Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHK-Cu | GHK (without copper) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Factors | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection, or topical application at 1-3% concentration in cream/serum. | Research indicates 1-3% concentration in topical formulations. Injectable dosing follows GHK-Cu protocols at 1-2 mg daily. |
| Timing | Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening. | Topical application morning and evening. Injectable in evening. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing. | Topical use can be ongoing indefinitely. Injectable cycles 8-12 weeks. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that modulates gene expression affecting 31.2% of human genes. It activates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling for hair follicle growth, stimulates TGF-beta pathway for tissue remodeling, and promotes collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while modulating metalloproteinase activity. The copper ion serves as a cofactor for enzymes essential to wound healing including superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase.
Research indicates 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection, or topical application at 1-3% concentration in cream/serum.
Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening.
8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing.
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that has an extremely high affinity for copper(II) ions. Even without exogenously complexed copper, GHK rapidly chelates available copper in biological systems, making copper-free GHK functionally similar to GHK-Cu in vivo. The peptide stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates metalloproteinase activity, resets gene expression patterns toward a healthier state (affecting 31.2% of human genes), and activates wound healing cascades.
Research indicates 1-3% concentration in topical formulations. Injectable dosing follows GHK-Cu protocols at 1-2 mg daily.
Topical application morning and evening. Injectable in evening.
Topical use can be ongoing indefinitely. Injectable cycles 8-12 weeks.
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