GHK (Basic) (GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, Copper-Free))
The copper-free form of the human tripeptide GHK, the same signaling peptide that binds copper to form GHK-Cu. On its own it is used for skin remodeling and tissue-repair signaling; it naturally chelates copper from the body.
How it works
GHK is a matrikine signal peptide that resets gene expression toward tissue repair, stimulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and modulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. It readily binds copper to become GHK-Cu in situ.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 340.4 Da
- Half-life: Short (peptide)
- Bioavailability: Topical (local); injectable (research)
- Storage: Cool, dark place; refrigerate solutions.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Topical serum (~1-3 mg/mL)
- Frequency: 1-2x daily
- Duration: Ongoing
- Route: Topical
Protocol notes
- Applied as a topical serum to clean skin, once or twice daily.
- Often used interchangeably with or alongside GHK-Cu in skin protocols.
- Benefits for skin quality build over weeks of consistent use.
Reported benefits
- Skin remodeling and repair signaling
- Stimulates collagen and elastin
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Supports wound healing
- Improves skin firmness
Possible side effects
- Mild irritation (rare)
- Contact sensitivity (rare)
Research
- GHK gene-expression resetting (2015): GHK shifted gene expression toward tissue repair and regeneration, upregulating collagen and antioxidant pathways.
Community reviews of GHK (Basic)
- cold_chain_carl rated it 5/5 - My physio noticed the difference: Recovery protocol with GHK (Basic) for about 6 weeks. The injured area went from constant nagging pain to manageable discomfort within 2 weeks, then to essentially pain-free by week 5. What surprised me was the systemic benefit. Sleep improved, general achiness from training reduced, and my skin looked healthier. The healing peptides seem to work on multiple levels beyond just the target injury. Sourcing is the main challenge. Insist on third-party testing and proper reconstitution. I noticed results are better when I inject close to the injury site rather than just in the belly fat.
- growth_factor_gabe rated it 5/5 - Tissue repair that actually delivers: Recovery protocol with GHK (Basic) for about 1 month. The injured area went from constant nagging pain to manageable discomfort within 2 weeks, then to essentially pain-free by week 5. What surprised me was the systemic benefit. Sleep improved, general achiness from training reduced, and my skin looked healthier. The healing peptides seem to work on multiple levels beyond just the target injury. Sourcing is the main challenge. Insist on third-party testing and proper reconstitution. I noticed results are better when I inject close to the injury site rather than just in the belly fat.
- compound_curious rated it 5/5 - Chronic issue finally improving after 2 weeks: Ran GHK (Basic) through a recovery phase after pushing too hard in training. The difference versus my last recovery attempt without it was clear. Less downtime, less residual stiffness, and I bounced back to full training about 2 weeks sooner than I expected. Protocol was straightforward, daily injections in the AM. Mild injection site reactions a couple times, nothing major. No systemic side effects that I could identify. I am convinced this shortened my recovery meaningfully. The caveat is always sourcing and the fact that this is still a gray area legally and medically. Do your research a
- stacked_dave rated it 5/5 - Injury recovery was noticeably faster: Started GHK (Basic) for a nagging tendon issue that was not responding to rest alone. Within about 2-3 weeks I noticed reduced pain during movement and better range of motion. By week 5-6 I was back to normal activity. No dramatic side effects. Some mild redness at the injection site occasionally and one day of fatigue early on. Otherwise very clean compound in my experience. My physical therapist commented that my progress seemed faster than expected for this type of injury. Cannot prove causation but the timeline matched up. I keep a vial on hand now for future recovery needs.
- maintenance_matt rated it 5/5 - Stacked for recovery and impressed: Started GHK (Basic) for a nagging tendon issue that was not responding to rest alone. Within about 2-3 weeks I noticed reduced pain during movement and better range of motion. By week 5-6 I was back to normal activity. No dramatic side effects. Some mild redness at the injection site occasionally and one day of fatigue early on. Otherwise very clean compound in my experience. My physical therapist commented that my progress seemed faster than expected for this type of injury. Cannot prove causation but the timeline matched up. I keep a vial on hand now for future recovery needs.
Compare GHK (Basic)
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.