GHK-Cu
Also known as Copper tripeptide-1, GHK copper, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper peptide
Last reviewed · Awaiting clinical review
Main safety concerns
Do not use it if you have Wilson's disease or another copper overload condition. The mixed solution is blue, which is normal for copper.
- SeriousAvoid if: Wilson's disease or other copper overload conditions
- SeriousAvoid if: Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- WarningCopper overload with high or long term dosing
Educational information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact a clinician or emergency services.
What is known
A naturally occurring copper carrying tripeptide studied for skin, collagen, and wound healing.
On this page
What it is and how it works
GHK-Cu is a small peptide of three amino acids that binds a copper ion. The body makes it naturally, and levels fall with age. Much of its effect comes from delivering copper, which the body needs to build collagen and elastin. In lab and skin studies it stimulates collagen and other support molecules, and it appears to switch on many genes tied to repair and inflammation. It is the copper part that gives a mixed solution its blue color.[1]
Evidence by claim
Each claim is graded on its own. Tap a grade to see what it does and does not mean.
Improves skin firmness, fine lines, and overall skin quality.
Source type: Review
Supported by cosmetic and topical human studies, along with lab work. Most of this evidence is for creams and serums, not injections.
Speeds wound healing and boosts collagen in tissue.
Source type: Review, Animal study
Shown in animal wound models, such as a rat study where it raised collagen in healing tissue. Human injectable data is limited.
Acts on many genes linked to repair and inflammation.
Source type: Review
Based on cell and gene expression work, not human outcomes.
Injected for whole body anti aging.
Popular in the community, but not backed by human trials for this use.
No source cited for this claim.
Reported side effects
- WarningCopper overload with high or long term dosing[1]A concern with large systemic doses over time, since the peptide carries copper. It may also lower zinc, which balances copper in the body.
- CautionInjection site redness or irritation(common)[1]
- CautionTemporary skin flushing(uncommon)[1]
- CautionMild nausea or headache(uncommon)[1]
Interactions and combination risks
These treat copper overload conditions. GHK-Cu adds copper, so it works against them.
Copper and zinc balance each other, so ongoing copper can lower zinc over time.
- InfoGLOW and KLOW blends
GHK-Cu is the copper part of both the GLOW and KLOW blends. See the related entries below.
Who should avoid it
- SeriousWilson's disease or other copper overload conditions
The body cannot clear extra copper safely, so added copper can build up and cause harm.
- SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dosing
Placed after the evidence and risks on purpose. Nothing here is a recommendation for you.
| Route(s) | subcutaneous, topical (creams and serums) |
|---|---|
| Typical range | Injectable: about 1 to 2 mg per day for skin and anti aging, sometimes up to 2 to 5 mg per day for wound healing. Topical: 2 to 4 percent creams. |
| Frequency | Once daily, often in short cycles |
| Cycle guidance | Commonly run for a few weeks with breaks in between. |
| Notes | Injectable dosing comes from community practice, not human dose finding trials. The of GHK-Cu is not well established, so there is no plot for it here. Remember that a mixed GHK-Cu solution is blue because of its copper. |
For the equipment itself, see syringes, needles, and the rest of the kit.
Reconstitution
| Vial sizes | 50 mg, 100 mg |
|---|---|
| Diluent | Bacteriostatic water for multi dose vials, or sterile water for single use |
| Concentration | Example: a 50 mg vial plus 5 mL of water gives 10 mg/mL, so 1 mg is 0.1 mL, which is 10 units on a U-100 syringe. The solution will look blue, which is normal. |
| Notes | GHK-Cu usually ships as 50 mg or 100 mg freeze dried vials. Once mixed, the solution is blue from the copper. |
General reconstitution technique
Units and volume arithmetic
Converts between an amount and syringe units for the vial and diluent you enter. It starts empty and does not suggest an amount. Open the full calculator
Result
Fill in steps 1 to 3 to see the arithmetic. Nothing here is a suggested amount.
Settings live in the address bar, so a pasted link reopens this calculator as you left it.
Educational arithmetic only. It does not choose an amount for you and is not medical or dosing advice. Verify every calculation independently.
Storage and stability
Dry powder (lyophilized)
| Temperature | Freeze for long term storage, or 2 to 8 short term |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Many months when frozen |
| Notes | Keep dry and out of light until you mix it. |
After mixing
| Temperature | 2 to 8 (refrigerated) |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | About 4 weeks |
| Notes | Do not freeze after mixing. A blue color is normal. Discard if it turns brown, cloudy, or grows anything. |
COA and purity notes
| Common adulterants | underdosed or mislabeled vials, plain GHK sold as GHK-Cu, with little or no copper, product sold as a blend without clear amounts of each peptide |
|---|---|
| Mislabeling | Real GHK-Cu turns blue when mixed. A clear solution can mean there is little or no copper. It is also sold inside the GLOW and KLOW blends, where the amount of each peptide should be listed. |
| Notes | Sold both as a cosmetic ingredient and as injectable research material. The injectable form is unregulated. |
Sources
[1]Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2018 (opens source in a new tab)· Review[2]GHK-Cu increases collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix accumulation in a rat wound model
Wound healing study (rat model) 1993 (opens source in a new tab)· Animal study[3]Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record[4]Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A of the FD&C Act (categories list)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record
Last reviewed 7 July 2026 · editorial status: reviewed