GHK-Cu Peptide

Product Specifications

• CAS Number: 49557-75-7
• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys-Cu
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
• Molecular Weight: 403.92 g/mol
• Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
• Appearance: Blue lyophilized powder
• Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried)

Storage

GHK-Cu capsules and vials must be stored in a cool, dry, and dark area away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. Unreconstituted product should be kept at or below −20°C for long-term storage, or 2–8°C for short-term storage (up to 3 months).

Solubility

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for best results. GHK-Cu is freely soluble in bacteriostatic water and sterile water. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved, do not shake vigorously.

Post-Reconstitution Handling

Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, GHK-Cu should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 4–6 weeks for optimal stability. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Always follow proper aseptic technique and storage guidelines to maintain product integrity for research applications. Ensure all equipment is sterile before handling.

GHK-Cu Peptide Benefits for Skin Regeneration and Collagen Synthesis

• GHK-Cu stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, the three primary structural components of healthy skin. In clinical facial studies, collagen production increased in 70% of women treated with GHK-Cu copper peptide, outperforming both vitamin C cream (50%) and retinoic acid (40%).
• Beyond surface-level improvements, GHK-Cu operates at the genomic level by up- and downregulating at least 4,000 human genes, effectively resetting gene expression toward healthier, more youthful patterns. This includes stimulating 47 DNA repair genes while suppressing only 5, restoring function even in radiation-damaged fibroblasts.
• Research has shown GHK-Cu increases epidermal stem cell markers (integrins, p63) at concentrations of 0.1–10 micromolar, enhancing the proliferative potential of basal keratinocytes. Clinical trials demonstrated reduced wrinkles, tightened loose skin, and increased skin density and thickness within 12 weeks of topical application.
• GHK-Cu also stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth at injury sites. In animal wound models, it produced a 9-fold increase in collagen synthesis in healthy rats and significantly improved healing outcomes in diabetic models, with elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and better epithelialization.

What Does GHK-Cu Do for Inflammation and Oxidative Damage?

• Studies demonstrate that GHK-Cu possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing NF-kB activation, a key molecule that accelerates aging-related diseases. GHK-Cu side effects in preclinical models have been minimal, while it reduces TNF-alpha production and blocks LDL oxidation more effectively than superoxide dismutase, offering systemic protection against oxidative damage.
• In acute lung injury models, GHK-Cu significantly suppressed TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression through the NF-kB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. At a concentration of just 10 nM, GHK-Cu decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) by approximately 60% in hydrogen peroxide-treated cells and quenches hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals more effectively than glutathione.
• GHK-Cu also activates the ubiquitin proteasome system, increasing expression of 41 proteasome-related genes while suppressing only 1. This supports cellular protein quality control, a mechanism closely associated with longevity and healthy aging at the cellular level.

GHK-Cu for Anti-Aging, Hair Growth, and Neuroprotection

• GHK naturally declines with age, falling from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to just 80 ng/mL by age 60. Research suggests that restoring GHK levels may counteract multiple age-related decline pathways simultaneously, as the peptide affects approximately 31.2% of human genes with changes of 50% or greater.
• In aging mice (28 months), GHK treatment improved spatial learning performance, with subjects locating escape holes significantly faster in maze trials. Brain tissue analysis revealed decreased neuroinflammation and increased histone deacetylase 2 expression, suggesting epigenetic pathway activation that supports cognitive function.
• GHK-Cu hair growth research has shown the copper peptide stimulates hair follicle proliferation by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Hair follicles treated with GHK-Cu entered early growth stages within 6 days, performing comparably to minoxidil 5% but through a more targeted mechanism of action.
• Preliminary research suggests GHK Cu may help with acne-related inflammation due to its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote wound healing. By accelerating skin repair and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level, GHK-Cu copper peptide shows potential for improving skin conditions characterized by chronic inflammation.

GHK-Cu Dosage for Research

The GHK-Cu dosage for research purposes varies depending on the study design, model, and route of administration. In preclinical studies, effective GHK Cu peptide dosage concentrations have typically ranged from 0.1 to 10 micromolar for in-vitro cell culture applications. In animal wound healing models, topical GHK-Cu formulations containing 1 to 4% concentration have been used. Injectable GHK-Cu dosing protocols in animal studies have used doses ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight.

Research Protocol Notes

GHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) blue powder to ensure stability during transport. For experimental protocols, the peptide must be reconstituted using a sterile solvent, most commonly bacteriostatic water. Researchers must ensure the slow, deliberate introduction of the diluent down the side of the vial to prevent damaging the peptide-copper complex. Once reconstituted, the solution should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 4–6 weeks.