Copper Peptide Complex

GHK-Cu Dosage Calculator & Guide

A copper peptide used for skin, hair, and tissue repair. Calculate your dose and review the main use cases.

Updated April 2026·5 min read·For educational purposes only

GHK-Cu at a Glance

Also Known As
Copper Peptide GHK, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II)
Developer
Loren Pickart (discovered 1973)
Mechanism
Copper-dependent Gene Modulation
Injection Frequency
1x Daily
Common Vial Sizes
5 mg, 10 mg, 50 mg
Storage (Reconstituted)
Refrigerate, 4-6 weeks
Route
Subcutaneous / Topical
Half-Life
~4-6 hours

GHK-Cu Dosage Calculator

Pre-filled with typical ghk-cu values. Adjust to match your vial and protocol.

mg
mL
mg
units
Draw To
-- IU
Volume
-- mL
Doses / Vial
--
Enter your values above to see your results in plain English.

Open Full Calculator with Syringe Visualization →

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Its concentration in the body declines significantly with age, and supplementation has been studied for its potential regenerative and anti-aging properties.

GHK-Cu has been shown to modulate the expression of over 4,000 genes, including upregulating collagen synthesis, promoting wound healing, stimulating blood vessel growth, reducing inflammation, and potentially promoting hair follicle regeneration. It is used both topically (in skincare products) and via subcutaneous injection for systemic anti-aging benefits.

Important: GHK-Cu has not been approved by the FDA for general consumer use. The information on this page is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide.

GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol

Below are common dosing protocols for ghk-cu based on available research and community experience:

ProtocolDoseNotes
Standard Injectable200-500 mcgOnce daily, subcutaneous
Skin/Anti-aging Focus200 mcgOnce daily for 4-8 weeks
Hair Growth Protocol200-500 mcgOnce daily, may combine with topical
Typical Cycle4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Tip: Use the calculator above to recalculate your syringe units whenever you adjust your dose. Bookmark this page for quick reference.

Ready to calculate? Use the calculator above or our full calculator with syringe visualization.

How to Reconstitute GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. The process is standard for all peptides:

For a detailed step-by-step guide with visuals, see our complete peptide reconstitution guide.

GHK-Cu Side Effects

Understanding potential side effects helps you use ghk-cu more safely. Most side effects are dose-dependent and may improve over time.

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, discontinue use and contact your healthcare provider.

How to Store GHK-Cu

Before reconstitution: Store lyophilized (powder) ghk-cu in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is ideal for long-term storage of unreconstituted peptides.

After reconstitution: Store the reconstituted vial upright in a refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze. The solution typically remains stable for 4-6 weeks. Always swab the vial stopper with an alcohol pad before each use.

GHK-Cu for Skin, Hair & Healing

GHK-Cu is unique among peptides because it addresses multiple systems simultaneously. Here are the three main use cases:

GHK-Cu FAQ

Can I use GHK-Cu topically instead of injecting?+
Yes. GHK-Cu is available in serums and creams for topical application. Topical use primarily benefits the skin where applied (wrinkles, scars, wound healing). Injectable GHK-Cu provides systemic benefits including internal tissue repair, organ protection, and more comprehensive anti-aging effects.
How long until I see results from GHK-Cu?+
Skin improvements (tone, texture, firmness) are often noticed within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Hair-related benefits may take 3-6 months. Internal healing and anti-aging benefits are more subtle and cumulative over weeks to months.
Can GHK-Cu be combined with BPC-157?+
Yes. GHK-Cu and BPC-157 are sometimes combined for enhanced healing, as they work through different mechanisms. GHK-Cu promotes copper-dependent tissue remodeling while BPC-157 focuses on angiogenesis and nitric oxide pathways. See our BPC-157 calculator.
Is GHK-Cu safe long-term?+
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide in the human body, and research has not identified significant safety concerns at standard doses. However, long-term injectable use has not been extensively studied in clinical trials. Most protocols recommend cycling (4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off).
Does GHK-Cu help with hair loss?+
Research suggests GHK-Cu may support hair growth by increasing follicle size, stimulating hair growth phase (anagen), and improving scalp blood flow. Some studies show it may inhibit 5-alpha reductase (similar to finasteride's mechanism). Results vary and it is not a replacement for proven hair loss treatments.

Other Peptide Calculators

Looking for a different peptide? Each calculator is pre-filled with standard dosing values.