GHK-Cu — Clinical Reference

**⚠ Educational reference only — not medical advice.** This article is for research and educational reference. Always consult your own physician before considering any peptide protocol. See the full Disclaimer at the end of this article. ## Introduction GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper, first identified by Loren Pickart in 1973 as a factor in young plasma capable of restoring liver-cell function in older tissue. The copper-bound form (Cu-GHK) is the active species. Widely used in cosmetic dermatology (topical) and investigated in research contexts (injectable) for tissue repair and aesthetic endpoints. ## Mechanism of Action GHK-Cu binds copper and acts as a copper-delivery carrier to cells, where copper serves as a cofactor for collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and key wound-healing pathways. The tripeptide also modulates expression of dozens of genes involved in tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory signaling, and stem-cell mobilization. ## Research Indications Topical (cosmetic): skin texture, fine lines, wound healing, post-procedure recovery. Research (injectable): hair regrowth (alopecia research), chronic-wound healing, post-surgical tissue support, and aesthetic dermatology protocols. ## Reconstitution Typical 50 mg lyophilized vial: add **2 mL of bacteriostatic water**, swirl gently. Final concentration **25 mg/mL (25,000 mcg/mL)** — each 0.04 mL (4 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 1 mg. **Solution turns deep blue** once reconstituted (the copper coordination color) — this is normal and indicates proper Cu²⁺ binding. ## Dosing Protocol (research literature) Research protocols vary widely by route. **Subcutaneous** systemic protocols: **1–2 mg SC once daily** for 4–8 weeks. **Scalp injection** (alopecia): **1–2 mg in 0.5–1 mL bacto** intradermal across the affected area, weekly for 4–8 weeks. **Topical** preparations (cosmetic): 0.05–0.2% GHK-Cu serums applied 1–2× daily. ## Administration Subcutaneous into abdominal fat, intradermal into scalp (alopecia protocols), or topical in cosmetic formulations. Rotate injection sites; intradermal scalp injection should use a fine 30–32g needle with sterile technique. ## Storage & Handling Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C); freeze (–20°C) for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately **30 days** (the deep blue color is stable). Protect from light. ## Side Effects Topical: very mild — occasional transient redness. Injectable: injection-site bruising (more pronounced with intradermal scalp protocols), transient flushing. ## Contraindications Pregnancy, lactation, Wilson's disease or other copper-handling disorders, hypersensitivity to copper. ## Monitoring Baseline assessment appropriate to the indication (e.g., trichoscope for alopecia protocols, skin photography for cosmetic protocols). Re-evaluate at 4–8 weeks. ## Disclaimer **This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only.** Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation. **Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician** before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual's medical history, current medications, and conditions can make. The platform and the author make no claim that any compound described here is safe, effective, or appropriate for any particular person or purpose, and accept no responsibility for outcomes arising from self-directed use of the information.