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GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Research Use
Also known as Copper Tripeptide-1
Function
Primary
Skin regeneration · Wound healing
Secondary
Hair growth · Anti-aging · Antioxidant
Mechanism
Chelates copper ions → activates superoxide dismutase and metalloproteinases; upregulates collagen/elastin/GAG synthesis; modulates TGF-β; anti-inflammatory.
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Extensive in vitro/animal; limited human topical RCTs
Dosing
Range
Topical: 0.1–2%; Injectable: 1–5 mg (experimental)
Frequency
Daily (topical); variable (injectable)
Route
Topical · Subcutaneous (off-label)
Administration & Technique
Topical
Skin, scar, and hair applications.
DeviceSerum (2–5%) or cream.
TechniqueClean skin AM or PM. Never same-application with vitamin C, retinoids, or AHA/BHA — separate ≥12 hrs.
Subcutaneous
Systemic anti-aging / wound-healing protocols.
DeviceInsulin syringe.
Technique1–3 mg SubQ near the target area. Solution may appear blue (copper) — normal.
Injection & Application Sites
Front
Back
Topical
- Scalp (topical) — Part hair and apply directly to the scalp; do not rinse for 4+ hrs.
- Face / neck (topical) — Clean dry skin, AM and PM, before moisturizer.
Subcutaneous
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Flank / love handle — Lateral fat pad above the hip. Good rotation site when the abdomen is tender.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
Topical: continuous. Injectable: 4–6 weeks on / 2 weeks off.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
Topical: apply to clean skin 1–2× daily (AM/PM). Injectable SubQ: once daily, timing flexible. Do not combine topical GHK-Cu with strong exfoliating acids or vitamin C in the same routine — the copper is destabilized.
Do not combine with
- ·Same-application vitamin C, AHA/BHA, retinoids (topical) — separate by 12 hrs
- ·Wilson's disease — copper contraindication
Complements
- ·BPC-157 during wound/scar recovery
- ·Matrixyl / Argireline in topical routines (apply at different times of day)
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Refrigerate; freeze for long-term storage.
After Reconstitution
Refrigerated up to 4–6 weeks. Protect from light — copper complexes are light-sensitive.
Reconstitution Calculator
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Volume per dose
0.100 mL
Insulin syringe
10.0 units (U-100)
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
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Benefits
- ·Improved skin firmness and clarity
- ·Wound healing acceleration
- ·Hair-follicle support
- ·Antioxidant effects
Risks
- ·Injectable human safety data is very limited
- ·Theoretical excess-copper concerns
Contraindications
- ·Wilson's disease
- ·Copper hypersensitivity
- ·Active malignancy (injectable, theoretical)
Regulatory
Not FDA-approved (injectable); cosmetic ingredient (topical)
Veterinary Use (Pets)
Topical and injectable use for wound healing, hair coat, and skin repair in small animals.
Dogs (Canine)
DoseTopical 2–5% serum daily; SubQ 1–2 mg per 20 kg 2–3×/wk
RouteTopical or SubQ
UseChronic wound repair, hot spots, post-surgical scar management, hair regrowth on alopecic patches.
Cats (Feline)
DoseTopical 2% only; injection generally avoided
RouteTopical
UseChronic non-healing wounds, dermatitis.
Cats groom — use collar/cone to prevent ingestion; copper is more toxic to cats than dogs.
Horses (Equine)
DoseTopical liberal application; injectable 5–10 mg SubQ
RouteTopical or SubQ near wound
UseProud flesh, chronic ulcerated wounds, laminitis support (research).
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative & Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19:1987.source