Anti-Aging & Longevity

GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper peptide GHK-Cu · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

The master anti-aging copper peptide — skin, hair, and systemic regeneration.

Half-Life
~24 hours (topical and injectable)
Administration
Topical cream/serum
Category
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Citations
2 studies

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Its concentration declines dramatically with age (from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60). It is one of the most studied anti-aging peptides with over 50 years of research by Dr. Loren Pickart.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu activates over 4,000 genes related to tissue repair and regeneration. It stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, activates antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase), promotes wound healing via TGF-β, modulates inflammation, and has been shown to reset gene expression patterns in aged cells toward a younger profile.

GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol

Topical: 0.5–2% concentration cream/serum applied daily. Injectable: 1–2 mg subcutaneous 2–3 times per week. Intranasal: 100–200 mcg/day. For hair loss: topical 0.5–1% solution applied to scalp daily.

Administration Routes
Topical cream/serumSubcutaneous injectionIntranasal
Half-Life
~24 hours (topical and injectable)

Want a personalized protocol? Tell PepBot your goals, health status, and experience level for a custom GHK-Cu protocol.

GHK-Cu Benefits

Collagen and elastin synthesis
Skin tightening and wrinkle reduction
Hair growth stimulation
Wound healing acceleration
Anti-inflammatory effects
Antioxidant protection
Gene expression remodeling toward youth
Lung tissue repair

Side Effect Profile

Extremely safe. Topical: occasional mild skin irritation at high concentrations. Injectable: mild injection site reactions. No systemic toxicity reported.

GHK-Cu Stacking Guide

GHK-Cu works synergistically with these compounds. Click any to learn more, or ask PepBot to build you a complete stack.

Research & Citations

Frequently Asked Questions about GHK-Cu

Is GHK-Cu better topical or injectable?
Topical GHK-Cu is excellent for skin and hair (direct application to target tissue). Injectable provides systemic effects — tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, and gene expression benefits throughout the body. Many researchers use both simultaneously.

Still have questions about GHK-Cu?

PepBot has encyclopedic knowledge of GHK-Cu — dosing, stacking, interactions, latest research, and personalized protocols. Ask anything.