GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, studied for collagen synthesis, wound repair, and anti-aging.
GHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold strictly for research purposes only and is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease or condition. Purchase and use is entirely at your own risk.
Sourcing for research purposes?
View at Ascension Peptides →What it is
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring human tripeptide that binds copper and is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma concentrations decline significantly with age — from ~200ng/mL at age 20 to ~80ng/mL at age 60 — which has driven interest in its role in aging.
It has been studied extensively in skin biology and has more human-applicable data than many peptides, partly due to its use in cosmetic research.
What research shows
- Stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Promotes wound healing and skin remodeling in multiple studies
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Potential nerve regeneration support
- Upregulates genes involved in tissue remodeling and downregulates inflammatory pathways
What remains unknown
- Optimal systemic dosing in humans
- Long-term systemic safety profile
- Whether topical vs. injectable delivery produces meaningfully different outcomes
Administration basics
Common use cases
Skin health, wound repair, anti-aging protocols, hair loss. Used both topically and via injection.
Half-life
Short (~30 minutes in plasma). Often used topically for this reason.
Administration
Topical (well-studied), subcutaneous injection, or intranasal.
Source this compound
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View at Ascension PeptidesResearch Protocols & Common Usage
Doses used in research
- Topical research has studied concentrations of 0.1–5% in cream or serum formulations
- Injectable research has studied 1–2mg per injection
- Intranasal community protocols commonly report 1–2mg/day
Administration routes studied
Typical protocol duration
Topical research studies have typically run 12 weeks. Injectable community protocols commonly report 2–6 week cycles.
Common stacking protocols
- BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu (The GLOW Stack) — the defining GHK-Cu stack; covers tissue repair, systemic healing, and collagen remodeling together
- BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu + KPV (The KLOW Stack) — the GLOW Stack with KPV added for anti-inflammatory and gut healing benefit
- GHK-Cu + Epithalon — combined in longevity-focused protocols
Contraindications & combinations to avoid
- Known copper metabolism disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease) — GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide; excess copper accumulation is a theoretical concern
- No significant drug interactions well-documented at research doses
Dosing information reflects doses used in published research and commonly reported community protocols only. This is not a personal recommendation. These compounds are not FDA-approved for human use in the contexts described. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
Considering stacking?
See the stacking guide for common combinations with GHK-Cu and what to avoid.
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Community Reviews
Reviews reflect individual user experiences with research compounds and are not medical advice. Results vary. These compounds are not FDA approved for human use. Peptelligent does not verify reported experiences.
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