GHK-Cu
Aliases: Copper Tripeptide-1 · Gly-His-Lys-Cu
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
GHK-Cu is one of the few 'beauty peptides' with serious science behind it: identified in 1973, naturally present in plasma, with rich in-vitro and animal literature on skin repair, collagen and gene regulation (Pickart). Human cosmetic trials (topical) show measurable improvements in skin thickness and wrinkle reduction — but these are smaller, industry-sponsored studies, and the effect is cosmetic, not therapeutic. Systemic (injection) 'GHK-Cu protocols' have no clinical data.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- peptide
- Sequence / structure
- Gly-His-Lys + Cu2+
- Molecular weight
- ~404 Da
- Origin
- Natural copper-binding tripeptide present in plasma; declines with age.
Mechanism of action
Delivers Cu2+ to cells, modulates 4000+ genes (upregulates reparative, downregulates inflammatory), stimulates GAG/collagen synthesis, antioxidant.
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
No approved official document exists for GHK-Cu. Any protocols mentioned are to be read as information, not as a recommendation.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
Topical 0.05–4% creams/serums; injectable 1–2 mg/day SC (protocols). Topically: measurably smoother skin, fewer fine lines and faster healing (8–12 weeks). Injected: the community reports recovery and "skin quality", with caution against excessive copper doses.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
Topically: measurably smoother skin, fewer fine lines and faster healing (8–12 weeks). Injected: the community reports recovery and "skin quality", with caution against excessive copper doses.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Cosmetic ingredient at low percentages in topical products; no approved injectable protocol.
Duration: Topical: continuous cosmetic use.
The entire injectable human literature is effectively absent — a fact the vial market prices as if it weren't.
Community (anecdotal)
Injectable: 1–2 mg SC daily or 2–3 mg every other day, sometimes topically (0.5–2% creams) between courses. Hair use: scalp microneedling + topical.
- Cycle:
- 4–12 weeks typical for injectable courses.
- Break:
- 4 weeks off between courses.
Remember: the serum and the vial are different products — see the Research Desk entry. Injecting is an experiment with no human trial behind it.
Human evidence
Topical cosmetic trials (sponsored) show measurable skin appearance improvements; no evidence of systemic efficacy.
Preclinical evidence
Preclinical literature preceded the clinical trials; details vary by compound.
Known risks
- Topically: rare irritationcharacterized
- Systemically: copper balance and overload risk not studiedtheoretical
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Systemic safety and efficacy
Frequently asked questions
References
- Pickart L. et al., GHK and tissue regeneration (review literature)
- Abdulghani A.A. et al., topical GHK-Cu in cosmetic dermatology