GHK-Cu

Product Specifications

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

Storage

GHK Cu vials must be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 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). 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.

Solubility

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.

Intended Use

GHK-Cu is intended for research purposes only and is not approved for human use.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

GHK-Cu Dosage for Research

GHK-Cu dosage used in preclinical research varies by study design, model, and administration route. Common dosing protocols in published literature include:

• In vitro (cell culture): 0.1–10 micromolar concentration, used in skin cell, fibroblast, and keratinocyte studies examining collagen synthesis, gene expression, and oxidative stress responses.
• Topical application: 1–4% GHK-Cu formulations applied directly to wound or skin sites in animal models. The most widely studied route for dermal and wound healing endpoints.
• Subcutaneous / injectable: 0.5–10 mcg/kg body weight in animal models, used in systemic tissue repair and anti-inflammatory research protocols.

GHK Cu dosage frequency in research protocols varies by endpoint, with topical studies typically involving daily application and injectable studies ranging from daily to every-other-day administration. A peptide calculator can help scale published mcg/kg doses to a given research subject weight.

Research Protocol Notes

This product is intended for research purposes only and should not be used for human consumption. It is strictly designated for laboratory and scientific use by qualified professionals. Common research applications include:

• In vitro cellular assays and cell culture studies
• Receptor binding profiling and signaling pathway analysis
• Analytical reference standards for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS)
• Approved in vivo animal modeling to investigate physiological mechanisms and metabolic responses