GHK-Cu

Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex

Also known as: Copper Peptide

Low Risk

Skin & HairAnti-AgingHealing & Recovery

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma. Concentration declines with age. Widely used in topical cosmetics for decades with excellent safety.

Benefits

Significant increase in collagen production (preclinical data)

Up to 60% reduction in inflammatory markers

Reduces wrinkles and improves skin density

Promotes wound healing and tissue remodeling

Stimulates hair growth

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Side Effects & Risks

Skin irritation at higher concentrationsmild

Injection site burning/crampingmild

Rare copper overload with excessive usemoderate

Dosing Information

Typical Dose

Topical: 1-2% cream daily; Injectable: 200-500 mcg daily

Administration

Topical cream/serum, subcutaneous injection, or microneedling

Cycle Length

Topical: ongoing; Injectable: 4-6 week cycles

Notes

Decades of safe topical use in cosmetics.

Legal Status

FDA Status

Not FDA-approved as drug; legal as cosmetic ingredient

Availability

Widely available in skincare; injectable from compounding pharmacies

WADA Status

Not currently banned

Evidence

Evidence LevelModerate

Extensive published research on topical use with decades of safe cosmetic history. Injectable human evidence is more limited. Collagen increase claims are from preclinical models, not verified in human RCTs.