GHK-Cu Reconstitution Calculator & Dosing Guide
The copper-binding tripeptide. Calculate exact syringe markings for GHK-Cu injections across 50 mg and 200 mg vial sizes.
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Open Calculator →What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma. Levels decline significantly with age. Research has documented its effects on collagen synthesis, elastin production, wound healing, anti-inflammatory signaling, and hair follicle activation.
GHK-Cu is widely available in cosmetic-grade topical formulations (serums, creams) for skin applications. The injectable research form comes as blue-colored lyophilized powder — the blue hue is from the bound copper atoms. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for any clinical indication as an injectable.
Common Reconstitution Ratios
| Vial size | BAC water | Concentration | 1 mg draw (U100) | 2 mg draw (U100) | 3 mg draw (U100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | 2 ml | 25 mg/ml | 4 units | 8 units | 12 units |
| 50 mg | 5 ml | 10 mg/ml | 10 units | 20 units | 30 units |
| 100 mg | 5 ml | 20 mg/ml | 5 units | 10 units | 15 units |
| 200 mg | 5 ml | 40 mg/ml | 2.5 units | 5 units | 7.5 units |
| 200 mg | 10 ml | 20 mg/ml | 5 units | 10 units | 15 units |
GHK-Cu vials are often larger than other peptides (50–200 mg) because typical doses are higher. Adjust BAC water to match your desired dose and syringe precision.
Typical Dosing
Injectable protocols vary more than most peptides. Common patterns:
- Anti-aging / skin protocol: 1–2 mg subcutaneous daily
- Healing / repair: 2–3 mg subcutaneous daily
- Hair restoration: 1 mg subcutaneous daily or localized near scalp
- Topical (non-injection): 0.05–0.2% concentrations in a carrier (cream, serum)
Many users cycle 5 days on, 2 days off to prevent receptor downregulation. Cycle length varies; 4–8 weeks per cycle is common.
Storage and Handling
- Pre-reconstitution: Freezer-stable long term.
- Post-reconstitution: Refrigerate at 36–46°F. Stable ~28 days in BAC water.
- Color: Reconstituted GHK-Cu is blue-teal. Discoloration toward brown or cloudiness indicates degradation.
- No freeze-thaw cycles.
- Protect from light — opaque or amber vials preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper) studied for skin regeneration, wound healing, and anti-aging effects.
How do I reconstitute GHK-Cu?
Common: 50 mg vial + 2 ml BAC water → 25 mg/ml, so a 2 mg dose is 8 units on a U100 syringe. For 200 mg vials, 5 ml BAC water → 40 mg/ml works well.
What is the typical GHK-Cu dose?
Injectable protocols cite 1–3 mg/day subcutaneously. Topical products use much lower concentrations (0.05–0.2%).
Injection vs topical GHK-Cu?
Topical is the most common consumer form (in serums and creams) and suits skin-specific goals. Injection delivers systemically but is off-label; not FDA-approved. Choose based on your goal — skin-only benefits don't require injection.
Is GHK-Cu legal?
Topical cosmetic formulations are legal and widely sold. Injectable GHK-Cu is sold for research purposes only — not FDA-approved for human clinical use. Verify current legal status in your jurisdiction.
Why is reconstituted GHK-Cu blue?
The blue-teal color comes from the copper ion bound to the peptide. That color is a visual indicator the compound is intact. Loss of color or shift toward brown indicates degradation — discard.
Track Your GHK-Cu Protocol in Stackr
Daily dose logging, cycle tracking, injection site rotation, and reorder alerts.
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Stackr is a personal supply and protocol tracking tool. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Injectable GHK-Cu is a research peptide not approved by the FDA for human clinical use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.