A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Widely used in skincare for its wound healing and anti-aging properties.

Is GHK-Cu FDA approved?

No, GHK-Cu is not FDA approved. Current status: Widely used in cosmetics - Human clinical studies support topical efficacy

What are the side effects of GHK-Cu?

Reported side effects of GHK-Cu include: Generally well-tolerated, Topical: mild skin irritation, redness, or tingling, Injectable: injection site reactions, May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity, Risk of copper toxicity with excessive use, Contraindicated with Wilson's disease, Caution with active cancer (angiogenesis concern).

What is the typical dosing for GHK-Cu?

Doses observed in research and cosmetic use. Common doses observed in research: 1-2 mg for injectable protocols, Topical: various concentrations in serums. Duration: Varies by application. Administration: Subcutaneous injection or topical application.

Skin & Hair

GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper Peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

Clinical Trials

Popular For

Skin rejuvenation, wound healing, hair growth, anti-aging

Key Facts: GHK-Cu

Category: Skin & Hair
FDA Status: Not FDA Approved
Clinical Status: Widely used in cosmetics - Human clinical studies support topical efficacy
Administration: Subcutaneous injection or topical application
Typical Dose: 1-2 mg daily (injection) or 0.05% topical
Frequency: Once daily
Evidence Level: Human Trials
Duration: Varies by application

Also Known As

Copper Peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes glycosaminoglycan production, supports blood vessel growth, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It remodels damaged tissue and activates wound-healing genes.

Research Summary

2023 double-blind split-face study (n=60) showed 22% increased skin firmness and 16% reduction in fine lines with 0.05% GHK-Cu serum. 2024 multicenter study found 25% faster epithelial recovery after laser resurfacing. 2025 research demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in ulcerative colitis model via SIRT1/STAT3 pathway. Growing evidence for wound healing and anti-aging applications.

Clinical Status:Widely used in cosmetics - Human clinical studies support topical efficacy

Trial Progress:Preclinical

Pre

III

FDA

Dosing Information

Human Trials·Human clinical studies showing efficacy for topical applications

Typical DosingⓘDoses commonly used by people in practice, based on community reports and anecdotal experience.

Community experience

Common Dose

1-2 mg daily (injection) or 0.05% topical

Range

0.5-3 mg daily

Frequency

Once daily

Most clinical evidence is for topical use (0.05% concentration). Can be injected subcutaneously or used topically for skin/hair. Copper peptide with wound healing and anti-aging properties.

Research DosingⓘDoses from published scientific studies and clinical trials. May include human or animal research.

Scientific studies

Doses observed in research and cosmetic use

Doses from Studies

1-2 mg for injectable protocols

Research Literature - Observed in studies ↗

Topical: various concentrations in serums

Research Literature - Observed in studies ↗

Duration

Varies by application

Administration

Subcutaneous injection or topical application

Timing & Administration

Best Time to Take

Evening (for skin/recovery)

1-2 times daily

Food Recommendation

With or without food

Why This Timing?

GHK-Cu supports tissue repair which occurs primarily during sleep. Evening use may enhance overnight recovery.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.

●Generally well-tolerated
●Topical: mild skin irritation, redness, or tingling
●Injectable: injection site reactions
●May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity
●Risk of copper toxicity with excessive use
●Contraindicated with Wilson's disease
●Caution with active cancer (angiogenesis concern)

References

Related Peptides

Peptides commonly compared with GHK-Cu or used in similar applications.

BPC-157

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A synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. Known for its remarkable tissue healing properties across multiple body systems. FDA classified as Category 2 in 2023, restricting compounding.

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TB-500

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A synthetic 17-amino acid fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-4). Unlike TB-4, TB-500 has a longer half-life (~2-4 days vs ~2 hours) and is the active region responsible for tissue repair and cell migration. Note: Many vendors mislabel TB-4 as 'TB-500' in premixed products.

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Matrixyl

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A collagen-stimulating peptide widely used in anti-aging skincare. One of the first peptides proven to reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen synthesis.

Skin & Hair

Matrixyl 3000

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An advanced version of Matrixyl combining two peptides for enhanced anti-aging effects. Targets both collagen production and inflammation.

Skin & Hair

Copper Peptide AHK-Cu

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A copper-binding tripeptide primarily used for hair growth stimulation. Shows promise for both hair loss prevention and scalp health.

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Melanotan I

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A 13-amino acid synthetic analog of α-MSH that stimulates melanin production. FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for treating phototoxicity in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). More selective than Melanotan II with fewer side effects.

Skin & Hair

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