GHK-Cu
peptideCopper tripeptide-1
Skin / repair peptide (topical cosmetic; injectable unapproved)
Research status · Cosmetic (topical)
Topical GHK-Cu is used widely in cosmetics (regulated as a cosmetic, not a drug). Injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved and was flagged as higher-risk in FDA compounding review.
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide. In topical skincare it is mainstream and regulated as a cosmetic. Injectable use is a different, unapproved risk category and needs clinician oversight.
How it works
Copper-binding peptide involved in skin remodeling and antioxidant signaling; supports collagen-related pathways (topical evidence strongest).
Commonly discussed use cases
- Skin appearance (topical)
- Hair (discussed)
- Wound-healing perception (discussed)
Supposed / potential benefits
- Topical: supported cosmetic skin benefits
- Injectable claims are not well established
Common side effects
- Skin irritation/redness (topical)
- Injection-site reactions (injectable)
- Rare allergic reaction
Warnings & contraindications
- Injectable form is not FDA-approved and higher-risk
- Topical cosmetic use is the well-characterized route
Typical timing considerations
Topical products are used per label (often daily). Any injectable use should be clinician-directed.
Administration route
Topical (cosmetic) or subcutaneous injection (unapproved)
Storage
Topicals per product label; injectables refrigerated per pharmacy instructions.
Questions to ask your clinician
- Is topical appropriate for my goal instead of injectable?
- How would we evaluate whether it's working?
Commonly tracked in Reta
Tracking fields organize user-entered, clinician-directed routines — Reta never recommends or computes doses.
Track this in Reta
Beta members get a ready-made tracker for GHK-Cu — schedule, dose log, injection-site rotation, reminders, and check-ins — for organizing a clinician-directed routine. Personal tracking is available to everyone during the Public Beta.
Reta is a tracking and education tool — not a medical provider. Nothing here is a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or dosing recommendation. Peptides and medications should only be used under the direction of a licensed clinician. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, combining, or changing anything. Many compounds below are not FDA-approved for human use; some are investigational or sold through unregulated channels where purity and dosing are not guaranteed.