What is GHK-CU?

GHK-Cu, also known as Copper Tripeptide-1 or Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper, is a naturally occurring tripeptide complexed with copper ions. It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, where levels are higher in youth (around 200 ng/mL at age 20) and decline with age (to about 80 ng/mL by age 60). This decline is linked to reduced regenerative capacity. GHK-Cu is recognized for its broad regenerative properties, including stimulating collagen and elastin production, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, providing antioxidant effects, and supporting tissue remodeling. It influences over 4,000 genes related to repair, inflammation control, and cellular health, making it a popular compound in anti-aging, dermatology, and recovery contexts.

Discovery and Background

GHK-Cu was discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart while studying human plasma factors that could restore youthful function to aged liver tissue. The tripeptide GHK binds copper with high affinity, forming the active GHK-Cu complex that drives its biological effects. Research since then has expanded to skin regeneration, wound repair, hair growth, and potential systemic benefits.

Research Overview

Extensive preclinical studies (in vitro, animal models) and some human clinical data support GHK-Cu's effects, particularly in skin applications. It accelerates wound closure, enhances collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation (e.g., suppressing TNF-α, IL-6), promotes angiogenesis, and improves skin elasticity, firmness, and appearance in controlled trials on aged skin. Human studies show benefits like reduced wrinkles, tighter skin, and better photodamage repair with topical use. Systemic effects (e.g., in lung injury or colitis models) suggest broader potential, but large-scale human trials remain limited. Anecdotal and clinical reports highlight its versatility, though it is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use and is primarily a research or cosmetic compound.

Common Applications

GHK-Cu is widely explored for skin rejuvenation, hair support, and tissue repair, often in cosmetic, wellness, and regenerative settings.

Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging

GHK-Cu promotes collagen/elastin production, tightens loose skin, reduces fine lines/wrinkles, improves firmness/clarity, and mitigates hyperpigmentation or mottled damage.

• Typical Dosage Ranges (injectable protocols):
  • 0.5–1.5 mg per day for general wellness/anti-aging.
  • 1–2 mg per day for more pronounced effects.
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection (systemic benefits) or topical application (targeted skin effects).
• Frequency: Daily or 5 days on/2 off; cycles often 4–8 weeks on, with equivalent breaks.

Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

It accelerates healing, reduces scar formation, stimulates new blood vessel growth, and supports extracellular matrix remodeling—useful for injuries, post-procedure recovery, or chronic wounds.

• Typical Dosage Ranges (injectable):
  • 1–2.5 mg per day for acute repair.
• Administration: Subcutaneous (systemic) or topical near the site.
• Frequency: Daily for 10–14 days initially, then reassess.

Hair Growth and Scalp Health

GHK-Cu may enlarge hair follicles, increase thickness, reduce inflammation, and promote growth—potentially beneficial for thinning or pattern loss.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • Topical: 0.05–0.5% concentration (e.g., foams/creams at 5 mg/mL).
  • Injectable: 1–2 mg per day (systemic support).
• Administration: Topical scalp application (nightly) or subcutaneous.
• Frequency: Daily topical; injectable as above.

Inflammation Reduction and Antioxidant Support

GHK-Cu modulates inflammatory cytokines, boosts antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD), and protects against oxidative stress—potentially aiding chronic inflammation or related conditions.

• Typical Dosage Ranges:
  • 1–2 mg per day.
• Administration: Subcutaneous.

Frequency: Daily or as part of wellness cycles.