GHK-Cu Dosing Protocol: 50 mg Vial — Collagen Synthesis & Anti-Aging Guide
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.
| Week | Dose (µg) | Units | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 1000 | 20 | Once daily (SC) | 1 mg — 20 units; starting dose; assess skin and systemic response |
| 5-12 | 2000 | 40 | Once daily (SC) | 2 mg — 40 units; therapeutic dose; one 50 mg vial provides 25 doses at 2 mg |
GHK-Cu Dosage Calculator
This free peptide calculator shows the exact insulin-syringe units to draw for GHK-Cu. Enter your vial size, bacteriostatic water and target dose — it’s pre-loaded with common GHK-Cu reconstitution defaults, so you can adjust any field to match your own vial.
Your free GHK-Cu tracker
- Dose reminders
- Injection logging
- Cycle progress
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 10 mL bacteriostatic water (four 2.5 mL draws); inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently — GHK-Cu dissolves readily due to the copper coordination complex.
- Final concentration: 5 mg/mL. At 5 mg/mL: 1 mg = 20 units, 2 mg = 40 units.
- 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
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
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.
How this works & references
Sources
- Source: Pickart L et al. — GHK and molecular mechanisms of skin renewal. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2017;2:17032
- Leyden J et al. — GHK-Cu peptide topical cream: double-blind RCT in facial aging. Cosmetics. 2018
- The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health. Pickart L et al. — Oxid Med Cell Longev — 2012
Frequently asked questions
Does GHK-Cu really work topically, or do I need to inject it?
Is there a risk of copper toxicity from GHK-Cu supplementation?
Can GHK-Cu regrow hair?
What is the blue-green color in the reconstituted solution?
How does GHK-Cu compare to collagen peptides for skin aging?
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View protocolThis 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.