GHK-Cu dosage and protocol
Copper peptide complex renowned for skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging effects.
- Vial size: 50 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 16.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Skin Health
- Collagen Production
- Anti-Aging
- Wound Healing
- Hair Growth
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL sterile or bacteriostatic water → 16.67 mg/mL concentration
- Typical range: 1.0–2.0 mg per injection, 3–5 days/week (subcutaneous)
- Easy measuring: At 16.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 167 mcg on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 1.0 mg (1000 mcg) | Once daily, 5×/week (SC) | 0.06 mL (6 units) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 1.5 mg (1500 mcg) | Once daily, 5×/week (SC) | 0.09 mL (9 units) |
| Weeks 9–12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | Once daily, 5×/week (SC) | 0.12 mL (12 units) |
How it works
GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a copper(II) ion. GHK occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva and urine, and circulating levels are reported to fall with age. The peptide binds copper with high affinity and is thought to act partly as a copper carrier, delivering the metal to tissues where copper-dependent enzymes such as lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin cross-linking) and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense) operate. In cell culture, GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans, and it modulates matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, which together govern tissue remodeling. Gene-expression analyses suggest it shifts the activity of a large number of genes toward patterns associated with repair and reduced inflammation, although what that means for a whole organism is not established. Rodent wound models show faster closure and improved angiogenesis. Most human evidence comes from small cosmetic studies of topical creams, which report improvements in skin density, fine lines and photodamage. Controlled human data on injected GHK-Cu are essentially absent, so systemic anti-aging claims rest on extrapolation from cell and animal work rather than clinical trials.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0mL sterile or bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall to minimize foaming
- Gently swirl or roll the vial until the peptide fully dissolves (do not shake)
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light
Storage
Store lyophilized at −20°C in dry, dark conditions. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Supplies
- Sterile or bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (U-100, 29–31G)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container