GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide-1 (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine + Copper)
A naturally-occurring tripeptide-copper complex with documented effects on collagen and elastin production, anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation (IL-6, TNF-α), and hair-follicle stimulation. Used both subcutaneously for systemic effect and topically for localized skin / hair applications.
Quick reference
How GHK-Cu works
GHK-Cu chelates copper into a bioavailable form that stimulates collagen and elastin production in fibroblasts. The copper component is essential — copper-free GHK has substantially weaker effects.
Anti-inflammatory mechanisms include suppression of IL-6 and TNF-α, plus modulation of NF-κB signaling. This is what drives GHK-Cu's documented benefits in chronic inflammatory skin conditions and tendon/cartilage repair contexts.
Hair follicle stimulation is mediated through dermal papilla cell activation and improved peri-follicular vasculature. Topical preparations show measurable hair density improvement in published trials at 12-week timepoints.
In the DoseCraft framework, GHK-Cu targets Inflammation (cytokine modulation) and ATP Shortage (mitochondrial support via copper-dependent enzymes).
Reconstitution math
- Remove the flip-off cap from the 50 mg vial. Wipe the stopper with alcohol.
- Draw 5 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently — GHK-Cu has a deep blue color when reconstituted (this is the copper, normal).
- Refrigerate. Stable approximately 4–6 weeks at 2–8°C.
Dose math
50 mg vial + 5 mL bac water → 10 mg per mL (10,000 mcg/mL).
On a 100-unit insulin syringe (1 IU = 0.01 mL):
- • 10 IU = 1 mg (1,000 mcg)
- • 30 IU = 3 mg (3,000 mcg)
- • 50 IU = 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
Synergy stack
GHK-Cu + BPC-157 — chronic joint protocol
For chronic tendinopathy, cartilage degeneration, or post-injury arthritis, GHK-Cu's collagen-synthesis effect compounds with BPC-157's angiogenesis. Practitioner reports describe meaningful range-of-motion improvements within 6–8 weeks vs either compound alone.
BPC-157 dose
500 mcg–1 mg subQ daily
GHK-Cu dose
1–3 mg subQ daily near affected joint
Safety + side-effect profile
Generally very well-tolerated. The copper component is bioactive at GHK-Cu doses but does not approach toxicity thresholds in standard protocols.
Not documented: hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption, or cardiovascular changes. Contraindications: Wilson's disease (copper accumulation disorder), active mycotic / fungal infections (copper can suppress some immune responses), pregnancy, lactation.
Interaction notes: stacks well with most peptides. Avoid concurrent high-dose oral copper supplementation. Topical preparations should not be applied to open wounds (use SubQ for that context).
- • Mild local skin tingling at topical application sites (transient)
- • Occasional taste-of-metal sensation (copper-related, harmless)
- • Rare allergic-style reactions in copper-sensitive individuals
Frequently asked
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine + Copper). It stimulates collagen and elastin production, suppresses IL-6 and TNF-α, and supports hair-follicle health. Used both subcutaneously and topically.
What is the typical GHK-Cu dose?
Subcutaneous: 1–5 mg daily for 4–8 weeks. Topical: 0.05–0.1% solution, applied 2× daily to target area. For chronic joint protocols, inject SubQ near the affected joint. For systemic anti-aging effects, any SubQ site works.
How do I reconstitute GHK-Cu?
50 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water → 10 mg/mL. Solution turns deep blue (the copper — normal). On a 100-unit insulin syringe, 10 IU = 1 mg, 30 IU = 3 mg. Refrigerate; stable 4–6 weeks.
Is GHK-Cu effective for hair loss?
Yes — published trials show measurable improvement in hair density at 12-week timepoints with topical GHK-Cu. Mechanism: dermal papilla cell stimulation + improved peri-follicular vasculature. For best results, use both SubQ (systemic effect) + topical (localized follicle activation).
Should GHK-Cu be subcutaneous or topical?
Depends on the goal. SubQ for systemic effects (anti-inflammatory, joint, collagen, sleep). Topical for skin / hair / wound-area concerns. Many practitioners use both routes simultaneously for skin-aging or hair-loss protocols.
Are there GHK-Cu side effects?
Generally very mild. Reported: local skin tingling at topical sites, occasional taste-of-metal sensation (copper-related, harmless), rare allergic reactions in copper-sensitive individuals. Not documented: hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption.
Is GHK-Cu safe long-term?
At standard doses (1–5 mg/day SubQ), yes. Cycling 8 weeks on / 4 weeks off is the most-cited protocol. Avoid in Wilson's disease (copper accumulation disorder). Don't combine with high-dose oral copper supplementation.
Related compounds
Often researched, stacked, or compared with GHK-Cu.
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