GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper peptide, GHK-Copper
Copper-binding tripeptide
Mechanism of Action
May promote collagen synthesis, wound healing, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Often used topically for skin.
Note: Also used as cosmetic ingredient
57.1% of individuals with profile data were female — an unusual demographic split in the peptide space. GHK-Cu functions as both a topical cosmetic ingredient and injectable research peptide, with skin health as the dominant focus area (279 mentions from 127 unique individuals). Self-reported data also points to interest in joint health, injury recovery, and hair growth, though clinical evidence remains largely preclinical with 0 completed human trials.
Reported Outcomes
Clinical grade reflects published research; Community grade reflects user reports (n=654).
Improvements in skin quality, firmness, and appearance
In vitro studies indicate GHK-Cu liposomes significantly inhibit elastase activity (48.9%), suggesting a mechanism for reduced elastin degeneration and improved skin structural integrity.
Joint pain relief and mobility improvements
Effects on sleep quality
Accelerated recovery from injuries and surgery
GHK-Cu attenuated lung fibrosis and emphysematous changes in murine models of silicosis and cigarette smoke exposure, acting via oxidative stress reduction.
Effects on hair growth and quality
Reduction in inflammation and swelling
Multiple preclinical studies in mice demonstrate GHK-Cu's ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) in conditions ranging from ulcerative colitis and silicosis to acute lung injury and Alzheimer's disease.
Wound healing and scar improvement
Scaffolds and polymers incorporating GHK-Cu demonstrated improved cell proliferation and antibacterial properties in vitro, supporting potential applications in skin tissue engineering.
Anti-aging and regenerative effects
Effects on mood and cognitive function
Intranasal administration of GHK-Cu in aging and 5xFAD Alzheimer's mouse models delayed cognitive impairment and enhanced performance in spatial memory and navigation tasks.
Tendon and ligament repair and health
Changes in energy and fatigue levels
Muscle recovery and repair from exercise or injury
Who Discusses GHK-Cu
From community reports with demographic data.
Gender
n=56
Age Distribution (limited data)
n=22
Side Effects
Limited dataBased on 13 user reports (n=13). Frequency indicates how often each was mentioned.
Common (>5%)
Uncommon (1-5%)
Risks & Warnings
Important safety considerations based on clinical data and community reports.
Psychiatric Effects
Monitor for mood changes. Report any concerning psychiatric symptoms to healthcare provider.
Injection Pain/Stinging
Users report less sting with more dilution and slower injection; light massage can help.
Injection Site Reactions
Local reactions are common and usually mild. Rotate injection sites.
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.
Pricing
Research-grade reference pricing for 50mg vial. Prices vary by vendor and quantity. Research chemicals require self-mixing and lack medical oversight. Shipping is not included.
We do not list vendors. Prices are aggregated from community reports and should be treated as rough ranges.
US Research Grade
Single small vial from US domestic vendors
US Research (Bulk)
Per-dose equivalent when buying larger US vials
China Research
Per-vial when buying 10-pack from Chinese vendors
Research
Key Studies
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018)
Front Bioeng Biotechnol (2023)
Pharmaceutics (2023)
bioRxiv (2023)
Commonly Stacked With
Based on 654 community posts mentioning GHK-Cu.
Switching Patterns
Based on 45 discussions about switching to or from GHK-Cu.