Last Updated February 26, 2024

 February 26, 2024

Researchers interested in peptides for skin repair and hair growth may be wondering how to set the right GHK-Cu dosage for their next study. 

Research has shown that GHK-Cu offers numerous positive effects, including: 

  • Tissue repair 
  • Cell protection 
  • Anti-inflammatory actions 

Despite significant interest in GHK-Cu, comparatively little is known about how this copper peptide should be dosed in experimental settings. 

Below, we cover what researchers MUST know about this powerful peptide, and include a GHK-Cu dosage calculator, information on benefits and side effects, and details on where to buy it online.

Buy GHK-Cu from our top-rated vendor...

Disclaimer: Peptides.org contains information about products that are intended for laboratory and research use only, unless otherwise explicitly stated. This information, including any referenced scientific or clinical research, is made available for educational purposes only. Likewise, any published information relative to the dosing and administration of reference materials is made available strictly for reference and shall not be construed to encourage the self-administration or any human use of said reference materials. Peptides.org makes every effort to ensure that any information it shares complies with national and international standards for clinical trial information and is committed to the timely disclosure of the design and results of all interventional clinical studies for innovative treatments publicly available or that may be made available. However, research is not considered conclusive. Peptides.org makes no claims that any products referenced can cure, treat or prevent any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials.


GHK-Cu Dosage Chart | Quick Breakdown

Timeline GHK-Cu Daily Dosage for Research
Days 1-30 1-2mg/daily
Days 31-60 Washout
Days 61 and beyond Repeat the cycle as needed

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is a peptide — a short chain of amino acids — that is made up of three amino acids:

  • Glycine
  • Histidine
  • Lysine

Together these three amino acids form GHK, or glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine [1].

GHK bonds easily to copper, thereby becoming GHK-Cu. That is why it is also called copper peptide or copper tripeptide. GHK-Cu is produced naturally in our bodies and is found in blood, saliva, and urine.

GHK-Cu seems to play a sizable role in repairing DNA in cells [2]. DNA is essentially a blueprint that cells use when they split and create new cells. When the DNA gets damaged, as is normal over time, that can result in poorer duplication of cells and impaired ability to generate new tissue. GHK-Cu helps repair and reset the DNA, leading to improved tissue growth [2].

When we age, the genes that are involved in inflammation and tissue destruction become more active. The genes that regenerate and repair tissue become less active. GHK-Cu appears to help turn back the clock:

It reactivates the regenerative genes and deactivates the inflammatory and destructive ones [2].

GHK-Cu has also been linked to several other processes that support tissue creation and has been found to:

  • Stimulate the synthesis of collagen in skin cells [3]
  • Increase the accumulation of protein [3]
  • Increase synthesis of decorin [4]
  • Stimulate the synthesis of metalloproteinases
  • Suppress the production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 [2]
  • Stimulate antioxidant gene activity [2]

Essentially, GHK-Cu is believed to help the body break down old tissue, repair DNA, and create new, healthier tissue.


ghk-cu dosage calculator


Benefits of GHK-Cu?

There are numerous potential benefits associated with GHK-Cu administration.

Here is a breakdown of potential benefits reported in the literature:

  • Anti-pain action [1]
  • Anti-anxiety effects [1]
  • Anti-aggression effects [1]
  • Antioxidant protection [1]
  • Repairing wounds [2]
  • Lung and gut tissue healing [2]
  • Hair growth [2]
  • Skin repair, wrinkle reduction, and anti-aging effects [5]
  • Tissue remodeling [6]
  • Antibacterial effects and infection reduction [7]
  • Nerve regeneration [8]

Below, we’ll go deeper into the main potential benefits of GHK-Cu.

P.S: Curious about side effects of GHK-Cu? Click here.


GHK-Cu for Anti-Aging/Skin

GHK-Cu is probably most famous for its purported “anti-aging” effects on skin.

While there is no known therapy for actually “de-aging” any organ, including skin, the peptide is thought to exert possible cosmetic benefits on skin that warrant research.

In one murine study, GHK-Cu was reported to promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis, thereby accelerating scald wound healing [9]. Although promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation could entail benefits in the short-term in terms of tissue healing, this could be a double-edged sword, as these same processes are how many cancers initiate and spread.

In one study involving women with sun-damaged skin, GHK-Cu treatment was reported to remove visible signs of aging after 12 weeks. Such visible signs consisted of improved skin firmness, elasticity, and clarity as well as reduced wrinkles and fine lines [5].

Additionally, the peptide was reported to outperform a product containing vitamin K, vitamin C, and retinoic acid [10]. However, the aforementioned study involved only 20 subjects who self-applied skin products and overall the study methodology was highly questionable. A paper by by Pickart et al. (2015) reported the following in association with GHK-Cu use [5]:

  • Tightening of skin
  • Improves skin elasticity and firmness
  • Improve skin density
  • Reduced deep wrinkles and fine lines
  • Reduced hyperpigmentation and sun damage

GHK-Cu for Healing

GHK-Cu has potential uses as a healing agent.

It has not only been shown to help wounds close faster with less chance of infection, but it also seems to be involved in healing ulcers and regenerating lung tissue [1, 2].

It does so by repairing DNA, accelerating tissue growth, and increasing levels of antioxidant enzymes. Separate research has shown that GHK-Cu peptide helps slow down the growth of cancerous tissue and prevent its formation [4, 11].


GHK-Cu for Hair Growth

A number of studies have suggested that GHK may be beneficial for hair growth. Data from these studies indicates that GHK-Cu may increase hair follicle size and thus improve hair growth and thickness [1, 2, 13].

This research suggests that GHK-Cu may be beneficial in subjects suffering from hair loss or hair thinning, clearly highlighting a possible avenue for further research [13].


GHK-Cu for Muscle Growth

There is no published data from human clinical trials to support the notion that GHK-Cu stimulates muscle growth. However, given that it has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity [6], GHK-Cu may decrease recovery time following resistance training. There is a clear need for more research in this area.

Now that we’ve reviewed the main potential benefits of GHK-Cu, let’s now turn our attention to the question at hand: what is the proper way to dose this peptide?


GHK-Cu Dosage Guide | What Researchers MUST Know

Based on the available research, GHK-Cu is considered to be safe and well-tolerated when administered to test subjects [1]. According to Dr. Pickart, credited with discovering GHK-CU:

“No issues (involving GHK-Cu) have ever arisen during its use as a skin cosmetic or in human wound healing studies” [2].

That said, researchers may find it useful to have a bit of background on past GHK-Cu dosing protocols:

Minimum Effective Dose

The lowest known doses of GHK-Cu administered to test subjects involve the application of skin creams and topical ointments. Skin creams containing GHK-Cu are usually applied once or twice a day to affected areas—usually to the face for skin tightening and wrinkles, to the scalp for hair growth, or other areas for scars or wound healing [10]. When administered in this manner, GHK-Cu appears to be non-toxic and non-irritating with no adverse effects [2].

There is limited data to indicate the minimum effective parenteral dose of GHK-Cu [11]. Where GHK-Cu is sold as a powder that is reconstituted for injection, a typical starting dose is 1mg per day over a treatment course.

GHK-Cu Injections

Subcutaneous injections are a common way to administer GHK-Cu to test subjects for the purpose of studying systemic healing, skin rejuvenation, and hair growth.

Researchers and clinicians typically administer 1-2mg/daily of GHK-Cu over the course of a 30-day treatment to achieve desirable outcomes on skin, hair growth, and systemic healing.

Skin Creams and Patches

GHK-Cu skin creams and patches seem to be able to deliver therapeutically effective amounts of this copper peptide within the layers of the skin [14].

For example, topical formulations for hair growth have involved the application of a solution with concentration of 50mg/ml-100mg/ml that contains GHK and 5-aminolevulinic acid.

The solution was successfully administered once daily for 6 months and resulted in significant improvement of hair growth [15].

Of course, topicals may vary in their formulas and exact GHK-Cu content, so it is always prudent to read the instructions for the product before administering it to test subjects.

Liposomal Encapsulated Oral GHK-Cu Tablets

There is no evidence that administering GHK-Cu in regular pill form produces any effects, as it is broken down in the intestines.

However, research indicates that liposomal encapsulated tablets may be effective when dosed at 10 mg per day or more [11].

GHK-Cu Dosage Recommendation

As a research peptide, there is no “recommended dose” for GHK-Cu. However, a review of the available literature suggests that researchers have previously dosed it in the following ways [2]:

  • GHK-Cu Dose: 1-2 mg per day, injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
  • Frequency: Once per day; can also split the dose into two.
  • Duration of Cycle: 30 days.

We do not encourage the unsupervised self-administration of GHK-Cu or any other research peptide—under any circumstances.

Lethal Dose

GHK can lower blood pressure, so a large enough dose may have serious consequences.

However, the lethal dose of GHK-Cu peptide is very high – around 21,000 mg for a 70kg human (or about 330 mg/kg) [13].


ghk-cu dosage calculator


Where to Buy GHK-Cu Online? | 2024 Edition

Researchers looking to source GHK-Cu have a number of options online, though it’s important to exercise caution to avoid questionable products.

Therefore, the team at Peptides.org strongly advises researchers to evaluate vendors before making a purchase of GHK-Cu or any other research chemical.

Based on our experience testing the products of multiple peptide vendors, we wholeheartedly endorse the following two sources of high-quality GHK-Cu and other research chemicals.

Limitless Life

Limitless Life is a US-based vendor that stocks research-grade GHK-Cu as a lyophilized powder for injection.

Besides carrying some of the best quality peptides on the net, they offer:

  • Third-Party Tested GHK-CU: Limitless Life products are some of the purest online, as verified by a credible independent laboratory that conducts HPLC-MS testing on all of the vendor’s peptide batches.
  • Attractive Prices: Limitless Life’s 100mg vial of 99%+ pure GHK-Cu is attractively priced at $99.99, and the company waives shipping fees for customers ordering $350+ worth of products.
  • Easy, Secure Payments: Secure and convenient payment options offered by this top vendor include major credit cards, Cash App, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Elite Service and Care: Limitless Life’s friendly and helpful care team is available during business hours via email and phone to resolve any customer issues.

Limitless Life is now extending a 10% discount to our readers who enter this coupon code at checkout:

peptidesorg10

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Xcel Peptides

Xcel Peptides also carries GHK-Cu made in the USA, with perks like:

  • Lab-Tested GHK-Cu: Xcel Peptides GHK-Cu is tested by an independent laboratory called Janoshik to assure researchers of the product’s identity and purity.
  • Easy Payments: The vendor accommodates a range of convenient payment methods, including major credit cards, eCheck, Zelle, and Cash App.
  • Efficient Problem Resolution: Xcel Peptides’ friendly customer service team may be reached by phone or email, and is prompt in resolving all customer issues or questions.

Savings alert: Xcel Peptides is now offering a 10% discount to customers who subscribe to their email newsletter!

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Bacteriostatic Water and GHK-Cu

To correctly handle peptides such as GHK-Cu, researchers must use a standard set of tools, including — sterile needles, bacteriostatic water, and alcohol wipes.

The important task of gathering all these materials may be a challenge for some researchers. 

For research, a laboratory will require materials like:

  • Bacteriostatic Water
  • Insulin Syringes
  • Alcohol Prep Pads
  • Large Needles + Syringes
  • Sterile Empty Glass Vials

For researchers without access to these supplies, it is recommended to source from authorized vendors.


GHK-Cu Dosage | Verdict

Hopefully, this guide has answered the questions of researchers interested in calculating the optimum GHK-Cu dosage for their next experiment.

Based on our review of the available research, doses of 1-2 mg per day of reconstituted injectable GHK-Cu offer numerous therapeutic benefits in test subjects including anti-inflammatory action, tissue repair, hair growth, and more.

Looking to source GHK-Cu? Just click here.


References

  1. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul 7;19(7):1987. doi: 10.3390/ijms19071987. PMID: 29986520; PMCID: PMC6073405.
  2. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J. M., & Margolina, A. (2014). GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. BioMed Research International, 151479. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/151479
  3. Maquart, F. X., Pickart, L., Laurent, M., Gillery, P., Monboisse, J. C., & Borel, J. P. (1988). Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide‐copper complex glycyl‐L‐histidyl‐L‐lysine‐Cu2+. FEBS letters, 238(2), 343-346. doi:10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x
  4. Siméon, A., Wegrowski, Y., Bontemps, Y., & Maquart, F. X. (2000). Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide–copper complex glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 115(6), 962-968.
  5. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J. M., & Margolina, A. (2015). GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International, 648108. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/648108
  6. Pickart, L. (2008). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 19(8), 969-988.
  7. Mulder, G. D., Patt, L. M., Sanders, L., Rosenstock, J., Altman, M. I., Hanley, M. E., & Duncan, G. W. (1994). Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl‐l‐histidyl‐l‐lysine copper. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2(4), 259-269.
  8. Ahmed, M. R., Basha, S. H., Gopinath, D., Muthusamy, R., & Jayakumar, R. (2005). Initial upregulation of growth factors and inflammatory mediators during nerve regeneration in the presence of cell adhesive peptide‐incorporated collagen tubes. Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System, 10(1), 17-30.
  9. Wang X, Liu B, Xu Q, Sun H, Shi M, Wang D, Guo M, Yu J, Zhao C, Feng B. GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Wound Repair Regen. 2017 Apr;25(2):270-278. doi: 10.1111/wrr.12520. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28370978.
  10. Abdulghani, A. A., Sherr, A., Shirin, S., Solodkina, G., Tapia, E. M., Wolf, B., & Gottlieb, A. B. (1998). Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin-A pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes, 4(1), 136-141.
  11. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J. M., & Margolina, A. (2017). The effect of the human peptide GHK on gene expression relevant to nervous system function and cognitive decline. Brain Sciences, 7(2), 20.
  12. Uno, H., & Kurata, S. (1993). Chemical agents and peptides affect hair growth. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 101(1), S143-S147. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-202X(93)90516-K
  13. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J. M., & Margolina, A. (2012). The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2012. Doi: 10.1155/2012/324832
  14. Hostynek, J. J., Dreher, F., & Maibach, H. I. (2010). Human skin retention and penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as function of skin layer towards anti-inflammatory therapy. Inflammation Research, 59(11), 983-988.
  15. Lee, W. J., Sim, H. B., Jang, Y. H., Lee, S. J., Kim, doW., & Yim, S. H. (2016). Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth. Annals of dermatology, 28(4), 438–443. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.4.438

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

David Warmflash, M.D.

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