GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Dosage Protocol
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studied for skin remodeling, wound healing, and hair growth. Native plasma levels decline with age in parallel with regenerative capacity.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous or topical | Frequency: 5 days/week (sub-Q) or 3×/week alternative | Half-life: ~30 minutes
Standard Approach (3 mL = 33.33 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 33.33 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 (titration) | 1 mg | 3 units | 0.030 mL | 100 doses |
| Weeks 5–8 | 1.5 mg | 4.5 units | 0.045 mL | 66 doses |
| Weeks 9–12+ (target) | 2 mg | 6 units | 0.060 mL | 50 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 1.5 mg per dose, 5 days/week (sub-q) or 3×/week alternative (3 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) () vials | 1 vials | 1 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 24 | 36 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
GHK-Cu has both injectable and topical formulations, often used in combination — sub-Q for systemic effects and topical for direct skin/scalp application. Many cosmetic-research protocols use topical alone; injectable adds connective-tissue and wound-healing applications.
Cycle length: Continuous daily use for 8–16 weeks is common, often without breaks given GHK-Cu's excellent safety profile and the gradual nature of dermal remodeling.
Dosing Protocol
Three common dosing intensities:
- Light (1 mg/day): Skin-focused protocol. Sub-Q daily.
- Standard (2 mg/day): Most-cited research dose. Sub-Q daily.
- Higher (3 mg/day): Wound healing or aggressive remodeling protocols.
Topical complement: 0.05–0.1% topical formulation applied 1–2× daily to clean skin/scalp. Used alongside or in place of injectable.
Cycle: Continuous daily use is common. Some protocols cycle 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
Stacking: Common in GLOW (with BPC-157 + TB-500) and KLOW (adds KPV) blends.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 30 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
GHK is a tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) discovered in human plasma in 1973. Its bioactive form binds copper(II) to form GHK-Cu. Plasma levels decline from ~200 ng/mL in young adults to ~80 ng/mL by age 60, paralleling tissue regenerative decline.
GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes — stimulating collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan synthesis; activating Nrf2 antioxidant defense; upregulating stem-cell factor and dermal hair-follicle stem-cell activity; downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Increased dermal collagen and elastin synthesis.
- Reduction of fine lines and improved skin firmness.
- Accelerated wound and ulcer healing.
- Hair-growth stimulation in animal alopecia models.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory via Nrf2.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild injection-site irritation possible.
- Topical use may cause mild redness/itching.
- Theoretical concern with copper-overload disorders (Wilson disease).
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with adequate vitamin C and zinc for collagen synthesis.
- Sun protection preserves skin gains.
- Hydration supports dermal function.
- Topical applications work well alongside subcutaneous protocols.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or near area of interest.
- Rotate injection sites with each dose.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.
- Topical: apply to clean dry skin; allow to absorb.