SKIN · Injectable
Skin-Glow (GHK-Cu).
Copper peptide for collagen and skin repair
How it works
Class & mechanism.
Class
Copper-Binding Tripeptide (Tissue Regeneration Signal)
Mechanism
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper chelate found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that functions as a master tissue repair signal. It binds copper(II) with high affinity, and the resulting complex activates a remarkably broad transcriptional programme: upregulating ~31% of genes involved in tissue remodelling, antioxidant defence, and stem cell activation, while downregulating ~18% of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative damage, and cancer progression. In skin specifically, GHK-Cu stimulates collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan, proteoglycan, and decorin synthesis in fibroblasts; activates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) remodelling to clear damaged tissue; promotes angiogenesis for tissue repair; and increases keratinocyte and stem cell activity to restore epidermal barrier integrity.
Did you know
GHK-Cu was discovered in 1973 when a researcher noticed that ageing human liver tissue started behaving like young tissue when exposed to a mystery fraction from young blood plasma — and that mystery molecule turned out to be a simple three-amino-acid copper complex your body already makes, that simply declines 60% by age 60.
Benefits
What it does.
Stimulates collagen and elastin production — tightens loose skin, reduces fine lines and deep wrinkles
Activates >300 human genes involved in tissue regeneration, antioxidant defence, and stem cell renewal
Accelerates wound healing: shown effective in diabetic, ischemic, and chronic wounds across multiple animal models
Reduces hyperpigmentation, improves skin density and firmness, and protects against UV damage
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
Genome-wide analysis showed GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes — upregulating genes for collagen, antioxidant enzymes, and stem cell markers (p53, integrins), while downregulating inflammation and oncogene pathways.
SOURCE · Pickart & Margolina, Cosmetics (MDPI) 2018; Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
Clinical cosmetic studies confirmed GHK-Cu tightens loose skin, reverses thinning, improves elasticity, increases skin density, reduces fine lines and deep wrinkles, and protects against UV damage — with reproducible results across topical and injectable application forms.
SOURCE · Multiple clinical cosmetic studies (compiled in Pickart review, Biomed Research International 2015)
Plasma GHK-Cu concentrations decline from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60 — a 60% reduction that parallels the loss of regenerative capacity, suggesting GHK-Cu depletion is a measurable component of biological skin ageing.
SOURCE · Pickart (1973); referenced in GHK-Cu clinical documentation
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
Injectable: 1–2 mg (0.03–0.06 mL) subcutaneous injection daily Monday–Friday. Topical: applied to clean skin 1–2x daily; concentration varies by product (typically 1–5%). Topical and injectable routes can be combined for synergistic effect.
Cycle
Injectable protocols typically run 8–12 weeks, followed by a 4-week break before reassessment. Topical use can be maintained continuously. Benefits are cumulative — improvements in collagen density and skin quality build over months of consistent use.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Generally excellent safety profile — GHK-Cu is endogenous and bioidentical. Possible injection site reactions (bruising, temporary redness). Excessive injectable doses may cause temporary skin sensitivity. Avoid in known copper hypersensitivity (rare). Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder) is a contraindication for high-dose injectable use.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for Skin-Glow (GHK-Cu), sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See Skin-Glow (GHK-Cu) pricing — and your supplier match.
Pricing is unlocked once we know who you are. Take the 3-minute quiz and we'll match you to a US or EU dispensary based on your location and protocol fit.
- Live USD price range
- US & EU supplier shortlist
- Concierge sign-off on dosing
Indicative price range: $104–$156 USD