GHK-Cu Dosage: Injection Protocol, Charts & Complete Guide (2026)

Dose: 1 to 2 mg per day Route: Subcutaneous (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) Frequency: Daily, 5 days on, 2 days off Cycle: 8 to 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off Expected results: 4 to 8 weeks for visible improvement Best for: Fine lines, skin elasticity, skin density, overall skin quality

A 12-week facial cream study on 71 women found that 70% showed increased collagen production with GHK-Cu, compared to 50% with vitamin C and 40% with retinoic acid (Pickart et al., 2015). A nano-lipid GHK formulation produced a 31.6% reduction in wrinkle volume at 8 weeks (Pickart & Margolina, 2018).

Dose: 2 mg per day (injectable) or 1.5 to 2.5% topical applied to scalp Route: Subcutaneous or topical Frequency: Daily injection (5 days on, 2 off) or twice daily topical Cycle: 16 to 24 weeks minimum Expected results: Reduced shedding at 4 to 8 weeks; new growth at 8 to 16 weeks; density improvement at 4 to 6 months Best for: Androgenetic alopecia, thinning hair, miniaturized follicles

A Phase II trial found that 72% of male participants saw greater than 20% hair density increase at 6 months using a 0.5% GHK-Cu lotion. A 2025 open-label study reported 35% terminal hair growth with GHK-Cu combined with minoxidil versus 18% with minoxidil alone. A GHK-Cu microemulsion entered the anagen (growth) phase at 6 days versus minoxidil at 9 days (PMC10643103).

GHK-Cu works through fibroblast stimulation, VEGF and HGF secretion, and direct support of dermal papilla cells. Unlike minoxidil, it addresses the structural environment of the follicle rather than blood flow alone.

Dose: 2 to 3 mg per day Route: Subcutaneous (near injury site preferred) Frequency: Daily Cycle: 4 to 8 weeks or until healed Expected results: Accelerated wound closure within 2 to 3 weeks Best for: Post-surgical recovery, chronic wounds, scar reduction

GHK-Cu collagen dressings increased collagen content 9-fold in healthy rats. The peptide improved healing in both ischemic and diabetic wound models, producing organized collagen fiber alignment rather than random scarring (Pickart & Margolina, 2018). For tendon and ligament injuries, GHK-Cu pairs well with BPC-157 and TB-500. See our best peptides for tendon repair guide for complete protocols.

Dose: 0.5 to 1.5 mg per day Route: Subcutaneous Frequency: Daily or every other day Cycle: 30 days on, 30 days off Expected results: Improved skin quality, energy, and recovery over 4 to 8 weeks Best for: Maintenance, systemic anti-inflammatory support, preventive use

This lower-dose protocol suits individuals who have completed a targeted cycle (skin, hair, or healing) and want to maintain results. The rest period allows receptor sensitivity to reset.

Dose: 1.5 to 2.5 mg per day Route: Subcutaneous Frequency: Daily Cycle: 10 to 14 days Best for: Acute injuries, post-operative healing, sports recovery

The short burst protocol delivers a concentrated healing signal without committing to a full cycle. Many users transition to a longer skin or general wellness protocol after the acute phase resolves.

You need: one GHK-Cu lyophilized vial (typically 50 mg or 100 mg), bacteriostatic water (BAC water, containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol), insulin syringes (29 to 31 gauge, 0.5 inch), and alcohol swabs.

Do not use normal saline. Salt can dissociate copper from the peptide, reducing potency. Bacteriostatic water is the correct solvent. The benzyl alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, extending usable shelf life to approximately 30 days.

50 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 10 mg/mL A 2 mg dose = 0.2 mL = 20 units on an insulin syringe.

100 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 20 mg/mL A 2 mg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units.

100 mg vial + 3 mL BAC water = 33.3 mg/mL A 2 mg dose = 0.06 mL = 6 units.

Higher concentrations mean smaller injection volumes but less room for dosing error. For most users, the 10 mg/mL concentration (50 mg vial + 5 mL) offers the best balance of accuracy and convenience.

For precise calculations with any vial size, use our Peptide Reconstitution Calculator.

1. 1.Wipe the GHK-Cu vial stopper and BAC water vial stopper with alcohol swabs.
2. 2.Draw the desired volume of BAC water into a syringe (e.g., 5 mL for a 50 mg vial).
3. 3.Insert the needle into the GHK-Cu vial at an angle. Direct the water stream against the glass wall, not onto the powder.
4. 4.Release the water slowly. Let it trickle down the inside of the vial.
5. 5.Remove the syringe. Gently swirl the vial until the powder dissolves completely. Never shake. Shaking creates foam and can denature the peptide.
6. 6.The solution should be clear to slightly blue-tinted (from the copper ion). Discard if cloudy or contains particles.

Storage: Refrigerate reconstituted GHK-Cu at 2 to 8°C, protected from light. Use within 30 days. Unreconstituted powder can be stored frozen at -20°C for months.

For a general guide covering all peptides, see How to Reconstitute Peptides.

Preferred sites: Lower abdomen (at least two inches from the navel), outer thigh, upper arm fat pad.

Equipment: 29 to 31 gauge insulin syringe, 0.5 inch needle length.

Technique: 1. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Let it dry. 2. Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger. 3. Insert the needle at a 45 to 90 degree angle (45 degrees for lean individuals, 90 degrees for those with more subcutaneous fat). 4. Inject slowly and steadily. 5. Hold the needle in place for 5 to 10 seconds after injecting, then withdraw. 6. Do not massage the injection site.

Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fat tissue hardening). Keep a simple rotation: left abdomen, right abdomen, left thigh, right thigh.

For targeted healing (wound recovery, scar reduction), inject as close to the target area as practical. GHK-Cu has systemic distribution, but local concentration near the injection site is higher.

For detailed injection guidance applicable to all peptides, see our Peptide Injection Guide for Beginners.

Most protocols call for once-daily injection, five days on, two days off. Consistency matters more than the specific time of day. Morning or evening, the results are the same.

Some practitioners recommend morning injection to align with the body's natural repair cycle. Others prefer evening injection to coincide with overnight collagen synthesis. No published data favors one over the other. Pick a time you can maintain consistently.

In the 12-week comparative trial, 70% of women showed increased collagen with GHK-Cu versus 50% with vitamin C versus 40% with retinoic acid (Pickart et al., 2015). A nano-lipid formulation achieved 31.6% wrinkle volume reduction at 8 weeks.

GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast proliferation, increases collagen I and III deposition, and promotes glycosaminoglycan synthesis (including hyaluronic acid). The result is thicker, firmer skin with improved elasticity and hydration. It outperformed both retinol and vitamin C in at least one head-to-head comparison.

The Phase II trial data is compelling: 72% of male participants achieved greater than 20% hair density increase at 6 months. GHK-Cu enlarges follicles to a degree comparable to minoxidil, but through a different mechanism: fibroblast stimulation, VEGF and HGF secretion, and direct dermal papilla support.

A GHK-Cu microemulsion entered the anagen growth phase at 6 days versus 9 days for minoxidil (PMC10643103). Combined with minoxidil, GHK-Cu produced nearly double the terminal hair growth (35% vs 18% monotherapy).

A GHK-Cu collagen dressing produced a 9-fold increase in collagen content in healthy rats. The peptide improved healing in diabetic and ischemic wound models, and systemic wound healing was demonstrated across rats, mice, and pigs (Pickart & Margolina, 2018).

The quality of healing matters as much as speed. GHK-Cu produces organized, aligned collagen fibers rather than random scar tissue. This means less visible scarring and stronger tissue at the repair site.

GHK-Cu promotes osteoblast activity and bone density at fracture sites. It stimulates glycosaminoglycan synthesis relevant to cartilage repair. These properties make it a reasonable addition to joint recovery protocols, particularly alongside BPC-157 for soft tissue and TB-500 for systemic healing.

GHK-Cu reduces IL-6 and TNF-alpha while increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione. This dual action, lowering destructive inflammation while boosting antioxidant defense, protects tissues from oxidative damage during aging and after injury (PMC3359723).

The anti-inflammatory effect is clinically relevant. Chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates skin aging, hair follicle miniaturization, and tissue degeneration. Reducing it at the molecular level is how GHK-Cu produces systemic anti-aging benefits beyond any single tissue.

Injection site redness and warmth are the most frequent complaints. Both resolve within an hour. Mild bruising at injection sites occurs occasionally, especially in individuals new to subcutaneous injection.

Topical GHK-Cu may cause tingling or flushing at higher concentrations (above 2%). Some users report a skin purging phase during the first 1 to 2 weeks of topical use. This is temporary.

Localized dryness or irritation with topical use in sensitive skin. Nausea with injectable use is rare and typically dose-dependent. Reducing the dose or taking with food resolves it in most cases.

Copper toxicity is the concern most people raise, and the data shows it is misplaced at standard dosages. The therapeutic dose for wound healing in pigs (1.1 mg/kg) is approximately 300 times below the toxic threshold. A 70 kg human taking 2 mg per day receives 0.028 mg/kg, a fraction of a fraction of the toxic range.

Symptoms of actual copper toxicity (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, liver damage) require far higher exposures than any GHK-Cu protocol provides. Serum copper levels do not measurably increase at standard peptide doses.

Absolute contraindications: - Wilson's disease or any copper metabolism disorder. These conditions impair copper excretion. Even small additional copper loads are dangerous. - Active cancer. GHK-Cu has pro-angiogenic properties (it promotes blood vessel formation). This could theoretically support tumor growth and vascularization. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding. No human safety data exists.

Relative precautions: - Do not combine topical GHK-Cu with strong acids (AHA, BHA, low-pH vitamin C) in the same application. The pH conflict can denature the peptide and irritate skin. - If you have a history of copper sensitivity, start with a lower topical concentration (0.5 to 1%) and monitor for irritation.

GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for any medical indication. The regulatory landscape shifted in late 2023 and continues to evolve.

In September 2023, the FDA flagged injectable GHK-Cu as high-risk. Injectable forms are now classified as Category 2, restricting them from 503A pharmacy compounding. This means compounding pharmacies cannot legally produce injectable GHK-Cu for individual prescriptions under the standard pathway.

Non-injectable (topical) GHK-Cu is classified as Category 1, meaning it remains eligible for compounding with certain limitations. Topical serums and creams containing GHK-Cu continue to be sold commercially.

Injectable GHK-Cu remains available through research chemical suppliers. Its legal status for personal use varies by jurisdiction. Increased FDA scrutiny on peptide skincare products making drug claims has also accelerated through 2025 and 2026.

BPC-157: 250 to 500 mcg per day, subcutaneous near injury site GHK-Cu: 1 to 2 mg per day, subcutaneous Duration: 4 to 6 weeks

The rationale is complementary timing. BPC-157 handles the acute healing phase: angiogenesis, cell migration, and granulation tissue formation. GHK-Cu handles the remodeling phase: collagen organization, cross-linking, and scar reduction.

Inject both on the same day at slightly different sites. No known interactions or contraindications between the two. This is the most popular two-peptide healing stack in the research community. For BPC-157 safety data, see our BPC-157 Side Effects Guide.

TB-500: 2 to 2.5 mg twice per week GHK-Cu: 1 to 2 mg per day Duration: 4 to 6 weeks

TB-500 provides broad systemic healing signals. It upregulates actin, promoting cell migration and tissue repair across the entire body. GHK-Cu ensures that the new tissue being laid down has proper collagen architecture.

This stack suits systemic recovery: post-surgical healing, multiple injury sites, or chronic degenerative conditions. For TB-500 dosing details, see the TB-500 Dosage Chart.

GHK-Cu: 1.5 to 2 mg per day BPC-157: 250 to 500 mcg per day TB-500: 250 to 500 mcg per day Duration: 4 weeks on, 2 to 4 weeks rest

The GLOW stack (sometimes sold as a pre-mixed blend at a 5:1:1 ratio) covers all three phases of tissue repair: acute healing (BPC-157), systemic signals (TB-500), and collagen remodeling (GHK-Cu). Add KPV at 200 to 500 mcg per day for additional anti-inflammatory support, particularly if the injury involves significant inflammation. See the KPV Dosage Guide for protocol details.

Daily subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks, followed by a rest period of 2 to 4 weeks. This is the most aggressive healing protocol commonly used and should be reserved for significant injuries or post-surgical recovery.

Epitalon: 5 mg per day for 10 to 20 days GHK-Cu: 1 to 2 mg per day for 4 to 6 weeks Rationale: Epitalon targets telomere maintenance at the cellular level. GHK-Cu targets tissue-level regeneration. Together, they address aging from two distinct angles: chromosomal integrity and extracellular matrix repair.

This combination appeals to users focused on longevity rather than injury recovery. The Epitalon cycle is short (10 to 20 days); GHK-Cu continues for a full 4 to 6 week cycle after Epitalon concludes.