PeppiLibrary

Skin & Anti-aging

GHK-Cu peptide reference

Copper tripeptide. Researched for skin remodeling, hair growth and wound healing.

Last reviewed May 6, 2026 FDA-approved FDA approved
Peppi reviewing GHK-Cu notes
Default dose label1 mg
Preferred routeSubQ or topical
Frequency labelDaily (subQ) or 1–2× daily (topical)
Storage window30 days mixed

Evidence snapshot

FDA-approved

Evidence maturityFDA approved
Cosmetic ingredient with peer-reviewed dermatology research

FDA-approved cosmetic ingredient; injectable form is research-only

Route map

How records are usually labeled

1 SubQ
2 Topical
3 Intranasal

For systemic effect, rotate subQ sites; for cosmetic effect, apply topically directly to target area.

Vial timeline

Storage cues to log

Before mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C; protect from light (copper is photosensitive).
After mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days; keep in opaque container.
Use-by cue30 days after mixing
Mixed vial window30 days
Use this as a record-keeping cue, not a replacement for product labeling.

Peppi workflow

From vial to review

Vial 50 mg vial
Dose 1 mg
Route SubQ or topical
Review 30d storage

Peppi turns scattered dose, vial, route, storage, note, and report details into one record trail.

Educational reference only

This page helps you understand what to track for GHK-Cu. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use this peptide. Discuss dose, route, timing, storage, and safety with a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart. Plasma levels decline with age. It has been studied for collagen and elastin synthesis, hair follicle stimulation, wound healing, antioxidant activity, and gene-expression modulation. Available in injectable, topical and intranasal forms.

Also known as: Copper tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II).

Skin firmness and elasticityHair regrowth (topical scalp application)Wound and scar remodelingAnti-aging research

Mechanism and timing snapshot

Copper-binding tripeptide; modulates over 4,000 human genes (DNA-repair, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory). Stimulates collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Activates wound-healing cascades.

Onset label30 min
Catalog onset field, when available.
Half-life label1 hr
Plasma half-life ~30–60 min (injected); topical effects local and prolonged
Duration label4 hr
Catalog duration field, when available.
subQ High
topical Moderate (penetrates skin in formulated bases)
oral Negligible

Tracking defaults

These values come from Peppi's catalog so records can be prefilled consistently. They should be reviewed against your clinician's instructions before logging real-world use.

Catalog default dose1 mg
Catalog dose range500 mcg - 3 mg
Default routeSubQ
Frequency labelDaily (subQ) or 1–2× daily (topical)
Best time labelAnytime; topical post-shower for clean skin.
Food noteNone.

Catalog protocol note

1–2 mg subQ daily for 30 days, OR topical formulation 2× daily ongoing.

Routes and site notes

Available route labelsSubQ, Topical, Intranasal
Preferred route labelSubQ or topical
Common site labelsAbdomen, Topical application area, Scalp (for hair)
Site rotation noteFor systemic effect, rotate subQ sites; for cosmetic effect, apply topically directly to target area.

Chemistry

SequenceGly-His-Lys (+ Cu²⁺)
Amino acids3
Molecular formulaC14H24N6O4·Cu
Molecular weight403.92 Da

Vial, reconstitution, and storage

Supply formLyophilized blue/green powder (copper-tinted)
Typical vial size50 mg
DiluentBacteriostatic water
Diluent volume5 mL
Concentration note50 mg in 5 mL → 0.10 mL = 1 mg (10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe).
Before reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C; protect from light (copper is photosensitive).
After reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days; keep in opaque container.
Reconstituted shelf life30 days
Light sensitiveYes
Freeze/thaw warningYes

Safety notes

Common and rare side effects listed in the catalog

  • Faint blue/green skin or fabric tint at injection site (copper)
  • Mild redness with topical use
  • Allergic contact dermatitis (topical)

Contraindications and warnings

  • Wilson's disease (copper accumulation disorder)

Other considerations

  • Topical formulations may suit cosmetic goals better than injection.
  • Copper content can stain skin/towels — wash hands after handling.

Evidence and regulatory context

Evidence levelCosmetic ingredient with peer-reviewed dermatology research
FDA approvedYes
Regulatory statusFDA-approved cosmetic ingredient; injectable form is research-only
Prescription requiredNo
Approved countriesUS (cosmetic), EU

Stacking and cycle notes

Stacks well withbpc-157
Avoid combining noteNot listed
Typical cycle label4–8
Typical break label2–4
Cycle guidanceTopical use can run continuously; injectable cycles benefit from breaks.

Tracking tips

  • For cosmetic skin/hair goals, well-formulated topicals are often more practical than injection.
  • Copper imparts a faint blue/green tint — store in opaque container.
  • Pairs well with BPC-157 for combined healing + remodelling protocols.

References

Track it in Peppi

Keep GHK-Cu records organized.

Use Peppi for dose logs, vial inventory, storage dates, reminders, journal notes, photos, and clinician-ready reports.

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FAQ

What should I track for GHK-Cu?

Track the peptide name, dose amount and unit, route, vial label, timing, reconstitution or expiration dates, storage notes, and any symptoms or questions for clinician review.

Does Peppi tell me how to use GHK-Cu?

No. Peppi organizes educational reference and your own records. Protocol decisions should come from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I export GHK-Cu records?

Peppi is designed to keep dose logs, vial inventory, journal notes, and reports easier to review and export.

Last reviewed: May 6, 2026