GHK-Cu (injectable) vs GHK-Cu (topical)

A naturally occurring copper tripeptide that activates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue remodelling and wound healing. Injectable form is used for systemic repair; topical form dominates cosmetics.

The cosmetic form of the copper tripeptide that has colonised beauty aisles and TikTok routines. Topical GHK-Cu drives collagen, hair follicle activation, and fine-line reduction.

GHK-Cu binds copper ions and enters cells via copper-transport pathways. It modulates expression of genes governing collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, antioxidant defence, and skin-barrier repair.

Applied topically, GHK-Cu penetrates the stratum corneum and activates copper-dependent enzymes in the skin — upregulating collagen III, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and the superoxide-dismutase antioxidant system.

1–3 mg subcutaneous, 3–5x per week

Apply serum nightly to clean skin

~1 hour (but downstream gene effects persist)

N/A (topical residence time ~12h)

Subcutaneous, Topical

Topical

research-only

approved

£80 · £1.6/mg via My-Peptides

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