GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper peptide, GHK-Copper

Healing Research

Copper-binding tripeptide

Mechanism of Action

May promote collagen synthesis, wound healing, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Often used topically for skin.

654
Community Posts
224
Users Discussing
14
Research Articles

Reported Outcomes

Clinical Strength: D

Based on community reports (654 posts). Grade reflects frequency and consistency of positive mentions.

D Sleep Quality
52 mentions

Effects on sleep quality

D Weight Loss
35 mentions

Reduction in body weight

D Body Composition
20 mentions

Changes in muscle vs fat ratio

D Mental/Mood
22 mentions

Effects on mood and cognitive function

D Energy Levels
10 mentions

Changes in energy and fatigue levels

Side Effects

Based on 85 user reports. Frequency indicates how often each was mentioned.

Common (>5%)

Hair Loss
Mild 16 reports 15.5%
Fatigue
Mild 15 reports 14.6%
Stinging
Mild 10 reports 9.7%
Constipation
Mild 7 reports 6.8%
Nausea
Mild 6 reports 5.8%

Uncommon (1-5%)

Injection Site Reaction (Isr)
Mild 5 reports 4.9%
Tiredness
Mild 5 reports 4.9%
Injection Site Pain
Mild 5 reports 4.9%
Diarrhea
Mild 4 reports 3.9%
Sting
Mild 4 reports 3.9%
Dizziness
Mild 4 reports 3.9%
Burning
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Hives
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Exhaustion
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Headache
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Water Retention
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Insomnia
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Food Noise
Mild 3 reports 2.9%
Burps
Mild 2 reports 1.9%
Weight Gain
Mild 2 reports 1.9%

Risks & Warnings

Important safety considerations based on clinical data and community reports.

!

Thyroid Concerns

3 mentions

GLP-1 agonists carry a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. Contraindicated in MEN2 or personal/family history of MTC.

!

Hair Loss

22 mentions

May occur with rapid weight loss. Usually temporary (telogen effluvium). Ensure adequate nutrition.

!

Psychiatric Effects

4 mentions

Monitor for mood changes. Report any concerning psychiatric symptoms to healthcare provider.

i

Injection Site Reactions

32 mentions

Local reactions are common and usually mild. Rotate injection sites.

i

Gastrointestinal Issues

4 mentions

GI side effects are the most commonly reported. Usually improve over time with slow titration.

Dosing

Standard Protocol

Starting Dose
1-2mg daily (injectable) or topical
Titration
No established protocol
Half-life
Unknown
Administration
Subcutaneous injection or topical

Community Dosing Patterns

Based on 104 mentions

Community-reported patterns, not medical advice.

2mg daily
11
daily
4
2 mg daily
4
10 units daily
2
3mg daily
2

Pricing

Research-grade reference pricing for 50mg vial. Prices vary by vendor and quantity.

We do not list vendors. Prices are aggregated from community reports and should be treated as rough ranges.

US Research Grade

$40

Single small vial from US domestic vendors

US Research Grade (Bulk)

$35.5

Per-dose equivalent when buying larger US vials

China Research Grade

$2.4

Per-vial when buying 10-pack from Chinese vendors

94% savings

Research

14
Total Articles
0
2
Reviews

Key Studies

Improved laccase production by Trametes versicolor using Copper-Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine as a novel and high-efficient inducer Preclinical

Front Bioeng Biotechnol (2023)

Liposomes as Carriers of GHK-Cu Tripeptide for Cosmetic Application Preclinical

Pharmaceutics (2023)

Intranasal GHK peptide enhances resilience to cognitive decline in aging mice Preclinical

bioRxiv (2023)

Behavioral and neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease are attenuated in 5xFAD mice treated with intranasal GHK peptide Preclinical

bioRxiv (2023)

The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6 Preclinical

Redox Biology (2024)

Commonly Stacked With

Based on 654 community posts mentioning GHK-Cu.

BPC-157 149 mentions (22.8%)
TB-500 144 mentions (22%)
Retatrutide 51 mentions (7.8%)
MOTS-c 34 mentions (5.2%)
Tirzepatide 28 mentions (4.3%)

Switching Patterns

Based on 45 discussions about switching to or from GHK-Cu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHK-Cu?

Does GHK-Cu help with skin healing?

Does GHK-Cu promote collagen production?

Does GHK-Cu help with hair growth?

Does GHK-Cu have anti-aging properties?