Copper peptides

GHK vs GHK-Cu

Comparing GHK and GHK-Cu across evidence, dosing, mechanisms, and research areas.

vs
GHK
Category
woundhealing
longevity
Molecular weight
341.41 g/mol
340.38 g/mol
Half-life
~2 hours (estimated)
~1 hour (injectable); variable topical absorption
Admin routes
topicalsubcutaneousintradermal
topicalsubcutaneousintradermal
Research areas
Wound healingSkin regenerationCollagen synthesisAnti-aging/cosmeticHair growthAnti-inflammatory
Skin rejuvenation / anti-agingWound healingHair growth / follicle stimulationLung fibrosis / COPD repairAnti-inflammatoryBone regenerationNerve regeneration
Typical dosing
200–500 mcg · 1x daily · 4-12 weeks
200–500 mcg · 1x daily (injectable); 1-2x daily (topical) · 4-8 weeks (injectable); ongoing (topical)
FDA status
Not FDA-approved as a drug. Used in cosmetic formulations and compounding.
Not FDA-approved as drug. Available OTC in cosmetic formulations. Category 1 under 503A bulk drug substance framework (compoundable) for injectable use.
WADA status
Not listed
Not prohibited (as of 2026)
PubMed studies
80
163