Skin appearance
1Topical products and post-laser skin outcomes have been studied; objective benefit in the small cited trial was not demonstrated.
What does it do?
Copper-binding tripeptide studied for skin repair and hair biology. Topical evidence and animal models do not establish systemic injection benefits.
Approved & studied uses
Community uses Reported, unvalidated
Skin regeneration
14Collagen, elastin, barrier, hydration and wrinkle claims.
Hair and scalp
14Follicle growth, density and circulation claims.
Inflammation, wound and vascular biology
14Repair, antioxidant and angiogenesis research; systemic anti-aging/immune claims less established.
Reasons people report using it; these do not establish benefit.14
Evidence limits
View research →Reliable benefit estimates for hair growth and long-term cosmetic outcomes.1
4 distinct primary sources or abstracts checked. Evidence may concern a parent compound, individual blend ingredient, animal, or cell model; it does not necessarily establish a benefit for this exact product.
Evidence definitions →Key safety information
All risks →Injectable immune concerns
FDA flags aggregation and impurity-related immunogenicity for injectable GHK-Cu.3
No FDA-approved injectable GHK-Cu product; cosmetic use is a separate context.
Molecular information
Amino-acid sequence
- Gly
- His
- Lys
3 residues · N → C8
Length3 + copper
Molecular weight · Da≈402 Da complex; 462.0 Da monoacetate
Formula, sequence notation & identity
Molecular formulaC14H22CuN6O4; monoacetate adds C2H4O28
G–H–KCopper complex; sequence letters describe the peptide ligand.
Gly-His-Lys coordinated to Cu(II)
Salt, hydration and protonation conventions explain differing registry masses. Copper-free GHK is a different material. The cited insert characterizes monoacetate.
Pep-Pedia identity details
3 amino acids · 404.96 Da
Gly-His-LysReference description; checked chemical identity above takes precedence when available.14
Pharmacokinetics
How long does it stay in the body?
Unverified reference estimateNot independently confirmed
Reference half-life4 min13
Route / formulationSource page: Topical. Exact PK route not verified.
The source displays this value while Topical is selected. A topical-use page does not establish systemic elimination or duration of skin effects.
50%of reference level
Illustrative scenario using an unverified reference estimate.
About 3% remaining after 20 min
Five half-lives in this estimated model. This is not a prediction of when effects stop.
Evidence and model details
Population: Not established by the reference estimate
Source’s stated attribution: Pickart et al.
Source’s reported peak time: 3 min. This has not been independently confirmed and is not used in the elimination curve.
100 × 2−time / half-life. Time zero is a reference level, not the moment of administration. Absorption, repeated dosing, metabolites and clinical effects are not modeled. Five half-lives leaves 3.125%, not zero. This curve cannot determine a dosing interval.
What to expect
Study outcomes
Subjective and objective outcomes differ
The small post-laser trial found higher patient satisfaction without significant objective improvements in redness, wrinkles or skin quality.1
Additional research
The study found improvements in eyebrow hair count and diameter over 12 weeks; no serious adverse events were reported. Small sample size and publication context limit confidence.4
Community poll 10 topics · Pep-Pedia snapshot
Voluntary, unverified reports. These percentages do not measure effectiveness or safety.
Experience
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Duration of use
The source hides 13 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Age range
The source hides 2 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Gender
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Primary goal
The source hides 54 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Effectiveness
The source hides 48 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Side effects
The source hides 39 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Dosage frequency
The source hides 18 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Would recommend
The source hides 16 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
How discovered
The source hides 8 additional categories. Their labels and percentages are unavailable.
Number of responses to this question: not disclosed.
Source & limitations
The source displays “7806 responses” for this profile. This is not a confirmed participant count or a denominator for individual questions.
- Voluntary self-reports from Pep-Pedia visitors; identity, treatment, outcomes and timing are unverified. These data are not efficacy or safety estimates.
- The source displays a profile-wide response label, not a confirmed unique participant count. It stays unchanged across questions. Question-specific denominators and absolute option counts are not exposed.
- Only the top five categories are displayed for some questions. Extra categories are retained as an undisplayed-category count; their labels and percentages are unavailable.
- Displayed percentages are rounded. They may not total 100%, especially where categories are hidden.
- This is a dated snapshot, not a live survey or current recommendation.
Protocols
Doses & schedules
Compare purpose, amount, route, frequency, and duration.
Source corrections
Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization.
Route
Scroll to compare all columns →
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Goal / evidence | Duration | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical | Topical GHK-Cu skin-care regimen; concentration not reported in cited abstract | Not specified | Post-laser skin recoveryHuman study | Not specified | 1 |
Population Participants after CO2 laser resurfacing; 13 completed Context No exact formula or frequency can be reconstructed from the checked abstract. | |||||
| Topical | 2% GHK-Cu serum on one eyebrow; vehicle on the other | Twice daily | Eyebrow hypotrichosisHuman study | 12 weeks | 4 |
Population 18 healthy participants aged 18–40 Context Small split-face trial reported in Procedia of Multidisciplinary Research. | |||||
| TopicalTopical application | 0.5-1% cream | 1-2x daily | Anti-aging skincareReference report | 12-16 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| TopicalScalp massage | 1-2% solution | 1x daily | Hair growth stimulationReference report | 12-16 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| OtherDirect application | 1-2% gel | 2-3x daily | Wound healingReference report | 12-16 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| OtherFace and neck | 0.5% serum | 1x daily | General skin healthReference report | 12-16 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| OtherTargeted areas | 2% cream | 1x daily | Intensive repairReference report | 12-16 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Topical | |||||
| SubQ | 1-2 mg | 1x daily | Anti-aging/Skin healthReference report | 8-12 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| SubQ | 2-3 mg | 1x daily | Hair growth stimulationReference report | 8-12 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| SubQSubQ near affected area | 1-2 mg | 2x daily | Wound healingReference report | 8-12 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| SubQ | 1 mg | 1x daily | General wellnessReference report | 8-12 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
| SubQ | 2-3 mg | 1x daily | Intensive repairReference report | 8-12 weeks | 14 |
Population Population not independently verified; see the reference and linked research. Context Reported in Pep-Pedia’s educational protocol table. Study attribution and applicability to this exact product are not independently established. Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization. Source tabs Injectable | |||||
No protocols match these filters.
Study and label doses retain their study context. Reference reports are unvalidated practices, not personal treatment instructions. Ranges remain ranges; escalation stages are labeled.
Reported use periods and breaks. These do not establish a safe cycle or prove that breaks prevent tolerance.
Topical
- Use period
- 12-16 weeks
- Break
- 4-6 weeks
Reported timing
Morning and/or evening after cleansing
Injectable
- Use period
- 8-12 weeks
- Break
- 4-6 weeks
Reported timing
Morning or evening consistently
Animal and cell protocols 1
Laboratory exposures cannot establish a human dose.
Scroll to compare all columns →
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Goal / evidence | Duration | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unspecified | 2 mg | Daily | Injected-use discussionCommunity | Not specified | 6 |
Population One anonymous discussion Context Anecdote with reported stinging; no controlled efficacy or safety inference. Route information Injection, self-reported | |||||
No protocols match these filters.
Side effects & safety
Injectable immune concerns
FDA flags aggregation and impurity-related immunogenicity for injectable GHK-Cu.
3Reported local discomfort
Stinging appears in self-reports; its frequency and cause are unknown.
6Route-specific evidence
Topical observations cannot establish systemic injection safety.
12Topical reactions
Sensitivity, burning, redness or discoloration; avoid eyes/mucosa.
Injectable risks
Copper exposure, infection and staining; nausea, metallic taste or unusual fatigue need evaluation.
Stop symptoms
Allergy, persistent severe irritation/discoloration, worsening skin, injection infection or tissue injury.
Not a complete safety screen. Discuss health decisions with a qualified clinician.
Combinations & interactions
7 entriesCheck cautions and reported pairings. A compatibility claim does not establish that a combination is safe.
Melanotan II
Caution reportedSource flags pigment changes.14
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Use CautionCopper supplements
Avoidance reportedCumulative copper exposure.14
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Avoid CombinationIron chelators
Caution reportedPossible metal-binding interference.14
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: Monitor CombinationBPC-157
Unverified pairingProposed repair complement.14
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: SynergisticTB-500
Unverified pairingUntested repair pairing.14
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: SynergisticCJC-1295
Unverified pairingTheoretical collagen complement.14
Reference report · Pep-Pedia label: CompatibleOther peptides or cosmetic actives
Not establishedThe cited clinical trial does not establish the compatibility of arbitrary formulations or injected combinations.1
Research contextNo matching interactions. Try another name or filter.
Reconstitution calculator
Enter your peptide amount and container size. Get a volume and a simple measurement scale.
Suggested final volume mL
Estimated water to add≈ mL
For dry powder, assuming negligible volume displacement. Use bacteriostatic water only if the formulation specifies it.
1 pen unit (one dial step)=
Amounts below are total blend mass. Ingredient amounts are listed separately.
| Pen units | Amount | Volume |
|---|
Ingredients per unit
Other simple scales
Convert a specific amount
Enter an amount to calculate its volume and device setting.
Calculation & assumptions
The suggestion favors a simple 1, 2, or 5 × power-of-ten amount per unit, then the largest final volume that fits. It does not choose a dose or a biologically suitable concentration.
The water estimate applies only to dry powder and assumes negligible powder displacement. Final solution volume, specified diluent, solubility, stability, sterility, cartridge compatibility, and working fill limits must be established separately. No allowance is made for priming or transfer losses.
V2 measurement specification ↗Bacteriostatic water: formulation instructions ↗Reconstitution
There is no universal validated injectable BAC-water recipe in these sources.82
Cayman monoacetate reagent
PBS pH 7.2 solubility is approximately 5 mg/mL; the insert advises against storing aqueous solutions beyond one day. Those laboratory specifications do not establish injectable sterility or stability.8
Formulation matters
A topical cream, laboratory monoacetate and a research vial cannot be assumed to have equivalent preparation or absorption.82
Reference preparation details
Reported handling information, not a validated formulation or instruction to prepare an injectable product.
Topical
The topical section describes application of a finished cream or serum, not injectable preparation.
- Form
- Source describes a prepared product
Injectable
Pep-Pedia describes preparation for this route; product-specific stability has not been independently verified.
- Solvents mentioned
- Bacteriostatic water
- Reported parameters
- Source temperature: 2-8°C. · Reported post-preparation interval: 30 days.
Appearance & documentation
Appearance and a purity certificate cannot establish sterility, identity, or suitability for injection.
Reported appearanceLight blue tintReported appearanceSmooth textureReported appearanceStable formulationReported appearanceProfessional packagingReported concernGreen or dark discolorationReported concernGrainy texture
14Vial sizes
Packaging examples, not a market survey. Approved and research products are not interchangeable.
Storage after mixing
Reconstituted research vials
Pep-Pedia reports these handling limits after mixing. They are not validated stability or sterility limits for your vial.
Full storage notes from Pep-Pedia
14Room temperature, cool dry place
Fridge 2-8°C, use within 30 days
Storage depends on the formulation, diluent, container, and handling. Follow the specific product label or pharmacist’s instructions.
Pen & syringe measurements Scales, capacity & references
Pen & syringe measurements
Device units measure volume. Concentration determines the amount in mg.
1 notch = 0.01 mL
Documented 1-unit V2 models
- One dial increment
- 1 unit
- Cartridge capacity
- 3 mL
- Maximum setting
- 60 units · 0.60 mL
Use the numbered dose window. Whole-unit settings only; confirm the specification for your exact model.
1 unit = 0.01 mL
100 units = 1 mL
- 10 units
- 0.10 mL
- 30-unit capacity
- 0.30 mL
- 50 / 100-unit capacity
- 0.50 / 1 mL
Read the printed unit scale. A small line may represent 0.5, 1, or 2 units depending on the syringe.
Use the mL scale
mL syringes and calibrated pipettes
- 0.01 mL
- 10 µL
- 0.10 mL
- 100 µL
- Amount
- mL × mg/mL
Drops, sprays and other pen clicks need their own verified volume per increment. They have no universal conversion.
3 mL is cartridge capacity. It does not mean you must prepare or load 3 mL. The original vial and the pen cartridge are different containers. This reference compares measurement scales; it does not establish product or route compatibility.
Device references
AVERON V2 specifications ↗SilverLeaf V2 unit reference ↗FDA: syringe unit conversions ↗Specifications checked October 12, 2026.Research findings
Limited human dataSource context
Route-specific evidence and combination claims must not be conflated. Source sunscreen advice does not establish clinically proven photosensitization.
Compound identity & other names
A copper-binding tripeptide studied in skin and tissue-remodeling biology. Human topical findings are limited and formulation-specific. Injectable research-market use has a much thinner evidence base.
Other names: GHKCU · GHK Cu · Copper peptide · Copper tripeptide-1 · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper
No FDA-approved injectable GHK-Cu product; cosmetic use is a separate context.
How it may work
Copper-dependent tissue remodeling, fibroblast/collagen activity and inflammatory signaling; source claims of universal bioavailability or broad gene effects need context.14
Post-laser skin: subjective improvement
A randomized comparison of post-CO2-laser skin-care regimens reported higher patient satisfaction with GHK-Cu. This topical result does not establish injectable anti-aging or hair-growth benefits.
1Human skin penetration experiment
A laboratory study examined GHK-Cu retention and penetration through human skin layers. This was in vitro skin work, not a clinical demonstration of systemic benefit.
2The efficacy of 2% copper peptide (GHK-Cu) serum for eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, split-face comparative study
The study found improvements in eyebrow hair count and diameter over 12 weeks; no serious adverse events were reported. Small sample size and publication context limit confidence.
4Research areas and evidence gaps
Skin appearance. Topical products and post-laser skin outcomes have been studied; objective benefit in the small cited trial was not demonstrated.1
- Reliable benefit estimates for hair growth and long-term cosmetic outcomes.
- Human dose-response and safety for injected GHK-Cu.
- How concentrations and active content vary among cosmetic preparations.
Community reports Unvalidated
Pep-Pedia discusses topical skin and scalp use. Individual reports of injected use also exist, but neither source measures population-level benefit.56
Products, routes, other treatments, and subjective outcomes vary. No controlled injection result can be inferred.
Search coverage and review status
Additional recent evidence was checked, including The efficacy of 2% copper peptide (GHK-Cu) serum for eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, split-face comparative study. See individual source summaries for findings and limitations.
- Checked
- 2026-10-12
- Search
- GHK-Cu 2025 2026 trial study; GHK-Cu eyebrow Bo 2026 study
- Catalog
- Pep-Pedia ↗ · 4 listed references retained
- Targeted search, not a systematic or exhaustive review.
- Retained bibliography entries marked Bibliography only have not been independently verified.
- Distinct URLs may refer to the same publication; component and formulation boundaries remain important.
AI-prepared summaries. Independent medical editorial review is pending.
References
Original sources and review status. Open a reference to read its summary.
1Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skinAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Randomized topical post-procedure study. Patients using GHK-Cu reported higher satisfaction; this narrow cosmetic context does not validate injection or establish general anti-aging effects.
Post-laser skin: subjective improvement
A randomized comparison of post-CO2-laser skin-care regimens reported higher patient satisfaction with GHK-Cu. This topical result does not establish injectable anti-aging or hair-growth benefits.
2Human skin retention and penetration of copper tripeptide in vitroAbstract checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Laboratory human-skin work characterizing distribution across skin layers, not a trial of clinical recovery or hair growth.
Human skin penetration experiment
A laboratory study examined GHK-Cu retention and penetration through human skin layers. This was in vitro skin work, not a clinical demonstration of systemic benefit.
3FDA: compounding safety concernsPrimary source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
FDA flags limited human safety evidence for injectable GHK-Cu.
4The efficacy of 2% copper peptide (GHK-Cu) serum for eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, split-face comparative studyPrimary source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
An 18-person split-face study reported better eyebrow hair measures after a topical 2% serum than vehicle. It is a small proceedings publication, not injectable evidence.
The efficacy of 2% copper peptide (GHK-Cu) serum for eyebrow hypotrichosis: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, split-face comparative study
The study found improvements in eyebrow hair count and diameter over 12 weeks; no serious adverse events were reported. Small sample size and publication context limit confidence.
Additional research · Checked 2026-10-12
5Pep-Pedia: ghk-cu community protocol referenceCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Secondary topical protocol examples; their presence on a reference site does not make them trial-validated.
6Reddit: GHK CU discussionCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
A commenter reports 2 mg daily and injection stinging. Unverified self-report, with no comparator or reliable adverse-event rate.
7Refresh Research GHK-Cu vial catalogCatalog checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
The checked catalog lists 50 mg and 100 mg lyophilized vials. Quantity examples only; no endorsement or independent batch verification.
8Cayman: GHK-Cu monoacetate product identity and laboratory handlingCatalog checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Identifies the Cu(II) tripeptide monoacetate at 462.0 g/mol and reports laboratory-buffer solubility. Its preparation guidance is not for human injection.
9Regenerative and Protective Actions of GHK-Cu PeptidePep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The review discusses broad GHK-related expression changes; the source's genome percentages do not establish treatment benefit across those pathways.
Reported population / model
Review
Reported study details
Int J Mol Sci · 2018 · PMC6073405
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
10GHK Peptide in Skin RegenerationPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The review describes collagen and elastin changes in cultured dermal fibroblasts at nanomolar concentrations.
Reported population / model
Review
Reported study details
Biomed Res Int · 2015 · PMC4508379
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
11GHK and DNA: Resetting the Genome to HealthPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: Expression analyses are described as affecting DNA-repair genes and a COPD signature; transcriptional changes are not clinical disease reversal.
Reported population / model
Review
Reported study details
Biomed Res Int · 2014 · PMC4180391
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
12GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and AgingPep-Pedia report · Primary source not checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Pep-Pedia reports: The review includes antioxidant mechanisms and aged-mouse cognition findings; human longevity effects are not demonstrated.
Reported population / model
Review
Reported study details
Oxid Med Cell Longev · 2012 · PMC3359723
Reported by Pep-Pedia; the linked publication, design, doses and result have not been independently verified here.
Read the Pep-Pedia report ↗Pep-Pedia reference card; original summary of its reported findings · Checked 2026-10-12
13Pep-Pedia: GHK-Cu — reported pharmacokineticsReference estimate; not independently verified human PKCommunity source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Lists a half-life of 4 min and a peak time of 3 min. Stated attribution: Pickart et al.. The source displays this value while Topical is selected. A topical-use page does not establish systemic elimination or duration of skin effects. Five half-lives is not complete clearance, and the source’s “cleared” value is not used as a measured endpoint.
Secondary reference page checked; the underlying quantitative claim is not independently confirmed. · Checked 2026-10-12
14Pep-Pedia: GHK-Cu — route-specific referenceReference page checked; underlying claims require separate verification.Community source checked
AI-PREPARED SUMMARY
Source page checked across available routes. Protocols, cycles, storage, mechanisms and pairing claims are secondary reports; checking the page does not independently validate those claims. Original concise summaries are used here.
Content coverage audit · Checked 2026-10-12