GHK-Cu

What people use it for

• Skin firmness, fine lines and wound healing (topical)
• Hair growth (topical, limited evidence)

What GHK-Cu does in the body

GHK is found naturally in blood plasma and declines with age. Bound to copper, it is thought to stimulate collagen and elastin production, support skin remodelling and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Strength of evidence

Moderate for topical cosmetic use in small studies; very limited for injected use.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Skin irritation (topical)
• Injection-site reactions and pain (injected)
• Copper excess is a theoretical concern at high amounts

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Wilson's disease or other copper disorders
• Pregnant or breastfeeding (injected use)
• Allergy to any product ingredient (patch test first)

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Common cosmetic ingredient in topical products. Injectable forms are not approved.

How it's taken

Route: Creams and serums on the skin; injection in unofficial use

How long it lasts (half-life): Short in the blood; not well established

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder) vials are usually kept refrigerated or frozen and away from light. Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and do not freeze; follow the supplier's stated beyond-use date.

Mixing guides

How much water to add and what each syringe mark holds, worked out for your own dose:

• 50 mg vial
• 100 mg vial

Found in these stacks

• GLOW: Three-peptide blend of GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500, marketed for skin, hair and recovery.
• KLOW: GLOW plus KPV: four peptides marketed for skin, recovery and inflammation.