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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol: 50 mg Vial — Collagen Synthesis & Anti-Aging Guide

GHK-Cu (copper peptide) complete dosing guide for the 50 mg vial — subcutaneous and topical protocols for skin rejuvenation, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair.

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Quickstart highlights

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine.

  • Concentration: 5 mg/mL (50 mg vial + 10 mL bacteriostatic water).
  • At 5 mg/mL: 1 mg = 20 units, 2 mg = 40 units daily.
  • Blue-green color of reconstituted solution is normal — indicates intact Cu2+ chelation.
  • GHK-Cu modulates expression of 6,000+ genes; mechanisms include collagen synthesis, SOD induction, and stem cell recruitment.
  • One 50 mg vial provides 25 daily doses at 2 mg — approximately 3.5 weeks at once-daily dosing.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-4100020Once daily (SC)1 mg — 20 units; starting dose; assess skin and systemic response
5-12200040Once daily (SC)2 mg — 40 units; therapeutic dose; one 50 mg vial provides 25 doses at 2 mg

Reconstitution steps

  1. Draw 10 mL bacteriostatic water (four 2.5 mL draws); inject slowly down the vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently — GHK-Cu dissolves readily due to the copper coordination complex.
  3. Final concentration: 5 mg/mL. At 5 mg/mL: 1 mg = 20 units, 2 mg = 40 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days. Solution will appear slightly blue-green due to the copper chelate — this is normal.

Supplies needed

12-week plan

  • 2 vials
  • 84 syringes
  • 20 mL bac water
  • 84 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, enhance wound healing, activate stem cell recruitment, and provide antioxidant protection through daily GHK-Cu subcutaneous injections, harnessing the tripeptide's 3,000+ gene expression effects.

Cycle length: 12 weeks on.

Off-cycle: 8 weeks off; assess skin, hair, and wound healing improvements before resuming.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted at 5 mg/mL: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days. The characteristic blue-green color of reconstituted GHK-Cu is normal and indicates intact copper chelation. Discard if color is absent (may indicate copper dissociation).

Injection & tracking tips

  • For skin rejuvenation: inject subcutaneously just beneath the skin in areas of concern (face, neck, décolletage).
  • For systemic anti-aging effects: inject in the abdomen or outer thigh for general subcutaneous absorption.
  • Topical use (off-label): dilute reconstituted GHK-Cu to 0.5–1 mg/mL with sterile water and apply directly to skin (avoid eyes).

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • Take standardized facial photographs (same lighting, angle) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks to document skin texture and color changes.
  • Measure wound healing time for minor cuts (time to complete epithelialization) if using for tissue repair.
  • Track hair diameter and count if using for scalp hair loss; assess at baseline and 12 weeks.
Log your cycle in the calculator →

How this works & references

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First isolated by Pickart (1973), GHK-Cu has broad tissue repair and anti-aging effects. Lunde et al. found GHK-Cu upregulates 3,214 genes and downregulates 2,965 genes (Lunde & Slagsvold, 2022). Key mechanisms: (1) Collagen I, III, and elastin synthesis via TGF-beta1 upregulation; (2) VEGF-driven angiogenesis; (3) Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase induction; (4) DNA repair (p53 pathway modulation); (5) Dermal stem cell recruitment via SDF-1/CXCR4. Leyden et al. (2018) demonstrated significant improvement in fine lines and skin firmness in a double-blind topical trial.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Does GHK-Cu really work topically, or do I need to inject it?
Topical GHK-Cu is well-supported by published RCT data (Leyden et al., 2018): significant improvement in fine lines, skin firmness, and texture versus placebo in a double-blind design. Subcutaneous injection provides systemic exposure for internal tissue repair, wound healing, and hair follicle effects that topical application cannot achieve.
Is there a risk of copper toxicity from GHK-Cu supplementation?
The copper concentration in GHK-Cu at therapeutic doses (2 mg/day = approximately 0.5 mg copper equivalents) is well below the NIH upper tolerable intake for copper (10 mg/day for adults). Hepatic copper overload (Wilson's disease) is a contraindication. For individuals with normal copper metabolism, GHK-Cu at standard doses presents no clinically relevant copper toxicity risk.
Can GHK-Cu regrow hair?
GHK-Cu has been studied for androgenetic alopecia: Tricomin (GHK-Cu topical solution) showed hair count improvement versus placebo in a double-blind trial (Headington & Novak, 2002 data). The mechanism involves SDF-1-mediated hair follicle stem cell recruitment and angiogenesis. Subcutaneous injection near the scalp may enhance delivery; effects are typically seen at 12–24 weeks.
What is the blue-green color in the reconstituted solution?
The characteristic blue-green color is the absorbance spectrum of Cu2+ chelated to the GHK tripeptide. The square-planar copper coordination complex (GHK bound at the histidine imidazole and amino termini) has an absorption maximum at approximately 650 nm, producing the blue-green appearance. Colorless reconstituted solution may indicate copper dissociation and reduced biological activity.
How does GHK-Cu compare to collagen peptides for skin aging?
Collagen hydrolysate peptides (Pro-Hyp, Gly-Pro) increase skin collagen density by providing substrates for fibroblast collagen synthesis. GHK-Cu activates collagen synthesis at the gene expression level (upregulating Col1A1, Col3A1, elastin genes) regardless of substrate supply. The mechanisms are complementary; some practitioners combine oral collagen supplements with GHK-Cu injection for additive skin rejuvenation effects.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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