Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHK-Cu | TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2-2.5 mg administered twice weekly via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening. | No strict timing requirements. Can be administered at any time of day. Systemic action means injection location is not critical. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing. | Loading phase: 4-6 weeks. Total cycle: 8-16 weeks. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | animal_plus_anecdotal |
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.
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a 43-amino acid protein that sequesters G-actin monomers, preventing premature polymerization and facilitating cellular migration and morphological changes essential for wound healing. It upregulates actin to promote cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation of stem/progenitor cells at injury sites. TB-500 also enhances angiogenesis, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue remodeling through increased re-epithelialization and vascular density.
Research indicates 2-2.5 mg administered twice weekly via subcutaneous injection.
No strict timing requirements. Can be administered at any time of day. Systemic action means injection location is not critical.
Loading phase: 4-6 weeks. Total cycle: 8-16 weeks.
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