GHK-Cu

Overview

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It's found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, with levels declining significantly with age (200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60).

GHK-Cu has been extensively studied for its regenerative properties and is widely used in cosmetic formulations. Research suggests it may "reset" gene expression patterns toward a more youthful state, affecting over 4,000 genes in human genome studies.

Sequence: Gly-His-Lys:Cu (2+)

Mechanism of Action

Copper Delivery

• Delivers copper to cells
• Copper is essential cofactor for many enzymes
• Involved in collagen synthesis (lysyl oxidase)
• Required for superoxide dismutase (antioxidant)

Gene Expression Modulation

Studies show GHK-Cu affects thousands of genes:

• Upregulates: Collagen, elastin, decorin, growth factors
• Downregulates: Inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases
• Net effect: Anti-inflammatory, pro-regenerative

Wound Healing Effects

• Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis
• Promotes angiogenesis
• Attracts immune cells and fibroblasts
• Accelerates wound contraction
• Reduces scar tissue formation

Skin Rejuvenation

• Increases dermal keratinocyte proliferation
• Enhances skin thickness
• Improves elasticity
• Reduces fine lines and photodamage

Hair Growth

• Increases follicle size
• Stimulates hair growth in some studies
• May work via copper delivery and growth factor effects

Research Summary

Wound Healing Studies

Animal Models:

• Accelerated wound closure in rats
• Improved tensile strength of healed tissue
• Reduced inflammatory response
• Enhanced angiogenesis in wound bed

Clinical Studies:

• Post-laser skin resurfacing improvements
• Diabetic ulcer healing (case reports)
• Surgical wound healing

Skin Aging Studies

Gene Expression Research

Broad Genome Study (2012):

• 4,000+ genes affected
• 127% of genes shifted toward "younger" pattern
• Effects on inflammation, tissue remodeling, antioxidant genes

Hair Research

• Increased hair follicle size
• Extended anagen (growth) phase
• Some clinical studies with topical application

Pharmacokinetics

Common Protocols

Note: GHK-Cu has different applications topically vs systemically. Neither is FDA-approved for therapeutic use.

Topical (Cosmetic)

Serum Application:

• 0.1-1% concentration typical in products
• Apply 1-2x daily
• After cleansing, before moisturizer
• Can use post-microneedling (enhances penetration)

Injectable (Research)

Systemic Use (Anecdotal):

• 1-4mg subcutaneous daily
• Often combined with BPC-157
• Used for systemic healing support
• Limited data on optimal dosing

Microneedling Enhancement

• Apply immediately post-microneedling
• Enhanced penetration through micro-channels
• Popular protocol in aesthetic medicine

Administration

Topical

• Serums, creams, masks
• Direct application to skin
• No injection required
• Most common and studied route

Subcutaneous Injection

• Reconstituted lyophilized powder
• Bacteriostatic water diluent
• Insulin syringe
• Near affected area or systemic

Reconstitution (Injectable Form)

• Typically 50mg vial + 5mL water = 10mg/mL
• Store at 2-8°C after reconstitution
• Light-sensitive - store in dark
• Use within 2-4 weeks

Side Effects

Topical Use

• Generally very well tolerated
• Rare: mild irritation, redness
• Allergic reactions uncommon
• May stain light-colored materials (copper)

Injectable Use (Limited Data)

• Injection site reactions
• No serious adverse events in limited reports
• Long-term safety unknown for systemic use

Theoretical Concerns

• Copper accumulation (unlikely at normal doses)
• Wilson's disease patients should avoid
• Metal allergies (rare with copper peptide)

Interactions

Contraindications

• Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder)
• Copper allergy (rare)
• Active skin infections (topical)

Drug Interactions

• May affect absorption of oral copper
• Theoretical interaction with chelating agents
• Vitamin C may affect stability (in formulations)

Cosmetic Interactions

• Compatible with most skincare ingredients
• Retinoids: some recommend separating application
• AHAs/BHAs: generally compatible

Community Insights

The following represents aggregated reports from online communities and should not be considered medical advice or verified claims.

Commonly Reported Experiences (Topical)

• Improved skin texture and firmness
• Faster healing of minor wounds/abrasions
• Enhanced results from microneedling
• Hair growth/thickness improvements reported
• Reduced inflammation (rosacea, acne)

Injectable Use Reports

• Often combined with BPC-157 and TB-500
• Used for wound healing, post-injury
• Some report skin improvements systemically
• Hair benefits reported

Practical Tips Shared

• Concentration matters - 0.5-1% seems effective
• Consistency important - daily use
• Microneedling dramatically enhances effects
• Quality varies widely between products
• Blue color indicates copper presence

Popular Combinations

• GHK-Cu + Microneedling
• GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 (healing stack)
• GHK-Cu serum + Vitamin C serum (separate times)
• GHK-Cu + Retinol (alternate evenings)

Product Selection

• Look for reputable brands
• 0.5-2% concentration common
• Serum formulations often preferred
• Some products combine with other peptides

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;19(7):1987. [PMID: 29986520]

2. Pickart L, et al. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. [PMID: 26236730]

3. Maquart FX, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-6. [PMID: 3169264]

4. Leyden J, et al. Copper peptide and skin. Cosmet Dermatol. 2002;15:14-19.

5. Siméon A, et al. Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+). J Invest Dermatol. 2000;115(6):962-8. [PMID: 11121126]

6. Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-88. [PMID: 18644225]