GHK-Cu Dosage Chart
Topical, subcutaneous, and oral protocols for the copper peptide GHK-Cu, with reconstitution math for the 50 mg and 100 mg vials.
Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide that naturally complexes with copper. It has the longest research history of any peptide on this site — Pickart's original work dates to the 1970s — and is well-validated in topical cosmetic literature. Injectable use is more recent and protocol-driven by clinician practice rather than formal trials.
GHK-Cu at a Glance
| Topical | 0.05–2% creams and serums, applied 1–2× daily |
|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 1–2 mg/day for 4–6 week cycles |
| Oral | Generally not used — poor bioavailability |
| Cycle length | 4–8 weeks injectable, 2–4 weeks off; topical can be continuous |
| FDA status | Topical formulations are sold as cosmetics. Injectable use is compounded and not FDA-approved. |
| Common uses | Skin (collagen, fine lines, wound healing), hair (follicle support), tissue repair |
| Common vial size | 50 mg or 100 mg lyophilized powder |
GHK-Cu Reconstitution Chart
How vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and insulin-syringe units convert for GHK-Cu. Use this to translate a prescribed mcg or mg dose into a syringe measurement.
| Vial size | Bac water | Concentration | Dose → insulin-syringe units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | 5 mL | 10 mg/mL (1 mg per 0.1 mL) |
|
| 100 mg | 5 mL | 20 mg/mL (2 mg per 0.1 mL) |
|
GHK-Cu Dosing by Use Case
Commonly cited protocols vary by what GHK-Cu is being used for. The table below summarizes typical ranges reported in clinical practice and published literature.
| Use case | Typical dose | Frequency | Cycle length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin / anti-aging (topical) | 0.05–2% concentration | 1–2× daily, applied to clean skin | Continuous | Cosmetic literature is the most evidence-supported use case. |
| Hair support (topical scalp serum) | 0.05–0.1% concentration | Daily scalp application | Continuous, evaluate at 12+ weeks | Often layered with minoxidil; not a replacement for it. |
| Tissue repair / systemic recovery (subQ) | 1–2 mg | Once daily | 4–6 weeks | Rotate injection sites; can sting at injection site. |
Stacking GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is sometimes layered with BPC-157 and TB-500 for systemic tissue recovery. Topical GHK-Cu is commonly used alongside other topical actives (retinoids, vitamin C) but at separate times of day to preserve stability.
GHK-Cu has a long topical safety record and a generally clean profile. Injectable use carries theoretical copper-overload concerns at high doses.
- •Topical use is well-tolerated; rare reports of local irritation or contact dermatitis.
- •Injection sting at the site is the most common acute complaint — usually transient.
- •Theoretical: chronic high-dose injectable use could contribute to copper overload, especially in patients with Wilson's disease or impaired biliary copper excretion.
- •Not FDA-approved for injection. Topical cosmetic formulations are widely available.
- •Wilson's disease or hereditary copper-handling disorders
- •Active malignancy (relative contraindication for injectable use)
- •Pregnancy or breastfeeding (limited safety data for injectable use)
GHK-Cu Dosing FAQ
For skin and hair use cases, topical is the better-validated route — most published evidence comes from cosmetic studies. For systemic tissue repair, injectable is the only effective route because oral GHK-Cu has poor bioavailability.
We don't recommend it. Topical formulations require specific carrier ingredients to penetrate skin and remain stable; pharmaceutical-grade cosmetic formulations are widely available and avoid the sterility, stability, and concentration uncertainty of DIY mixing.
Topical skin changes are typically reported at 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Hair changes take 3–6 months. Injectable use targeting tissue repair is usually evaluated at the end of a 4–6 week cycle.
Sources
Related Dosage Charts
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Mechanism, clinical evidence, side effects, costs, and provider listings for GHK-Cu therapy.
See GHK-Cu guideMedical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.