GHK-Cu: The Copper Peptide for Skin, Hair, and Wound Repair
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide-copper complex naturally present in human plasma. It declines with age — which may be exactly why supplementation helps.
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) bound to a copper ion. Levels in human plasma drop from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60 — a decline that tracks neatly with declining skin repair and collagen density.
Skin & Collagen
GHK-Cu upregulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts. Topical and subcutaneous research shows reduced wrinkle depth, improved skin elasticity, and accelerated wound closure. It's one of the few peptides with solid topical efficacy data.
Hair
Research suggests GHK-Cu lengthens the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles and increases follicle size — possibly via VEGF signaling at the dermal papilla.
Routes
GHK-Cu is used topically (serums, post-microneedling) and subcutaneously. Subcutaneous research doses are typically 1–2 mg several times per week. Topical concentrations of 0.05–0.2% are common in cosmetic formulations.
Reference page
Reconstitution chart, dose calculator, and storage notes for this peptide.
Open the reference cardFAQ
- Does GHK-Cu stain skin?
- The reconstituted solution is bright blue from the copper. It may leave a temporary blue mark at the injection site that fades within hours.