skinhealinglongevity

GHK-Cu

Also known as Copper peptide, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper

Copper-binding tripeptide used topically and subcutaneously for skin and hair.

Medical status: Widely used as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a medicine.

Also commonly used for (off-label)

Skin firmness, fine lines and scarring
Hair thickness and scalp health
Wound and collagen support

Off-label and research uses are what people report, not approved indications. Talk to a clinician before using any of them.

How it's taken

Subcutaneous injection
a small shot into the fat just under the skin (belly, thigh, or love handle)
Topical
a cream or serum applied to the skin over the target area

Availability varies by supplier — injectable is the most commonly researched form.

New to peptides? Start with the beginner's guide.

Documented dose: 1–2 mg
Typical frequency: Once daily, usually at night (or applied topically)
Cycle: 8 weeks on, 4 off
Half-life: ~1 hour
Common vial sizes: 50 mg, 100 mg
Regulatory status: Cosmetic ingredient; injectable use not approved.

Dose on a U-100 syringe (1–2 mg)

Vial	BAC water	Draw
50 mg	3 mL	6.0–12 units
50 mg	5 mL	10–20 units
100 mg	3 mL	3.0–6.0 units
100 mg	5 mL	5.0–10 units

On a U-100 syringe, 100 units = 1 mL, and the syringe holds 100 units total. Most people keep a single subcutaneous injection under about 50 units — bigger volumes are usually mixed stronger (less water) or split into two shots. Only mixes that fit in one syringe are shown. Always double-check with the reconstitution calculator.

What it does

A copper-carrying peptide that occurs naturally in the body and drops sharply as we age. It signals skin and connective tissue to rebuild, and is one of the most widely used peptides in cosmetics. What people look into it for: • Firmer skin, fewer fine lines and better elasticity through more collagen • Faster wound healing and less visible scarring • Hair thickness and follicle support • Calming inflammation and mopping up free radicals It is used both topically (creams and serums) and by injection, with topical use being by far the most common.

Mechanism

Copper carrier peptide modulating collagen, elastin and antioxidant gene expression.

Storage — lyophilisedwhat's this?

Refrigerate 2-8C, protect from light.

Storage — reconstitutedwhat's this?

Refrigerate 2-8C, use within ~28 days.

Reconstitution noteswhat's this?

Common mix: 100 mg vial + 5 ml bacteriostatic water = 200 mcg per unit, so 1 mg is 5 units and 2 mg is 10 units. Copper peptides can sting — more water and rotating injection sites both help, and leftover solution can be stirred into a moisturiser for topical use.

Stacks well with

Popular combinations reported in the community and research literature — not a recommendation. Adding peptides multiplies side-effect risk; check with a clinician.

Commonly reported side effects

Injection-site stinging
Blue discolouration at site
Copper accumulation with overuse

Contraindications noted

Wilson disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Research notes

Topical use is far better supported than injectable use.

Vendors carrying GHK-Cu

These research suppliers list this compound. Prices, vial sizes and testing vary — always check the current lot certificate before you buy.

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Peptide Streak does not sell peptides and is not affiliated with these vendors. Some list metabolic compounds under coded product names.