Quick Start Highlight
GHK-Cu stands for glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper (II) — a naturally occurring tripeptide complex first identified in human plasma in the 1970s. It is found throughout the body in blood, saliva, and urine, but its levels decline significantly with age. At age 20, concentrations are much higher than they are by age 60, which correlates with slower healing, reduced skin quality, and diminished hair health.
Unlike drugs that target a single pathway, GHK-Cu acts as a bioregulatory molecule, supporting a wide range of cellular processes. Its main functions include:
Wound healing and tissue repair – accelerates skin recovery and reduces scarring.
Collagen and elastin synthesis – strengthens the extracellular matrix that supports both skin and hair follicles.
Anti-inflammatory signaling – lowers damaging cytokines that contribute to follicle miniaturization and scalp irritation.
Antioxidant defense – enhances natural protection against oxidative stress, a major factor in aging and hair loss.
Gene expression modulation – influences thousands of genes related to growth, repair, and metabolic regulation.
Because of these properties, GHK-Cu has been widely studied in dermatology and regenerative medicine. More recently, its ability to stimulate hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and create a healthier growth environment has made it a promising candidate for hair restoration.
Benefits of GHK-Cu
1. Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging
One of the strongest effects.
Increases collagen production
Improves elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and skin thickness
Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
Tightens and firms skin
Improves texture and hydration
Helps with hyperpigmentation
GHK-Cu is widely used in anti-aging serums for this reason.
2. Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
GHK-Cu speeds tissue repair by:
Stimulating new blood vessel formation
Reducing inflammation
Enhancing fibroblast activity
Improving skin regeneration
It is used for:
burns
scars
ulcers
post-procedure healing
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
GHK-Cu suppresses certain inflammatory cytokines and helps calm irritated or damaged tissue.
4. Hair Growth & Hair Follicle Strength
GHK-Cu may:
improve scalp circulation
reduce follicle inflammation
extend anagen (growth phase)
It is frequently used in hair-growth formulations.
5. Antioxidant & Anti-Glycation Benefits
GHK-Cu protects cells from oxidative stress and prevents glycation-related skin aging (a process that makes collagen stiff and weak).
6. May Support Nerve & Organ Repair (Early Research)
Preclinical studies show possible benefits in:
nerve regeneration
lung repair
liver protection
These areas are still being researched — not established treatments.
7. Improves Overall Cell Signaling
GHK-Cu activates multiple gene pathways involved in:
repair
regeneration
anti-inflammation
detoxification
It behaves like a “reset” signal for aging or damaged cells.
How Does GHK-Cu Work?
GHK-Cu is a signal peptide.
It tells your cells to repair, regenerate, and reduce inflammation.
It attaches to copper ions and delivers them into cells — triggering healing and collagen-building pathways.
Stimulates Collagen & Skin Matrix Repair
activates fibroblasts to produce:
Collagen I & III
Elastin
Glycosaminoglycans (like hyaluronic acid)
Proteoglycans
This improves:
wrinkles
skin texture
firmness
hydration
Boosts Wound Healing
promotes healing by:
attracting immune cells to the injury site
stimulating new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
improving cell migration
reducing inflammation in damaged tissue
This is why it’s used for:
scars
burns
post-procedure healing
Acts as a Potent Anti-Inflammatory Molecule
downregulates inflammatory genes and upregulates repair genes.
It lowers cytokines like:
TNF-α
IL-6
This creates a healthier environment for skin and tissue regeneration.
Strong Antioxidant & Protects Cells
neutralizes free radicals
protects cells from oxidative stress
helps DNA repair
reduces glycation (which makes collagen stiff and aged)
This slows visible signs of aging.
Delivers Copper Into Cells (Copper Transport Function)
essential for:
collagen production
antioxidant enzymes (like SOD)
angiogenesis
But free copper is toxic.
GHK safely binds and transports copper exactly where it’s needed.
Promotes Hair Growth
stimulates hair follicles by:
increasing scalp blood flow
reducing follicular inflammation
extending the anagen (growth) phase
increasing size of hair follicles
This is why it's used in hair serums and scalp treatments.
Regulates Gene Expression
One of its most important actions:
GHK-Cu switches on hundreds of genes related to:
repair
regeneration
anti-inflammation
cell survival
…and switches off genes related to:
inflammation
tissue breakdown
oxidative damage
This “youthful gene reset” effect is a major reason it’s popular in anti-aging science.
Works by:
✔ repairing skin matrix (collagen, elastin)
✔ reducing inflammation
✔ accelerating healing
✔ delivering copper safely into cells
✔ protecting cells from oxidative stress
✔ improving blood flow & tissue oxygenation
✔ activating gene pathways for repair and regeneration
✔ strengthening hair follicles
Potential Side Effects
• Bruising or injection-site pain
• Lumps or nodules
If injected too superficially or in the same area repeatedly.
• Systemic copper increase (rare)
High or frequent doses may raise copper levels, which could cause:
nausea
metallic taste
headache
fatigue
digestive discomfort
• Hypotension or dizziness
Very uncommon, but possible if blood vessel dilation occurs.
• Allergic reactions
Symptoms may include:
swelling
hives
rapid heartbeat
breathing trouble (very rare)
Any severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and weekly dosing

