⚠ Educational reference only — not medical advice.** This article is for research and educational reference. Always consult your own physician before considering any peptide protocol. See the full Disclaimer at the end of this article.

Introduction
GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper, first identified by Loren Pickart in 1973 as a factor in young plasma capable of restoring liver-cell function in older tissue. The copper-bound form (Cu-GHK) is the active species. Widely used in cosmetic dermatology (topical) and investigated in research contexts (injectable) for tissue repair and aesthetic endpoints.

Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu binds copper and acts as a copper-delivery carrier to cells, where copper serves as a cofactor for collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and key wound-healing pathways. The tripeptide also modulates expression of dozens of genes involved in tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory signaling, and stem-cell mobilization.

Research Indications
Topical (cosmetic): skin texture, fine lines, wound healing, post-procedure recovery. Research (injectable): hair regrowth (alopecia research), chronic-wound healing, post-surgical tissue support, and aesthetic dermatology protocols.

Reconstitution
Typical 50 mg lyophilized vial: add **2 mL of bacteriostatic water**, swirl gently. Final concentration **25 mg/mL (25,000 mcg/mL)** — each 0.04 mL (4 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) delivers 1 mg. **Solution turns deep blue** once reconstituted (the copper coordination color) — this is normal and indicates proper Cu²⁺ binding.

Dosing Protocol (research literature)
Research protocols vary widely by route. **Subcutaneous** systemic protocols: **1–2 mg SC once daily** for 4–8 weeks. **Scalp injection** (alopecia): **1–2 mg in 0.5–1 mL bacto** intradermal across the affected area, weekly for 4–8 weeks. **Topical** preparations (cosmetic): 0.05–0.2% GHK-Cu serums applied 1–2× daily.

Administration
Subcutaneous into abdominal fat, intradermal into scalp (alopecia protocols), or topical in cosmetic formulations. Rotate injection sites; intradermal scalp injection should use a fine 30–32g needle with sterile technique.

Storage & Handling
Lyophilized: refrigerate (2–8°C); freeze (–20°C) for long-term storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate; stable approximately **30 days** (the deep blue color is stable). Protect from light.

Side Effects
Topical: very mild — occasional transient redness. Injectable: injection-site bruising (more pronounced with intradermal scalp protocols), transient flushing.

Contraindications
Pregnancy, lactation, Wilson’s disease or other copper-handling disorders, hypersensitivity to copper.

Monitoring
Baseline assessment appropriate to the indication (e.g., trichoscope for alopecia protocols, skin photography for cosmetic protocols). Re-evaluate at 4–8 weeks.

Disclaimer
**This article is for informational and research-reference purposes only.** Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation from a physician. The reconstitution, dosing, and protocol information above reflects ranges commonly cited in published research and clinician-directed protocols — it is provided as reference material only, not as instructions, an endorsement of off-label use, or a substitute for individualized medical evaluation.

**Customers should do their own research and consult their own physician** before considering any peptide protocol. Whether a given compound is appropriate for an individual — and at what dose, for what duration, and alongside what monitoring — is a decision that only a licensed clinician with knowledge of that individual’s medical history, current medications, and conditions can make.