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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)
Cycling
Topical: continuous. Injectable: 4–6 weeks on / 2 weeks off.
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)
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative & Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19:1987.source