GHK (Gly-His-Lys)
Also known as: GHK tripeptide · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine · Wound healing tripeptide
GHK (without copper) is the free tripeptide that acts as an endogenous collagen-stimulating signal. It upregulates collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts. It activates TGF-β signaling and downregulates metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9) that degrade collagen. GHK promotes wound...
What It Is
GHK (without copper) is the free tripeptide that acts as an endogenous collagen-stimulating signal. It upregulates collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts. It activates TGF-β signaling and downregulates metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9) that degrade collagen. GHK promotes wound contraction, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. Plasma levels of GHK decline significantly with aging (from ~200 ng/mL in young adults to ~80 ng/mL in elderly), paralleling skin degradation. When GHK chelates copper (forming GHK-Cu), its activity is substantially amplified — GHK is the targeting vehicle that delivers copper to sites needing repair. Free GHK without copper is still bioactive but typically less potent than GHK-Cu at equivalent concentrations.
Supplies Needed
Reconstitution for injectable form
Subcutaneous injection
Topical delivery vehicle
Storage
Store at -20°C; stable 2+ years
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30 days
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.
Dosing Protocols
Timing: Evening. Free GHK is water-soluble and easy to incorporate. Consider GHK-Cu for more potent effects.
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Morning and evening. Subcutaneous GHK is used in research for systemic regenerative and anti-aging effects
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Morning and evening. High concentration topical for post-procedure skin repair; subcutaneous for systemic anti-aging research
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorWeekly Timeline
| Week | Expected Effects |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Improved wound healing; skin smoothing (topical); anti-inflammatory effects beginning |
| Week 2 | Collagen synthesis upregulating; improved skin texture |
| Week 4 | Measurable skin firmness and elasticity improvements; wound repair acceleration |
| Week 8 | Sustained collagen remodeling; significant skin quality improvement; systemic regenerative effects with injectable use |
Reconstitution Calculator
1 unit on U-100 syringe = 0.01 mL · Always label your vial after reconstitution
Injection Technique & Reconstitution
- GHK is water-soluble u2014 dissolve in sterile water or bacteriostatic water
- Draw appropriate volume of BAC water
- Add to vial and swirl gently until dissolved
- For topical: dissolve in distilled water at desired concentration and incorporate into serum
- Store at 2u20138u00b0C; stable for 30 days reconstituted
Use our free mixing calculator to get the exact syringe units for your vial size and dose.
Mechanism of Action
GHK (without copper) is the free tripeptide that acts as an endogenous collagen-stimulating signal. It upregulates collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts. It activates TGF-β signaling and downregulates metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9) that degrade collagen. GHK promotes wound contraction, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. Plasma levels of GHK decline significantly with aging (from ~200 ng/mL in young adults to ~80 ng/mL in elderly), paralleling skin degradation. When GHK chelates copper (forming GHK-Cu), its activity is substantially amplified — GHK is the targeting vehicle that delivers copper to sites needing repair. Free GHK without copper is still bioactive but typically less potent than GHK-Cu at equivalent concentrations.
Key Research Papers
Comprehensive genomic analysis showing GHK (including free GHK) modulates expression of over 4,000 genes related to skin regeneration, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancer pathways.
View on PubMed →Stacks Well With
GHK-Cu is the copper chelate of GHK u2014 the copper dramatically amplifies biological activity. Free GHK can be used in applications where copper is less desirable (e.g., certain hair formulations)
BPC-157 heals tissue via growth hormone receptor signaling and NO synthesis; GHK heals via collagen synthesis and MMP inhibition u2014 complementary tissue repair mechanisms
TB-500 promotes systemic angiogenesis and cell migration; GHK stimulates collagen scaffold synthesis u2014 comprehensive wound healing stack
Frequently Asked Questions
GHK is the free tripeptide; GHK-Cu is GHK chelated with a copper ion. Copper dramatically amplifies the biological activity for wound healing, hair growth, and skin regeneration. For collagen stimulation alone, free GHK is effective; for full regenerative effects, GHK-Cu is generally preferred.
Yes u2014 the GHK sequence (Gly-His-Lys) naturally occurs in the alpha-2 chain of Type I collagen. When collagen is degraded, GHK is released and acts as a signal to initiate repair and new collagen synthesis u2014 a classic matrikine mechanism.
Yes u2014 plasma GHK levels decline approximately 60% between young adulthood (~200 ng/mL) and old age (~80 ng/mL), which correlates with declining wound healing capacity and skin regeneration.
Legal Status by Region
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.