GHK
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine / GHK tripeptide / Liver Cell Growth Factor
A naturally occurring human tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) that declines with age. GHK is the parent molecule of GHK-Cu and has its own gene-regulatory activity independent of copper binding. It modulates over 4,000 genes, promoting wound healing, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammation, and DNA repair. Functions as a master reset signal for aged tissue.
Half-life
~30 minutes (rapid tissue uptake)
Typical Dose
100–200 mcg/day SC; 1–2% topical
120/200Route
subcutaneous
Category
healing
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How GHK is dosed in practice
Usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range: 100–200 mcg/day SC; 1–2% topical. Half-life: ~30 minutes (rapid tissue uptake). Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
Used by anti-aging practitioners for systemic tissue rejuvenation. The tripeptide form (without copper) is preferred by some clinicians who want the gene-regulatory benefits without copper accumulation risk. Topical and injectable forms serve different purposes.
- Anti-aging medicine conference presentations
- Loren Pickart — decades of GHK research publications
- Integrative dermatology protocols
Community reports improvements in skin texture, wound healing speed, and general recovery. Some users prefer GHK over GHK-Cu to avoid excess copper. Injectable use for systemic anti-aging is growing but still niche.
- Anti-aging community N=1 experiments
- Skincare forums comparing GHK vs GHK-Cu outcomes
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Upgrade to ProSafety & Contraindications
- Active cancer (upregulates multiple growth pathways)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known copper sensitivity (if using GHK-Cu form)
GHK: common questions
What is GHK?
A naturally occurring human tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) that declines with age. GHK is the parent molecule of GHK-Cu and has its own gene-regulatory activity independent of copper binding. It modulates over 4,000 genes, promoting wound healing, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammation, and DNA repair. Functions as a master reset signal for aged tissue.
How is GHK dosed?
GHK is usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: 100–200 mcg/day SC; 1–2% topical. Expert (practitioner protocols): 100–200 mcg/day SC; Once daily; 8–12 week cycles. Experimental (early or animal data): 100–200 mcg/day; Once daily; 8–12 weeks. These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is GHK FDA-approved?
No. GHK is not approved by the FDA for any use in people.
What is the half-life of GHK?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of ~30 minutes (rapid tissue uptake). Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use GHK?
Listed contraindications: Active cancer (upregulates multiple growth pathways); Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Known copper sensitivity (if using GHK-Cu form).
Free Guides for GHK
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.