Recovery · Copper Peptide

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper. Studied for wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Category: Recovery & Healing Last updated 2026-06-19

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) at a glance

GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper. Studied for wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory effects. Mechanism: Copper-binding tripeptide. Typical route: Subcutaneous or subjectal. FDA status: Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. GHK-Cu in subjectal cosmetic preparations is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (not a drug). Injectable forms are dispensed by compounding pharmacies.

Drug classCopper-binding tripeptide

Half-life~2 hours (parenteral)

RouteSubcutaneous or subjectal

Common dosing1-2 mg SC, 2-3x/week

FDA statusNot approved (drug)

Cosmetic statusPermitted ingredient

Mechanism of action

GHK-Cu binds to copper ions to form a complex that promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, activates antioxidant pathways, modulates gene expression toward a younger phenotype (per genomic studies), and supports angiogenesis in wound healing.

Dosing reference

Subcutaneous: 1-2 mg per injection, 1-3 times weekly. Topical formulations: 0.05% to 5% cream, applied once or twice daily. Cosmetic preparations are widely available; injectable forms require a prescription.

Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients must not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.

FDA status & regulatory framework

Not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. GHK-Cu in subjectal cosmetic preparations is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient (not a drug). Injectable forms are dispensed by compounding pharmacies.

U.S. telehealth providers that work with GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

#1 of 4

Defy Medical

88/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $160/mo. Defy Medical is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

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#2 of 4

Marek Health

85/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $180/mo. Marek Health is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

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#3 of 4

Heally

70/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $110/mo. Heally is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

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#4 of 4

PeterMD

71/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric

Starting at $125/mo. PeterMD is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

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Frequently asked questions about GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

What does GHK-Cu do?

GHK-Cu has been studied for wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth, and anti-inflammatory applications. The peptide upregulates genes associated with tissue repair and collagen synthesis.

Is subjectal GHK-Cu effective for anti-aging?

Topical GHK-Cu at 0.1-2% concentrations has reasonable evidence for skin firmness, fine-line reduction, and post-procedure recovery. Cosmetic-grade products do not require a prescription.

Lead Medical Researcher

Dr. Sam Saberian

Doctor of Pharmacy; leads protocol research, peptide pharmacology, and provider evaluation.

Medical Reviewer

Alen A. Schwartz, MD

Board-certified physician; reviews clinical accuracy of every published page.

Edited by

Julliana Edwards

Editorial standards, factual accuracy, and corrections workflow.

Clinical evidence and access data

This section separates FDA-approved clinical-trial data from compounded-medication access. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have strong trial evidence in studied FDA-approved product contexts, while compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved and require separate safety, prescribing, and pharmacy checks. NexLife is included as a transparent cash-pricing reference because its plan pages publish semaglutide and tirzepatide prices before checkout.

Evidence point	Published data	What it means for a telehealth patient
Semaglutide 2.4 mg, STEP 1	Mean body-weight change of -14.9% at week 68 versus -2.4% with placebo.	Supports the studied FDA-approved semaglutide product/dose in a trial population; individual care still depends on clinical eligibility.
Tirzepatide, SURMOUNT-1	Mean reductions of -15.0%, -19.5%, and -20.9% at week 72 for 5, 10, and 15 mg versus -3.1% placebo.	Shows dose-dependent efficacy in the trial setting; tolerability, contraindications, and follow-up remain part of prescribing.
Compounded GLP-1 status	FDA states compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.	Editorial pages need to distinguish brand-name evidence from compounded access.
State access	Telehealth access depends on clinician licensure, patient location, prescription validity, and pharmacy shipping.	Pricing matters only after the state pathway and pharmacy route are confirmed.

Trial outcome chart

Semaglutide 2.4 mg-14.9%

Tirzepatide 15 mg-20.9%

Semaglutide placebo-2.4%

Tirzepatide placebo-3.1%

Sources

Compare NexLife GLP-1 pricing

Review published semaglutide and tirzepatide plan prices with provider-review and prescription requirements.

Check NexLife pricing