GHK-Cu 50mg copper tripeptide - Atlas Lab

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What the parcel contains

One sealed vial of GHK-Cu 50mg, lyophilised, without individual labelling.

What you also need

Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and 1 ml precision syringes graduated in 100 units, sold separately. The vial alone cannot be used as is.

Don't forget the essentials

Eau Bactériostatique

7,90 €

Cartouches 3 mlx59,90 €

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GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, Cu2+ copper complex) is a tripeptide of 340 Da free, 403 Da complexed with copper, discovered by Loren Pickart in 1973 at the University of San Francisco. It appears in human plasma at approximately 200 ng/ml in young subjects, with a drop of more than 60 % between ages 20 and 60, an observation that motivated forty years of research on its role in tissue repair, wound healing, hair growth and cutaneous longevity. Its short sequence Gly-His-Lys binds Cu2+ ions with exceptional affinity through the histidine imidazole ring and the terminal amine, forming the characteristic blue complex.

GHK-Cu is one of the few peptides to benefit from a rigorous scientific corpus simultaneously covering molecular biology (activation of more than 4000 genes in cutaneous fibroblasts, Pickart 2015 BioMed Research International), clinical dermato-regeneration (healing, anti-ageing, damaged skin) and hair aesthetics (documented trichological protocols). Unlike most peptides sold in research networks, GHK-Cu has been integrated for 40 years in premium cosmeceutical formulations (Procyte Corporation, NeoCutis, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair) after showing reproducible structural effects on human skin.

This vial delivers 50 mg of high-purity GHK-Cu (>98 %, HPLC) in lyophilised form, type I borosilicate glass, fluorinated butyl stopper. The dose is deliberately high compared to classical peptides (5-10 mg for GLP-1 analogues, 2-5 mg for short regeneratives) because documented GHK-Cu protocols use larger quantities in trichological and cutaneous research (1-3 mg per injection, concentrated topical applications). Destined exclusively for in vitro research and preclinical studies on non-human models.

Science

01
Mechanism of action

The mechanism of GHK-Cu articulates around three axes: copper chelation, extracellular matrix remodelling, and massive transcriptional modulation.

First axis, copper chelation and transport. Free Cu2+ is toxic (Fenton reactions, hydroxyl radicals), but the GHK-Cu complex is stable, diffusible and delivers copper in a targeted manner to copper-dependent metalloenzymes: lysyl oxidase (collagen/elastin crosslinking), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1, antioxidant defence), tyrosinase (controlled melanogenesis), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase. This controlled delivery explains why GHK-Cu restores copper-dependent enzymatic functions without metallic toxicity (Pickart & Margolina 2018 Int J Mol Sci).

Second axis, extracellular matrix and tissue regeneration. Maquart 1988 J Clin Invest showed that GHK-Cu at nanomolar concentration stimulates type I collagen synthesis by fibroblasts by 60-200 %, of glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid, heparan sulphate) and proteoglycans. Simeon 2000 Life Sci simultaneously documented the stimulation of matrix repair and the suppression of degradation by MMP-2 and MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteases), a unique profile of constructive rather than destructive remodelling. Pollard 2005 J Biomed Mater Res confirmed the acceleration of cutaneous healing in injured animals and humans.

Third axis, genome-wide transcriptional modulation. Pickart 2015 BioMed Res Int sequenced by Affymetrix chip the effects of 10 nM GHK-Cu on human fibroblasts after 24h: 4192 significantly modulated genes, including activation of DNA repair programmes (NBN, BRCA1), regeneration (collagens, elastin, integrins), antioxidant defence (glutathione peroxidase, SOD, peroxiredoxins) and anti-inflammatory modulation (reduction of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8). It is the peptide with the widest documented genomic modulation spectrum, which explains the apparent diversity of its effects (skin, hair, healing, anti-ageing).

Fourth axis, stem cells and hair growth. Pyo 2007 Biofactors demonstrated that GHK-Cu activates the hair follicle by stimulating dermal papilla stem cells, increases follicle size, prolongs the anagen phase and inhibits early catagen follicle apoptosis. Daily topical applications at 0.05-0.1 % in liposomal vehicle have been validated in several controlled trichology dermatology studies.

Pharmacokinetics: the complex is unstable in plasma (apparent half-life <30 min) but copper is rapidly taken up by target tissues where it is incorporated into copper-dependent enzymes. The biological effect thus persists well beyond plasma presence.

Clinical data

02Clinical studies

The GHK-Cu literature exceeds 300 PubMed-indexed publications since 1973, including several systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Initial discovery and characterisation: Pickart 1973 Nature described the effect of young plasma fractions on hepatic restoration, isolating the GHK tripeptide sequence. Pickart & Thaler 1973 Nature New Biology confirmed activity in a purified system. The following 10 years established the exceptional Cu2+ binding (Lau & Sarkar 1981 Biochem J) and tissue distribution.

Cutaneous healing and regeneration: Maquart 1988 J Clin Invest (collagen kinetics on fibroblasts), Downey 1985 Surg Forum (human leg ulcers, healing accelerated by 30 %), Mulder 1994 Wound Rep Reg (randomised double-blind trial 120 diabetic ulcer patients, closure time reduction of 50 %). Tredget 1998 J Burn Care Rehabil documented application in burn patients with reduction of hypertrophic fibrosis.

Cutaneous ageing and cosmetic anti-ageing: Leyden 2002 J Cosmet Dermatol (randomised double-blind study 67 women aged 45-70, GHK-Cu 0.2 % cream, 12 weeks: significant improvement in dermal density, elasticity, reduction of peri-ocular wrinkles). Finkley 2005 J Am Acad Dermatol (comparison GHK-Cu vs vitamin C vs retinol on photo-ageing, superior GHK-Cu effect on structural markers). Abdulghani 1998 Dis Mon (efficacy in seborrhoeic dermis and actinic lesions).

Hair growth: Trachy 1990 (patent with Procyte), followed by Pyo 2007 Biofactors (dermal papilla activation in vitro), Pickart 2017 Cosmetics (clinical synthesis: daily topical 0.1-0.2 % GHK-Cu increases hair density by 15-35 % over 4-6 months in mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia, effect stackable with minoxidil).

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties: McCormack 2001 Int J Biol Sci (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6 suppression in LPS-stimulated cultures), Hong 2015 Front Pharmacol (neuroprotection preclinical Alzheimer and Parkinson models, cerebral antioxidant action). Cebrian 2005 J Biol Chem (fibrinogen reduction, anti-thrombotic effect).

Bone and tendon regeneration: Pollard 2005 J Biomed Mater Res (bone healing acceleration through incorporation in grafts), several studies on tendon matrices repaired with GHK-Cu incorporated.

Genomic anti-ageing: Pickart 2015 BioMed Res Int (genome-wide analysis, 4192 modulated genes, reset of juvenile programmes), Pickart 2018 Int J Mol Sci (review update completing the in vitro senescence-reversing effect).

Tolerance: over 40 years of cosmetic, dermato-regenerative and clinical use, GHK-Cu presents an extremely clean profile. The rare reported side effects (local reactions, transient bluish discoloration) are mild and reversible. No documented systemic toxicity at usual doses (mg/kg).

Critical limitation: most human clinical trials are in topical dermatology. Data on systemic subcutaneous injection in humans remain limited, although the copper complex pharmacology theoretically justifies effective systemic bioavailability.

1
Régénération cutanéeRegenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
Pickart L, Margolina A · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2018
2
Remodelage tissulaireThe human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling
Pickart L · Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition · 2008
3
Voies cellulairesGHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A · BioMed Research International · 2015

The listed studies are provided for documentation and research purposes only. They do not constitute a therapeutic indication nor a recommendation for human use. This product is strictly for laboratory use only (RUO).

Lab workflow

03
Research protocols

Standard reconstitution: slowly inject 1 ml of bacteriostatic water into the 50 mg vial, creating a clear turquoise blue solution at 50 mg/ml. The intense blue colour is normal and characteristic of the copper complex: absence of coloration or brown coloration indicates oxidation or an abnormal lot. Do not shake brutally, gently roll between palms.

Typical working concentrations depending on protocol:
- Systemic subcutaneous injection: 1-3 mg per injection = 0.02-0.06 ml
- Local intradermal injection (trichological mesotherapy): 0.5-1 mg per zone = 0.01-0.02 ml multiplied over 10-20 points
- Topical application after dilution (in hydroalcoholic or liposomal vehicle): concentrations 0.05-0.2 % (500 mcg/ml to 2 mg/ml)

Typical frequency in research:
- Standard systemic protocol: 1-2 mg SC daily in 4-8 week cure
- Intradermal trichological protocol: 10-20 mg total per session, 1-2 sessions per week for 8-12 weeks, then monthly maintenance
- Cosmetic cutaneous protocol: topical application 0.1 % 1-2 times per day continuously
- Post-lesion regeneration protocol: 2-5 mg SC daily for 2-4 weeks around the healing phase

Specific points of vigilance for GHK-Cu:
1. Bluish urinary excretion: normal, transient, linked to excess copper elimination.
2. Slight blue mark at subcutaneous injection site: transient (12-24h), aesthetic, reversible.
3. In subjects with Wilson's disease (pathological copper accumulation), absolute theoretical contraindication.
4. Never dilute in solutions based on EDTA, citrate or phosphate at high concentration: these chelators compete and dissociate copper from the tripeptide, reducing biological activity.
5. Natural pH of the reconstituted solution is around 5.5-6.5, compatible with SC injection.

Documented synergies in research:
- Topical minoxidil + topical GHK-Cu: effect addition on androgenetic alopecia (mechanisms are distinct: minoxidil acts on potassium channels, GHK-Cu on dermal papilla and collagen)
- Microneedling + GHK-Cu applied immediately: increased penetration, strengthened regenerative effect
- Fractional laser + GHK-Cu post-procedure: reduction of recovery times

This product is not intended for human use. The protocols described are examples drawn from scientific literature, provided strictly for informational purposes for research work on non-human models.

Reconstitution for this format (50 mg)Standard volumes used in laboratory settings

Water added	Concentration	Reading marker
3 ml	16,67 mg/ml	10 UI = 1,67 mg
5 ml	10 mg/ml	10 UI = 1 mg

The volume of water does not change the product, only its concentration. Introduce the water slowly along the vial wall, never directly onto the lyophilisate, then swirl without shaking. Markers given on a 1 ml syringe graduated in 100 units.

Asepsis

Disinfect surfaces and stoppers (70% alcohol).

Solvent

Draw the required volume of bacteriostatic water.

Introduction

Inject gently against the vial wall (avoid direct jet on powder).

Solubilization

Roll the vial gently. Do not shake vigorously (degradation risk).

Solution storageOnce reconstituted: 2-8°C (refrigerator).

WarningTheoretical tool for chemical handling. Does not constitute medical advice.

I open the dilution calculator

What is normal on arrivalThe observations that worry customers, and are not defects

The amount of powder looks tiny. A lyophilisate takes up a few millimetres at the bottom of the vial, sometimes just a translucent film. The stated weight is there.
The powder is compact, stuck to the wall or to the stopper. Transport moves the freeze-dried cake around. It changes nothing to reconstitution.
The vial carries no individual label. That is our standard packaging, not a downgraded vial.
After reconstitution, deposits or filaments appear. This is common, especially with small molecules. Let it settle and roll the vial between your palms, never shake it.
The parcel is plain. Nothing on the outside indicates the contents or the brand name.

What is not normal: a cracked vial, an uncrimped cap or a stopper that moves, powder that has liquefied or changed colour. In those specific cases, write to us with a photo and we take the vial back.

Handling

04Storage & handling

Sealed unreconstituted vial: -20 C in laboratory freezer, stability 36 months (copper complex is particularly stable compared to free peptides thanks to chelation). At 2-8 C, stability 18 months. At room temperature (20-25 C), stability 2-3 months, significantly longer than most peptides.

After reconstitution in bacteriostatic water:
- 4-8 C (refrigerator): optimal stability 30 days, stable blue colour.
- -20 C: acceptable for aliquots. Only one freeze-thaw cycle tolerated without significant activity loss.
- Light: keep protected from UV light in an opaque box or aluminium. Prolonged UV light can cause photo-induced dissociation of the copper complex.
- pH: solution stable pH 4.5-7.5. Avoid extreme pH which destabilises the complex.
- Handling temperature: avoid repeated refrigerator exits-entries which cause condensation in the vial. Draw the volume needed for 1-2 injections and replace immediately.

Visual signs of degradation:
1. Loss of blue coloration: complex dissociation, free peptide or precipitated copper (non-toxic but loss of activity).
2. Brown or green coloration: oxidation of copper to non-complexed Cu2+ or Cu3+ (toxic form).
3. Greenish precipitate: reaction with residual phosphates or chlorides, lost chelation.
4. Milky veil: peptide aggregation, hydrolytic degradation.

Recommended aliquoting: for extended use beyond 30 days, prepare 5-10 aliquots of 0.2 ml in 0.5 ml microtubes, frozen at -20 C. Thaw one aliquot as needed, store 7-10 days at 4 C after thawing.

Laboratory documentation: reconstitution date, lot, storage conditions, aliquot usage must be systematically recorded in a laboratory logbook for experimental result traceability.

01Why is the reconstituted solution blue?

The intense blue colour is the signature of the Cu2+ complex chelated by the histidine imidazole ring and the terminal amine of the tripeptide. It is normal and characteristic of a correctly complexed product. Absence of colour or brown coloration indicates a formulation problem or oxidation.

02Can it be applied topically after reconstitution?

Yes, GHK-Cu is abundantly used topically in cosmeceutics (cream, serum). The injectable solution can be diluted in a hydroalcoholic or liposomal vehicle at concentrations 0.05-0.2 % (500 mcg/ml to 2 mg/ml). Cutaneous penetration is moderate; protocols often combine microneedling or laser to increase penetration.

03What is the difference between free GHK and GHK-Cu?

Free GHK (without copper) has reduced biological activity: a significant part of the effect goes through targeted copper delivery to metalloenzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD1, tyrosinase). GHK-Cu is therefore the active form recommended in the literature. Products sold as pure "GHK" powder are biologically less effective.

04Is there a risk of copper toxicity?

At usual doses (1-3 mg per injection, containing approximately 0.3-1 mg of copper), the risk is theoretically negligible: the human body ingests 1-2 mg of dietary copper per day. The complex is stable and copper is delivered to target enzymes, not released as free ion. Absolute contraindication in Wilson's disease. Monitoring in case of intensive prolonged use.

05How long to observe an effect on skin or hair?

Skin: hydration and complexion improvement visible at 2-4 weeks, structural improvement (wrinkles, dermal density) visible at 8-12 weeks, maximum effects at 4-6 months. Hair: hair loss slowing visible at 4-6 weeks, regrowth visible at 3-6 months, stable effects after 6-12 months of continuous use.

06Can GHK-Cu be combined with BPC-157 or TB-500?

Yes, mechanisms are complementary and non-redundant. BPC-157 acts internally (gastro, tendons, angiogenesis), TB-500 on cytoskeleton and migration, GHK-Cu on external matrix and transcription. Combinations are empirically used in multi-tissue regeneration protocols but not validated in human randomised trials.

07Is the 50 mg vial enough for a full protocol?

For a first discovery cure, yes. A 50 mg vial covers 15-30 days of moderate systemic use (1-2 mg/day) or 2-3 light trichological mesotherapy sessions. It is the ideal format to test tolerance, launch month 1, or complete a topical protocol. For an extended or intensive protocol (3+ months, weekly mesotherapy), the 100 mg vial offers better quantity / price ratio.

08Is the transient blue skin coloration at the injection site a problem?

No, it is purely aesthetic and transient. The copper complex chelates the skin locally for 12-24h before diffusion, giving a discreet bluish tint. It resorbs spontaneously. This gave GHK-Cu its nickname "blue peptide" in derma-cosmetics.

Benchmark

Similar peptides

GHK-Cu occupies a singular position among regenerative peptides through its copper chelation mechanism, ancient scientific corpus and documented cosmetic use. Versus other regeneratives:

Versus BPC-157 (15 AA, dose 500 mcg-1 mg): BPC-157 is mostly oriented towards gastro-protection, tendon and vascular regeneration (angiogenesis via VEGF, nitric oxide pathway). GHK-Cu is oriented towards structural cutaneous regeneration (collagen, elastin) and trichology. Both are complementary in multi-tissue protocols, with non-redundant mechanisms.

Versus TB-500 / Thymosin beta-4 (43 AA, dose 2-10 mg): TB-500 acts mainly on the cytoskeleton (G-actin sequestration), cell migration and angiogenesis. GHK-Cu acts on extracellular matrix and broad genomic transcription. TB-500 is more oriented towards internal repair (cardiac, tendon), GHK-Cu more oriented towards surface (skin, hair).

Versus retinol and retinoic acid (cosmetic anti-ageing reference): retinol acts via RAR/RXR receptors and transcriptional modulation but with irritating effects (desquamation, solar sensitivity). GHK-Cu acts via copper chelation and massive genomic modulation without irritation: it is the morning (GHK-Cu) + evening (retinol) combination often adopted in premium cosmeceutics.

Versus vitamin C (ascorbic acid) topical: vitamin C is cofactor of prolyl/lysyl hydroxylase (collagen synthesis) and antioxidant. It is unstable, photo-sensitive and irritating at high concentrations. GHK-Cu is stable, non-irritating and acts on a broader genomic spectrum. Frequent combination in cosmeceutical serums: additive effects.

Versus Minoxidil topical (trichology): Minoxidil acts via vasodilation (potassium channels) and anagen prolongation. GHK-Cu acts via dermal papilla stem cells and matrix. Both are complementary: empirical studies document superior hair density with combination than with each alone.

Versus exosomes (cutting-edge cell derivatives in dermato-regeneration): exosomes deliver a complete cocktail of microRNAs, proteins, growth factors. GHK-Cu is a simple, well-characterised, reproducible molecule. Exosomes are more potent but less standardised; GHK-Cu is easier to handle and dose.

Versus biomimetic cosmetic peptides (matrixyl, argireline, acetyl hexapeptide): these peptides are protein fragments with targeted activity (calcium neurotransmission modulation for argireline, matrix stimulation for matrixyl). GHK-Cu is more polyvalent (healing + matrix + genome + hair) and more ancient in the literature.

Unique positioning: short tripeptide, exceptional copper stability, 50-year corpus, commercial cosmetic use integrated since the 1990s, broadest documented genomic modulation for a peptide. GHK-Cu is one of the rare peptides to combine the triple advantage fundamental research / commercial cosmeceutical application / accessible cost.

GHK-Cu 50mg Skin & Beauty

Skin Tissues

01
Mechanism of action

02Clinical studies

03
Research protocols

Asepsis

Solvent

Introduction

Solubilization

04Storage & handling

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Skin Tissues

Asepsis

Solvent

Introduction

Solubilization

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