GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) (100 mg Vial) 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. This page covers the 100 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and common dosing patterns
Standard / Conservative Approach (3 mL = 33.33 mg/mL; 5 days/week)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 1.0 mg (1000 mcg) | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 5-8 | 1.5 mg (1500 mcg) | 4.5 units (0.045 mL) |
| Weeks 9-12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
Frequency: Once daily, 5 days per week, progressing from 1.0 mg to 1.5 mg and then 2.0 mg as shown above. At 33.33 mg/mL, those doses equal 3, 4.5, and 6 U-100 units. Use a U-100 syringe with markings that clearly display every value in the table.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL of the protocol-specified sterile diluent with a sterile syringe.
- Add it slowly down the vial wall to reduce foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label the vial with the 33.33 mg/mL concentration, preparation date, and storage instructions.
Alternative Protocol (3 mL = 33.33 mg/mL; 3 times weekly)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
Frequency: 2.0 mg three times per week, such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At 33.33 mg/mL, each injection equals 6 U-100 units (0.06 mL), for approximately 6 mg per week.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8-16 week protocol. Calculations are shown for both the 5 days/week and 3 times/week schedules.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Vials (GHK-Cu, 100 mg each) | 5 days/week (1.0-2.0 mg/day): 8 weeks (~50 mg total): 1 vial 12 weeks (~90 mg total): 1 vial 16 weeks (~130 mg total): 2 vials 3 times/week (2 mg each): 8 weeks (~48 mg total): 1 vial 12 weeks (~72 mg total): 1 vial 16 weeks (~96 mg total): 1 vial |
| Insulin Syringes (U-100, 29-31 gauge) | 5 days/week: Per week: 5 syringes 8 weeks: 40 syringes 12 weeks: 60 syringes 16 weeks: 80 syringes 3 times/week: Per week: 3 syringes 8 weeks: 24 syringes 12 weeks: 36 syringes 16 weeks: 48 syringes |
| Sterile or Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles) | 1 vial: 3 mL 2 vials: 6 mL 3 vials: 9 mL |
| Alcohol Swabs | 5 days/week: Per week: 10 swabs 8 weeks: 80 swabs or 1 x 100-count box 12 weeks: 120 swabs or 2 x 100-count boxes 16 weeks: 160 swabs or 2 x 100-count boxes 3 times/week: Per week: 6 swabs 8 weeks: 48 swabs or 1 x 100-count box 12 weeks: 72 swabs or 1 x 100-count box 16 weeks: 96 swabs or 1 x 100-count box |
Planning note: Peptide and water totals are arithmetic minimums based on the listed schedule. Follow the handling and discard limits for the exact products used.
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.
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.