#1 of 4
88/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $160/mo. Defy Medical is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).
Read review →Recovery · Copper Peptide
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper. Studied for wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory effects.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) at a glance
GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper. Studied for wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory effects. Mechanism: Copper-binding tripeptide. Typical route: Subcutaneous or topical. FDA status: Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. GHK-Cu in topical cosmetic preparations is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (not a drug). Injectable forms are dispensed by compounding pharmacies.
Drug classCopper-binding tripeptide
Half-life~2 hours (parenteral)
RouteSubcutaneous or topical
Common dosing1-2 mg SC, 2-3x/week
FDA statusNot approved (drug)
Cosmetic statusPermitted ingredient
Mechanism of action
GHK-Cu binds to copper ions to form a complex that promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, activates antioxidant pathways, modulates gene expression toward a younger phenotype (per genomic studies), and supports angiogenesis in wound healing.
Dosing reference
Subcutaneous: 1-2 mg per injection, 1-3 times weekly. Topical formulations: 0.05% to 5% cream, applied once or twice daily. Cosmetic preparations are widely available; injectable forms require a prescription.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. GHK-Cu in topical cosmetic preparations is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (not a drug). Injectable forms are dispensed by compounding pharmacies.
U.S. telehealth providers that work with GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
#2 of 4
85/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $180/mo. Marek Health is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).
Read review →#3 of 4
70/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $110/mo. Heally is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).
Read review →#4 of 4
71/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $125/mo. PeterMD is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).
Read review →Related recovery peptides
Frequently asked questions about GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
What does GHK-Cu do?
GHK-Cu has been studied for wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory applications. The peptide upregulates genes associated with tissue repair and collagen synthesis.
Is topical GHK-Cu effective for anti-aging?
Topical GHK-Cu at 0.1-2% concentrations has reasonable evidence for skin firmness, fine-line reduction, and post-procedure recovery. Cosmetic-grade products do not require a prescription.
References
- GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. PMID: 26236730
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PMID: 29986520
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.