Skin · Longevity · Tissue repair Rx · Prescription required

GHK-Cu.

Copper Tripeptide

A naturally occurring tripeptide bound to copper. Collagen synthesis, dermal remodeling, and the longevity stack's topical layer for skin and tissue resilience.

From $150 / month

MW 402.93

Sequence 3 aa + Cu²⁺

Route Topical

Cycle 4–8 wk

Discovered 1973

Begin your protocol Free assessment · No card · Rx required

GHK-Cu Skin

MW 402.93 Length 3 aa + Cu²⁺ Route Topical Cycle Continuous

Begin →

01 The case

Topical longevity.

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide your body already makes — glycyl-histidyl-lysine, complexed with copper. It was first isolated by Loren Pickart in 1973 from human plasma, where its concentration falls roughly 60% between ages 20 and 60.

Topically, GHK-Cu signals collagen synthesis, supports dermal remodeling, scavenges reactive species, and stimulates hair follicles. The copper is not incidental — it is required for activity. The complex is small enough to penetrate the dermis and active in the picomolar range.

It is the longevity stack's topical layer — used continuously, applied 1–2× daily, no needle. Skin firmness and fine-line changes are the most-reported visible effects, with hair-density changes following over months.

02 Mechanism

Where it works.

Six effects converge on the dermis. Each is downstream of one upstream signal — copper-bound peptide recognition.

GHK-Cu C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄

⌬ Collagen synthesis Type I and III dermal collagen upregulation

∿ Dermal remodeling Coordinated extracellular matrix turnover

⊖ Antioxidant Scavenges ROS at the application site

◐ Hair follicle Stimulation of follicular activity and density

⌒ Wound healing Accelerated re-epithelialization in published models

↗ Anti-inflammatory Modulates inflammation in dermal tissue

03 Evidence

Fifty years of characterization.

GHK-Cu has been studied since 1973. Topical formulations have decades of dermatology literature behind them.

1973

year GHK was first isolated and characterized (Pickart)

Pickart · 1973

Copper

the metal complex is required for activity — not optional

Mechanism review

Topical

no needle — applied as serum or cream 1–2× daily

Dermatology literature

Collagen

synthesis upregulation is the established mechanism

Dermatology review

04 Who it's for

Built for skin.

Most often prescribed for visible aging, photoaging, and the topical layer of a broader longevity stack.

⚛

Skin firmness

Collagen-driven dermal density over months.

∿

Fine lines

The most-reported visible effect.

⌒

Scar remodeling

Coordinated extracellular matrix turnover.

◐

Hair growth

Follicular stimulation — adjunct to dedicated protocols.

⊖

Photoaging

Antioxidant and remodeling in sun-exposed skin.

↗

Topical longevity

Skin resilience without a needle.

05 Protocol

A sample protocol.

GHK-Cu is a topical — applied to the skin, not injected. Continuous use; effects accumulate over months.

Sample parameters

Illustrative

Route: Topical application
Dose: 0.05–0.2% formulation
Frequency: Daily (Sub-Q / topical)
Cycle: 4–8 weeks
Storage: Cool, dark, airless

Topical, not injected. Apply to clean skin; layer under or over moisturizer per your formulation. Compounded fresh by a 503A pharmacy.

The cadence

Your week 7 days · 1–2× daily

MAM·PM

TAM·PM

WAM·PM

TAM·PM

FAM·PM

SAM·PM

Your cycle Continuous · no off-cycle

1on

2on

3on

4on

5on

6on

7on

8on

Topical · 30 sec Apply to clean skin

06 What arrives

In the box.

Compounded fresh, shipped from a U.S.-based 503A pharmacy. A topical regimen — no injection supplies needed.

⚲

Compounded serum

Airless pump bottle · stable formulation · beyond-use date printed.

⊕

Application supplies

Single-use applicator tips, alcohol pads for site prep, and a clean-skin protocol card.

❄

Cool shipping

Insulated overnight delivery to maintain peptide stability. Tracked door to door.

📖

Step-by-step guide

Application technique, layering with moisturizer, and storage between uses.

07 Often paired with

Stacks that work.

GHK-Cu is the topical layer of broader skin and longevity stacks. It pairs with whatever supports the dermis from inside.

Sermorelin

GH-axis support amplifies the systemic collagen environment GHK-Cu signals locally.

Collagen synthesisFrom $195/mo →

BPC-157

Repair signaling above and below the skin — local plus systemic.

Tissue repairFrom $225/mo →

08 Safety

Side effects, fine print, responsibility.

GHK-Cu is among the best-tolerated peptides in clinical use. Topical formulations carry a clean safety reputation.

✓

What to expect

01Mild redness or warmth — transient, usually only in the first week of application.
02Light blue tint to the formulation — the copper complex is naturally blue — not a defect.
03Visible effects in 6–12 wk — skin firmness and fine-line changes accumulate over months.
04Continuous use is the protocol — no on/off cycle for the topical.

Not for

01Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Insufficient safety data for direct topical use.
02Copper allergy. Disclose any prior copper-class reactions during intake.
03Active skin infection. Wait for resolution before applying.
04Use without oversight. Always under a licensed physician's supervision.

Compounded GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug product. It is dispensed by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy under a prescription written by a U.S.-licensed physician for individual investigational and off-label use under provider supervision. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Individual results vary.

09 Questions

Frequently asked.

What is GHK-Cu?+

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide of glycine-histidine-lysine complexed with copper. It was first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973 as a regenerative factor for skin and tissue.

Is it injected?+

No — GHK-Cu is topical. Applied to the skin as a serum or cream, 1–2× daily. No needle, no injection supplies.

Why does it have copper?+

The copper is structural — required for activity. GHK without copper does not produce the same effects. The complex is what your dermis recognizes.

How long until I see results?+

Visible skin changes (firmness, fine lines) typically emerge over 6–12 weeks. Hair-density changes, when they occur, follow over several months.

Can I stack it?+

Yes — common pairings include Glutathione (skin from inside), Sermorelin (systemic collagen synthesis), and BPC-157 (tissue repair foundation). Your physician designs the stack.

Side effects?+

Mild transient redness or warmth is the most reported. The formulation is naturally blue from the copper complex. Disclose any copper sensitivity during intake.

Begin Ten minutes of intake

Begin your GHK-Cu protocol.

Free assessment. A board-certified U.S. physician on the prescription. Bloodwork only if your protocol calls for it. Compounded fresh and cold-chain shipped overnight.

Start your intake Free · No card required · Rx required to ship