Peptide · Skin & longevity
Copper tripeptide-1, studied for skin elasticity, hair regrowth, and tissue repair. Used both topically and via injection.
Copper tripeptide-1, studied for skin elasticity, hair regrowth, and tissue repair. Used both topically and via injection.
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + copper) that occurs naturally in human plasma at high concentrations in young adults and declines significantly with age. Mechanisms include modulation of collagen and elastin synthesis, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, hair follicle stimulation, and wound-healing acceleration through fibroblast activation.
Topical evidence is stronger than injectable.
Compounded — not FDA-approved.
Topical applications: GHK-Cu in serums or creams at 0.05–0.2% concentration, applied 1–2 times daily.
Injectable protocols (less data): 1–2 mg subcutaneous, 1–3 times weekly, in cycles. Dosing should be set by a prescribing clinician.
Dosing in research and clinical-use contexts varies. Specific protocols should always be set by a prescribing clinician, not by patient-direct sources.
Topical use is generally well-tolerated; mild skin irritation is the most common side effect. Injectable use has limited human safety data; injection-site reactions and theoretical copper accumulation with chronic high-dose use are concerns. Long-term safety of injectable GHK-Cu is not characterized.
Topical GHK-Cu is commonly combined with retinoids, niacinamide, and peptide complexes in skincare. Injectable use is sometimes layered into broader recovery stacks (BPC-157, TB-500) for additional tissue-repair signaling.
Most peptides discussed on this page are compounded products requiring a prescription from a licensed clinician. Reputable telehealth peptide programs include physician-led oversight, accredited compounding pharmacies, and clear regulatory framing. For weight-management GLP-1 programs, see our provider reviews.
Copper tripeptide-1, studied for skin elasticity, hair regrowth, and tissue repair. Used both topically and via injection.
Compounded — not FDA-approved.
Uses include: Skin elasticity (research), Hair health (research), Tissue repair (research). This is research and clinical-use context, not a recommendation. Always work with a licensed clinician.
Topical evidence is stronger than injectable.
Reported dosing: 1–2 mg subcutaneous; varies by protocol. Actual dosing should always be determined by your prescribing clinician, not by online sources.
Topical use has substantially more clinical evidence than injectable. For most aesthetic uses, topical is the appropriate route. Injectable use is investigational.
Topical GHK-Cu has small clinical trials supporting modest hair regrowth, particularly when combined with minoxidil or finasteride. Effects are subtle and develop over 3–6 months.