- subcutaneous
- topical
GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu at a glance
Nomination withdrawnHow studies gave it
Injected into the fat under the skin, or applied to the skin
Evidence on this page
2 peer-reviewed papers, published 2008 to 2012
FDA compounding lists
It was nominated for compounding use and the nomination was withdrawn.
Mixing it
GHK-Cu reconstitution calculatorWhat it is
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It has been studied in both human and animal models in the context of wound healing, skin remodeling, and collagen synthesis. Dermatological research has explored its role in skin repair and hair follicle function. It is discussed in communities focused on skin health, anti-aging, and tissue repair.
Published research
GHK-Cu has been studied in human dermatological contexts and animal wound-healing models. Published research has examined its role in stimulating collagen synthesis, promoting dermal fibroblast activity, and modulating inflammatory responses. Human studies have primarily focused on topical applications for skin remodeling and wound healing.
Some research has explored its effects on gene expression related to tissue repair processes. Injectable use is primarily discussed in community contexts rather than formal clinical research.
What the terms on this page mean4 termsHide
- tripeptide
- A peptide three amino acids long. Pentapeptide means five, and so on.
- plasma
- The clear liquid part of blood, once the cells are taken out.
- animal model
- A test in animals standing in for the human condition. Results often fail to carry over to people.
- fibroblast
- The cell in skin and connective tissue that makes collagen and repairs damage.
Compounding status
Nomination withdrawn- FDA lists it as
- GHK-Cu (for injectable routes of administration)
- What that means
- These substances are not eligible for the policy that applies to substances in category 1. FDA would consider taking action against a compounder for compounding drug products with this bulk drug substance under its general enforcement policies.
Source: Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks, FDA. Content current as of 2026-04-22; read 2026-09-05. This describes what a compounding pharmacy may supply. It is not advice about your own use.
Also given subcutaneous
- GHRP-2Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (Pralmorelin)FDA category 2
- GHRP-6Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6FDA category 2
- HexarelinExamorelin (Hexarelin, EP-23905)Not on either FDA list
- HumaninHumanin (HN) — Mitochondrial-Derived PeptideNot on either FDA list
- IGF-1 DESdes(1-3) Insulin-like Growth Factor-1Not on either FDA list
- IGF-1 LR3Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1Not on either FDA list
Where this came from2 referencesHide
Each one was resolved at PubMed and confirmed to be the work this page cites. Author, title, journal and year come from the PubMed record, not from the page text.
- The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2012). PMID 22666519.
- The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling
Pickart L. Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer edition (2008). PMID 18644225.
About this page
Reviewed 2026-08-11. This page reports what published studies and FDA documents say. It carries no dose, cycle length or stack, and it does not tell you whether a substance is appropriate for you. Side-effect reports circulating on forums are self-reported rather than measured, so they are not republished here.
See the editorial policy for how corrections are handled.