Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHK (without copper) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 1-3% concentration in topical formulations. Injectable dosing follows GHK-Cu protocols at 1-2 mg daily. | Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC. |
| Timing | Topical application morning and evening. Injectable in evening. | Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | Topical use can be ongoing indefinitely. Injectable cycles 8-12 weeks. | Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Emerging (Phase 2/3 trials) |
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.
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.
Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →