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.
Compare GHK (Basic)
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.