COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

• Topical: A small amount of the cream, serum, or spray is applied twice daily to the desired area. Concentrations in formulations usually range from 0.1% to 0.3%.

• Injectable: Doses typically range from 2–5 mg, administered subcutaneously 2–3 times weekly. Dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated, such as wound healing versus general skin rejuvenation.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

• GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide that binds copper ions, forming a complex with high biological activity. It enhances the body’s natural repair mechanisms by:

• Increasing collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.

• Stimulating glycosaminoglycan synthesis, which enhances skin hydration and barrier function.

• Modulating the activity of metaloproteinases to break down damaged collagen and promote healthy matrix turnover.

• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby preventing cellular damage and aging.

• For hair, GHK-Cu increases the size of hair follicles, prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, and improves scalp microcirculation.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Topical: Mild irritation, redness, or itching may occur at the application site. Rare cases of dermatitis or allergic reactions have been reported.

• Injectable: Injection site reactions, such as swelling, tenderness, or bruising, are common but transient. Systemic effects, such as mild nausea or fatigue, are rare but possible.

• Long-term Use: Overuse or excessively high concentrations may lead to paradoxical irritation or a decrease in efficacy. This is attributed to peptide receptor desensitization.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Absolute: Hypersensitivity to copper peptides or any ingredients in the topical formulation.

• Relative: Caution in individuals with skin conditions prone to irritation or sensitivity, such as rosacea or eczema. For injectable forms, patients with known metal metabolism disorders, such as Wilson’s disease, should avoid use due to the potential accumulation of copper.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON EFFICACY

• GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively researched peptides for its anti-aging and regenerative properties. It is often combined with other treatments, such as microneedling or laser therapy, for enhanced results. Compared to more invasive treatments, it offers a non-surgical option for visible skin and hair improvement.

MORE INFORMATION

• FDA Safety Data Sheet not available (experimental peptide therapy).

• Pickart L. GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. Biomed Res Int. 2014 [PubMed Link] 

• Pickart L. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 [PubMed Link]

• Dou Y. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiol Ther. 2020 [PubMed Link]

• Dymek M. Liposomes as Carriers of GHK-Cu Tripeptide for Cosmetic Application. Pharmaceutics. 2023 [PubMed Link]

• Jiang F. Synergy of GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via fibroblast and ex-vivo skin tests. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 [PubMed Link]

• Deng M. Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2023 [PubMed Link]

• Ma WH. Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways. Life Sci. 2020 [PubMed Link]

• Pickart L. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012 [PubMed Link]

• Tucker M. Intranasal GHK peptide enhances resilience to cognitive decline in aging mice. Preprint. bioRxiv. 2023 [PubMed Link]

• Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008 [PubMed Link]

• Pickart L. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015 [PubMed Link]

• hoi HR. Stem cell recovering effect of copper-free GHK in skin. J Pept Sci. 2012 [PubMed Link]

• Zajda J. Novel Applications of CE-ICP-MS/MS: Monitoring of Antiaging GHK-Cu Cosmetic Component Encapsulation in Liposomes. Electrophoresis. 2024 [PubMed Link]