gene/repair signaling
Known as
Copper tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
Compound facts
- Type
- Copper-peptide complex
- CAS Number
- 89030-95-5
- Molecular Weight
- 340.38 g/mol (free peptide)
- Molecular Weight (Cu)
- 401.91 g/mol (with copper)
- Amino Acids
- 3 (tripeptide)
- Sequence
- Gly-His-Lys
- Formula
- C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄·Cu
Reported benefits
Skin firmness & collagen
Topical studies show improved elasticity and reduced fine lines.
Hair density
Small studies suggest improved hair growth and follicle size.
Wound healing
Faster closure and better remodeling in animal and some human work.
Anti-inflammatory / antioxidant
Lab and animal findings; relevance in humans unclear.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systemic (community) Range 0.5–2 mg is cited; start low (stings at injection site). | 1000 mcg | Once daily | 4–8 weeks | Subcutaneous |
| Topical serum Not a calculator-based dose — follow the product label. | – | Once or twice daily | 12+ weeks for skin changes | Topical |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for GHK-Cu. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 25 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 4 units = 0.04 mL = 1 mg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 50
- Vial lasts
- 50 days
- Good once mixed
- ~30 days
- Syringe
- 30-unit, 0.3 mL
The vial outlasts its ~30-day shelf life once mixed. A smaller vial wastes less.
Under 5 units is hard to measure accurately. Add more diluent for an easier draw.
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- Solution is blue-tinted — that is the copper and is normal.
- Common mix: 50 mg + 5 mL = 10 mg/mL (1 mg = 10 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~30 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
- Avoid mixing with acids or strong chelators — they strip the copper.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Stinging at injection site
- Skin redness
- Headache or dizziness
- Rare allergic reaction
Cautions
- Excess copper is possible with heavy use; avoid with Wilson's disease or copper-metabolism disorders.
- Theoretical growth-promotion concerns in people with cancer history.
FDA & international status
Cosmetic ingredient; injectable not approved
Widely sold in topical cosmetics (not drug-regulated). Injectable GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug. It was in FDA compounding Category 2 until April 2026, when its nomination was withdrawn; an FDA advisory committee is due to review it by February 2027.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Often paired with
BPC-157Skin/hair (GHK-Cu) alongside tissue repair (BPC-157) is a common combination.
Where to buy
GHK-Cu vials
| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | $29.99 | $0.60 | In stock | 99.94% pure, lot GHK0003 ILS Labs, tested 2026-09-14 |
| 100 mg | $57.99 | $0.58 | In stock | 99.14% pure, lot GHK0004 ILS Labs, tested 2026-07-30 |
Past COAs (7 lab reports)
- 2026-09-14, 50 mg, lot GHK0003, 99.94% pure, measured 52.69mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-07-30, 50 mg, lot GHK0003, 99.81% pure, measured 53.63mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-07-30, 100 mg, lot GHK0004, 99.14% pure, measured 105.43mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-06-08, 50 mg, lot GHK0001, 99.95% pure, measured 53.13mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-05-29, 100 mg, lot GHK0002, 99.62% pure, measured 104.72mgILS Labs, passedView PDF
- 2026-02-04, 50 mg, lot B1111, 99.764% pure, measured 59.26mgLab not statedView PDF
- 2026-02-04, 100 mg, lot B0111, 99.543% pure, measured 107.58mgLab not statedView PDF
GHK-Cu nasal spray (ready-made)
View ↗| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mg | $49.99 | $2.00 | In stock | 99.85% pure, lot SGHK0001 ILS Labs, tested 2026-08-11 |
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
GHK-Cu at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 50, 100 mg.
FAQ
Topical or injectable?
Topical has the stronger evidence for skin and hair. Injectable is mostly used for broader 'anti-aging' hopes with little human data.
Why is the solution blue?
The copper ion. A faint blue tint is expected.