GHK-Cu calculator
A copper-binding tripeptide common in topical skin and hair formulations, also sold as a lyophilized vial.
Also known as: Copper peptide, Copper tripeptide-1
FDA status — not an approved drug Not FDA-approved as a drug. GHK-Cu appears widely as a cosmetic ingredient in topical products, which are regulated differently from injectable drugs.
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What GHK-Cu is
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, where its concentration declines with age. It is a well-established cosmetic ingredient in topical skin and hair products; injectable use has no comparable evidence base.
Research depth: 3/5 Well-studied in vitro and in topical human use for skin and hair; injectable use has essentially no research behind it. Human trials: Topical studies only. This measures how much has been studied — counting animal and laboratory work — not whether it works for you.
How GHK-Cu works
The peptide binds a copper ion and delivers it into cells, where copper acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen and elastin synthesis. Topical studies report improved skin firmness and appearance. What injected GHK-Cu does systemically has not been characterized in trials.
GHK-Cu side effects
Commonly reported
- Skin irritation or redness with topical use
- Injection-site stinging and irritation, which is frequently reported
- The solution is characteristically blue — this is the copper, not a defect
Serious — seek medical care
- Copper accumulation with excessive use, which can affect liver function and zinc balance
- Contraindicated in Wilson disease or any disorder of copper metabolism
- Injectable use has no established safety data
This list is not exhaustive. Report anything unexpected to the clinician who prescribed it. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek care the same day. See also our guide to peptide side effects by class.
A worked example
A 50 mg vial reconstituted with 5 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 10 mg/mL. A 2000 mcg dose is then 0.2 mL — about 20 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe, giving roughly 25 doses per vial before accounting for residual volume left in the vial and syringe.
Prefer paper? Download the printable GHK-Cu dosing chart (PDF) — every vial size and water volume in syringe units, with the same review byline as this page. All charts →
Commonly cited dose range
Figures circulating for GHK-Cu run from 1000 mcg to 2000 mcg. Vials are far larger than most peptides, so concentrations and draw volumes differ substantially. Topical use is the far more common route.
Read this as reference information, not instruction. These numbers describe what is commonly discussed, not what is right for any individual. Dose, frequency, and whether to use GHK-Cu at all are decisions for a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Common questions
How much water for a 50 mg GHK-Cu vial?
5 mL gives 10 mg/mL, so a 2 mg dose is 0.2 mL — 20 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe. Larger vials like this are often reconstituted with more water than typical peptides.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
The copper ion bound to the tripeptide gives the solution its characteristic blue color. This is expected for the compound and is not on its own an indicator of quality or purity.