LA LABResearch Reference Document
Compound Guide
GHK-Cu — Copper Tripeptide (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine)
Quick Start
Blue Colour — Normal
Reconstituted GHK-Cu solution has a faint blue tint from the copper ion. This is expected and normal. A colourless or yellowed solution may indicate degradation. Discard if the solution is cloudy, has particles, or smells off.
What It Is
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human blood plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma concentrations are approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to ~80 ng/mL at age 60. The copper-chelated form (GHK-Cu) is the biologically active species studied in tissue remodelling and wound-healing research.
Research Routes
SubQ injection: 1–2 mg/day. Topical: 1–3% cream or serum (cosmetic name: Copper Tripeptide-1) — the strongest human evidence for GHK-Cu is for topical application, with two published human RCTs showing collagen density and photoaging improvements. No published human RCT exists for injectable GHK-Cu.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA-approved for injectable use. Topical GHK-Cu (as Copper Tripeptide-1) is a permitted cosmetic ingredient. FDA removed injectable GHK-Cu from Category 2 effective April 15, 2026; PCAC scheduled review by end of February 2027. For research purposes only.
Dosing Protocol
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SubQ (injectable) | 1–2 mg | Once daily | 8–12 weeks | No published human RCT; preclinical + community data only |
| Topical (cream/serum) | 1–3% concentration | Once or twice daily | 12+ weeks | Strongest human evidence; apply to affected area |
| Wash-out | — | — | 4 weeks minimum | Between injectable cycles |
Supplies & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Math — 100 mg Vial (3 mL BAC)
| Target Dose | Units (U-100) | Doses / Vial |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | 3.0 units | 100 |
| 2 mg | 6.0 units | 50 |
| 3 mg | 9.0 units | 33.3 |
| 5 mg | 15.0 units | 20 |
Reconstitute the 100 mg vial with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water (sold separately) → 33.33 mg/mL. U-100 syringe = 100 units per mL. Swirl gently — do not shake. Refrigerate 2–8°C.
Reconstitution Steps
01
Warm the vial
Allow the lyophilised vial to reach room temperature (10–15 min from freezer).
02
Swab both stoppers
Wipe both vial tops with fresh alcohol swabs. Allow to air-dry.
03
Draw BAC water
Draw the required volume into an insulin syringe (e.g. 3.0 mL in multiple draws or use a larger syringe for the full volume).
04
Inject along the wall
Run BAC water slowly down the inside wall of the peptide vial. Do not jet onto the powder.
05
Swirl gently
Swirl slowly until dissolved. Solution will have a faint blue tint — this is normal. Do not shake.
06
Refrigerate
Store at 2–8°C, upright, for up to 30 days. Protect from light. Discard if colour changes to yellow or if particles appear.
Mechanism of Action
Collagen Remodelling
Activates TGF-β1 and collagen synthesis pathways in fibroblasts. Simultaneously activates collagenase (MMP-1/2) to remodel damaged collagen. Net effect studied in wound healing and skin photoaging models.
Angiogenesis
Promotes VEGF expression and endothelial cell migration. Studied in cutaneous wound healing and chronic wound models. Synergistic mechanism proposed with BPC-157 in the GLOW Stack.
Anti-Inflammatory
Downregulates TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophage and fibroblast models. Studied in wound microenvironments and systemic anti-inflammatory research, predominantly in vitro and animal data.
Copper Transport
GHK-Cu chelates copper (Cu²⁺) and delivers it intracellularly. Copper is required as a cofactor for lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and cytochrome c oxidase — enzymes involved in collagen crosslinking and mitochondrial function.
Human Evidence
Topical Human Studies (Strongest Evidence)
| Study | Design | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Leyden et al. 2002 | RCT; 71 women; 12 weeks; topical GHK-Cu cream | Significant improvement in photoaging markers; reduced fine lines; improved skin elasticity vs placebo |
| NEEL et al. 2023 | Randomised; 12 weeks; topical Copper Tripeptide-1 | 28% increase in dermal collagen density at 3 months vs baseline; statistically significant |
No Injectable Human RCT
All human clinical evidence for GHK-Cu is for topical application. No published human RCT exists for injectable GHK-Cu as of mid-2026. Extrapolating topical findings to injectable use is not established and should be treated as separate research contexts.
Contraindication Note
Wilson's Disease / Copper Metabolism Disorders
GHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper. Research protocols consistently exclude subjects with Wilson's disease (impaired copper excretion), Menkes syndrome, or other known copper metabolism disorders. These conditions represent a clear contraindication.
GLOW Stack — GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500
The "GLOW Stack" combines three compounds with complementary tissue-remodelling mechanisms, studied for synergistic effects on skin, connective tissue, and wound healing:
| Compound | Primary Mechanism | Research Context |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Collagen remodelling, copper transport, TGF-β1 | Skin photoaging, wound healing |
| BPC-157 | VEGFR2 angiogenesis, FAK cell migration | Tendon, muscle, gut repair |
| TB-500 | G-actin sequestration, systemic cell migration | Systemic tissue repair, inflammation |
Storage
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised (powder) | −20°C (freezer) | Up to 24 months | Protect from light and moisture |
| Reconstituted (liquid) | 2–8°C (refrigerator) | Up to 30 days | Faint blue colour is normal; discard if yellow or cloudy |
| Short-term (travel) | <25°C | Up to 72 hours | Avoid direct sunlight |
Disclaimer
This document is an educational research reference only. It is not medical advice, not a treatment plan, and not a recommendation to use GHK-Cu outside of a qualified research context. Injectable GHK-Cu has no published human RCT evidence. Avoid if Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorder is present. By purchasing from LA LAB you confirm you are 18+ and that products are for research purposes only.
Side Effects & What People Report
GHK-Cu is unusual among the peptides here: it has real human data, because it has been used in cosmetic products for decades and studied in controlled facial-cream trials. The effects below come from that work and from user reports.
| Reported | Detail |
|---|---|
| Skin irritation or redness | The most common. Usually from applying too often or on skin already irritated by a retinoid or acid. |
| Temporary blue-green tint | Copper is blue. A faint tint on the skin or a towel is cosmetic and harmless. |
| Injection-site reactions | For the injectable route — stinging and redness. GHK-Cu is reported to sting more than most peptides. |
| Dryness or peeling | Usually from layering it with other actives rather than from GHK-Cu alone. |
Copper is the part to respect
GHK-Cu delivers copper. Topically that is trivial. Injected regularly at higher doses over long periods it is not, because copper accumulates — and no study has established a safe long-term injected dose in humans. Anyone with Wilson’s disease or any copper-metabolism disorder must avoid it entirely.
Who Should Avoid GHK-Cu
| Situation | Why |
|---|---|
| Wilson’s disease or any copper-metabolism disorder | Avoid completely. The body cannot clear copper properly and it accumulates to toxic levels. |
| Active cancer, or a recent history | GHK-Cu promotes tissue remodelling and angiogenesis. Discuss with an oncologist before going anywhere near it. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | No safety data for the injectable route. |
| Known copper allergy | Rare, but it exists. |
| On a copper-containing supplement | Account for what you are already taking before adding more. |
| Freshly lasered, peeled or broken skin | Wait until the barrier has recovered before applying topically. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Topical or injected?
For skin, topical — that is where the human evidence actually is, in controlled facial-cream studies. The injectable route is used for systemic goals like hair and connective tissue, and has far less behind it.
For skin, topical — that is where the human evidence actually is, in controlled facial-cream studies. The injectable route is used for systemic goals like hair and connective tissue, and has far less behind it.
Can I use it with retinol?
The usual advice is to separate them — one in the morning, one at night — because layering actives is the most common cause of irritation. There is no evidence they deactivate each other.
The usual advice is to separate them — one in the morning, one at night — because layering actives is the most common cause of irritation. There is no evidence they deactivate each other.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Not at the same time. Ascorbic acid and copper peptides are chemically at odds. Alternate them.
Not at the same time. Ascorbic acid and copper peptides are chemically at odds. Alternate them.
Does it really regrow hair?
GHK-Cu is studied for follicle support and appears in hair products. It is not minoxidil or finasteride, and should not be sold as an equivalent.
GHK-Cu is studied for follicle support and appears in hair products. It is not minoxidil or finasteride, and should not be sold as an equivalent.
Why does my skin look blue?
Copper. It is cosmetic, temporary and harmless.
Copper. It is cosmetic, temporary and harmless.
How long before I see anything?
Skin studies generally ran 8–12 weeks. Expect months, not days.
Skin studies generally ran 8–12 weeks. Expect months, not days.
What is the GLOW stack?
GHK-Cu with BPC-157 and TB-500 — covered above. No human study has tested that combination.
GHK-Cu with BPC-157 and TB-500 — covered above. No human study has tested that combination.
Does it expire once mixed?
Yes. Reconstituted and refrigerated, treat it as 2–4 weeks. The blue colour is normal; cloudiness or particles are not.
Yes. Reconstituted and refrigerated, treat it as 2–4 weeks. The blue colour is normal; cloudiness or particles are not.
Sources & Research
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2018;19:1987.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. Biomed Res Int 2015;2015:648108.
Abdulghani AA et al. Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, copper tripeptide and melatonin on facial skin. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes 1998;1:136–141.
Finkley MB et al. Copper peptide and skin. Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 2nd ed., 2005.
Regulatory status — GHK-Cu is widely used in cosmetic products. The injectable route is not approved by SAHPRA or the FDA for any indication.
Educational reference only
This document is a research reference, not medical advice and not a treatment plan. GHK-Cu has human evidence for topical cosmetic use; the injectable route does not and is not approved by SAHPRA. Dose decisions belong to you and your prescriber. Independent certificates of analysis for every LA LAB batch are published under Research → Lab Results, with the Janoshik task number and verification key so you can check them yourself.