GHK-Cu 100mg ACE Peptides Philippines
✅ In Stock
ACE Peptides / Catalog / GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu

The copper peptide that activates 4,192 human genes. Collagen, elastin, hair growth and wound healing — the original glow.

4,192
Genes Activated
31%
Wrinkle Reduction RCT
≥99%
Purity
Select size
✅ Kit included with every order
🧪 Drawing syringe 💉 Insulin syringes 🧴 Alcohol pads 💧 BAC Water 3ml 📦 Secure packaging
₱1,100
100mg vial · ≥99% purity · lyophilised
Contact via WhatsApp
Fast nationwide shipping · Research purposes only
The Science

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Copper complex, also known as Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, who observed that albumin from young human plasma restored regenerative function in aged liver cells — while albumin from older donors did not. The active factor turned out to be a small copper-binding tripeptide. Over the following five decades, Pickart and hundreds of independent research groups have mapped GHK-Cu's biology across wound healing, dermatology, hair biology, neurology and oncology.

GHK-Cu is found naturally in human plasma, saliva and urine — and declines significantly with age. Plasma concentrations fall from approximately 200 ng/ml at age 20 to around 80 ng/ml by age 60. This age-related decline correlates with measurable reductions in tissue repair capacity, skin quality and wound healing speed. Supplementing GHK-Cu restores the concentration gradient that drives its regenerative biological activity.

What distinguishes GHK-Cu scientifically is its extraordinary biological reach. A Broad Institute analysis using the Connectivity Map database — the most comprehensive gene expression profiling applied to GHK-Cu — found that it modulates approximately 4,192 human genes: over 30% upregulated (collagen, elastin, antioxidant defence, repair) and the remainder downregulated (inflammatory, fibrotic, apoptotic pathways). No other single tripeptide has demonstrated this breadth of transcriptomic influence.

4,192
Human genes modulated
Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis — 30%+ of 13,000 gene probes assessed
31%
Wrinkle reduction
RCT, 60 women, 12 weeks · Kim et al. 2024 · vs placebo
22%
Hair count increase
vs 8% minoxidil · RCT n=50 · Park et al. 2022
Mechanisms of Action

Five converging biological pathways

The 2026 Peptides Lab UK reference and the Pickart & Margolina 2018 review in Int J Mol Sci (PMID 29986520) identified the principal mechanisms through which GHK-Cu's 4,192-gene transcriptomic signature translates into its observed biological effects.

🧬
Fibroblast Activation — Collagen & Elastin
GHK-Cu directly stimulates fibroblast synthesis of type I and III collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, decorin and glycosaminoglycans. Measurable increases in collagen synthesis occur at concentrations as low as 10 nM within 48 hours of exposure. Human skin biopsy studies confirm increased collagen I and elastin expression following treatment. The 2024 RCT (Kim et al.) measured a 15.6% increase in collagen density by ultrasound.
→ 15.6% collagen density increase · Kim et al. 2024 RCT
🩸
VEGF & bFGF — Angiogenesis
GHK-Cu upregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) — the two primary drivers of capillary sprouting and new blood vessel formation. This angiogenic effect is critical for wound healing, hair follicle oxygenation and skin regeneration. The 2021 diabetic wound RCT (Chen et al., n=72) showed 85% wound closure with GHK-Cu dressings vs 55% control — the angiogenic mechanism was confirmed histologically.
→ 85% wound closure rate · diabetic ulcers · Chen et al. 2021
🛡️
NF-κB & TNF-α — Anti-Inflammatory
GHK-Cu downregulates NF-κB signalling and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 — not through immune suppression but through context-appropriate inflammatory resolution. A 2025 animal model of ulcerative colitis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology showed a 60% reduction in disease severity after 12 weeks of local GHK-Cu treatment. This bidirectional inflammatory modulation prevents both under-healing (too much inflammation) and over-scarring (fibrosis).
→ 60% IBD severity reduction · Frontiers in Pharmacology 2025
⚡
SOD & Antioxidant Defence
GHK-Cu activates superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione and other copper-dependent antioxidant enzymes — reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that drive cellular ageing and tissue damage. The copper ion in GHK-Cu is a cofactor for SOD itself, making the complex directly antioxidative. This systemic antioxidant activation contributes to the anti-ageing gene expression signature observed in the Broad Institute analysis.
→ SOD activation · glutathione upregulation · ROS reduction
💇
5α-Reductase Inhibition & β-Catenin — Hair
GHK-Cu inhibits 5α-reductase — the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the primary driver of androgenetic alopecia. It simultaneously upregulates β-catenin in dermal papilla cells by 40% (Lee et al. 2024 ex vivo study), rivalling valproic acid — a known hair growth activator. The combined anti-DHT and pro-growth mechanism explains why GHK-Cu outperformed minoxidil in the 2022 RCT.
→ 22% hair count increase vs 8% minoxidil · Park et al. 2022 RCT
🔬
TGF-β Modulation — Scar Prevention
TGF-β drives both essential wound healing and pathological scarring depending on context. GHK-Cu modulates TGF-β in a bidirectional, context-dependent manner — promoting regenerative repair while suppressing fibrotic outcomes. The 2023 Phase II scar study (Hosokawa et al., n=40 post-surgical patients) found 0.5% GHK-Cu gel reduced scar volume by 35% at 3 months with 2.5-fold fibroblast proliferation versus silicone controls.
→ 35% scar volume reduction · Phase II trial · Hosokawa 2023
Gene Expression

What 4,192 genes looks like

The Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis assessed GHK-Cu against 13,000 gene probes. The results positioned GHK-Cu's gene expression signature as one of the broadest of any known small molecule. Key pathway activations:

Key upregulated pathways (relative expression change)
Collagen synthesis
High
Wound repair genes
High
Antioxidant defence
High
VEGF / angiogenesis
High
Hair follicle genes
Mod
Nerve growth genes
Mod

Note: Bar widths are illustrative of relative priority in the published gene expression analysis — not absolute percentage values. Source: Pickart & Margolina 2018, PMID 29986520; Broad Institute Connectivity Map.

Clinical Evidence

Human research data — skin, hair and wounds

🌟
Skin — 2024 RCT: 31% Wrinkle Reduction, 28% Improved Elasticity
Kim et al. (2024): 60 women aged 40–65 applied 0.1% GHK-Cu cream twice daily for 12 weeks. Results vs placebo: 31% wrinkle reduction (VISIA imaging), 28% improvement in skin elasticity, 15.6% increase in collagen density measured by ultrasound. A 2025 meta-analysis (Li et al.) pooling 7 RCTs (n=456) confirmed the finding with a standardised mean difference of −0.72 for wrinkle reduction (95% CI −1.02 to −0.42; p<0.001).
💇
Hair — 22% Count Increase vs 8% Minoxidil (RCT 2022)
Park et al. (2022): 50 androgenetic alopecia patients randomised to 0.5% GHK-Cu serum or minoxidil for 16 weeks. GHK-Cu group: 22% increase in hair count, 15% anagen phase prolongation. Minoxidil group: 8% hair count increase. The 2024 Lee et al. ex vivo follicle study confirmed β-catenin upregulation by 40% — a Wnt pathway activation that promotes follicle stem cell activity, rivalling valproic acid effects.
🩹
Wound Healing — 85% Closure Rate in Diabetic Ulcers (RCT 2021)
Chen et al. (2021): 72 patients with diabetic ulcers randomised to GHK-Cu dressings vs standard care for 12 weeks. GHK-Cu group: 85% wound closure rate vs 55% control (OR 4.2; statistically significant). The 2026 Wang et al. porcine study confirmed 50% faster re-epithelialization via EGFR activation. The 2023 Hosokawa Phase II trial (n=40) found 0.5% GHK-Cu gel reduced post-surgical scar volume by 35% with 2.5-fold fibroblast proliferation.
⚖️
Regulatory Status — Nominated for Return to Category 1 (February 2026)
On February 27, 2026, HHS Secretary Kennedy announced GHK-Cu is among approximately 14 peptides expected to return to Category 1 compounding status. As of April 22, 2026, the injectable form nomination was formally withdrawn from the Category 2 list, with standard 503A/503B pharmacy regulations now applying. This represents the most favourable regulatory trajectory of any major research peptide in 2026. All ACE Peptides products are supplied for research purposes only.
Stack Synergies

How GHK-Cu works with other ACE compounds

GHK-Cu's gene-activation mechanism makes it uniquely synergistic with compounds that clear the biological barriers to regeneration. Here's the mechanistic logic:

✨ The GLOW Stack — BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu

ACE Peptides' comprehensive skin and tissue regeneration stack. Three independent mechanisms — acute repair and angiogenesis (BPC-157 + TB-500), collagen matrix rebuild and gene activation (GHK-Cu) — with zero overlap.

✨
GHK-Cu — The Matrix Architect
4,192 genes · Collagen I+III · Elastin · Angiogenesis · Hair · Antioxidant · Anti-scar
YOU ARE HERE
💊
BPC-157 — The Anti-Inflammatory Foundation
VEGFR2 angiogenesis · FAK-paxillin cell migration · ERK1/2 proliferation · eNOS protection
VIEW →
⚡
TB-500 — Additional Cell Migration
G-actin sequestration · Independent VEGF angiogenesis · Systemic anti-inflammatory
VIEW →

Why BPC-157 + GHK-Cu: BPC-157 clears the inflammatory environment that impairs GHK-Cu's collagen synthesis. Research on chronic wound healing confirms that inflammatory resolution is a prerequisite for effective matrix deposition — making BPC-157's anti-inflammatory mechanism directly enabling for GHK-Cu's regenerative effects.

🐺 GHK-Cu in the Wolverine Stack

GHK-Cu is the rebuild phase of the GLOW Stack (BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu). After BPC-157 and TB-500 handle angiogenesis and cell migration, GHK-Cu's 4,192-gene activation rebuilds the collagen matrix and structural architecture for lasting skin and tissue strength.

📈 GHK-Cu vs Retinol — the evidence comparison

In a 12-week facial study, GHK-Cu outperformed both vitamin C and retinoic acid (retinol) on several photoaging parameters. Unlike retinol which drives cellular turnover disruption (causing peeling, irritation and photosensitivity), GHK-Cu works through gene activation — stimulating the cells to produce their own collagen and repair proteins without artificial surface disruption. No irritation, no photosensitivity, no adjustment period. This makes it particularly relevant for skin biology research in tropical climates like the Philippines where year-round UV exposure is a constant variable.

Research Protocol

Suggested research protocol

1
Reconstitution
Add 2–5ml bacteriostatic water to a 100mg vial depending on desired concentration. Common approaches: 2ml = 50mg/ml (50,000mcg/ml) for subcutaneous injection protocols; 5ml = 20mg/ml for diluted topical or micro-injection applications. Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial. Gently swirl — never shake. Use the ACE Peptides reconstitution calculator for exact syringe marks.
2
Injectable dose range studied
Research protocols for subcutaneous injection typically use 1–2mg per injection, 2–3 times per week. The nasal mouse model used 15mg/kg daily. Human-extrapolated subcutaneous doses from published clinical experience range from 500mcg to 2mg per injection. Start conservatively and adjust based on research objectives.
3
Duration
Human skin RCTs consistently ran 8–12 weeks. Hair studies ran 12–16 weeks for meaningful assessment. Wound healing studies varied from 3–12 weeks. GHK-Cu can be cycled continuously or with breaks — no tachyphylaxis has been observed in published research.
4
Storage — copper peptides are light-sensitive
Unreconstituted: −20°C indefinitely. Reconstituted: +4°C refrigerated for up to 28 days. Copper peptides are light-sensitive — store reconstituted solution away from light. The copper ion's biological activity is stable but light exposure can cause peptide degradation. Use amber containers where available.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the kit?
Every GHK-Cu order from ACE Peptides includes a complete research kit: drawing syringe, insulin syringes for injection, alcohol pads, 3ml bacteriostatic water, and secure discreet packaging. Everything you need is included.
Can I buy just the vial without the kit?
Yes — if you already have your supplies, just let us know via WhatsApp. Contact us →
What does GHK-Cu stand for?
Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Copper complex. It is a tripeptide (three amino acids: glycine, L-histidine, L-lysine) bound to a copper(II) ion. The copper is integral to its biological activity — the complex without copper (apo-GHK) has significantly reduced potency across most studied mechanisms.
Is GHK-Cu better than retinol for skin research?
In a 12-week facial study, GHK-Cu outperformed both vitamin C and retinoic acid (retinol) on several photoaging parameters. The key mechanistic difference: retinol drives cellular turnover disruption (causing peeling and photosensitivity); GHK-Cu works via gene activation of the cells' own collagen and repair machinery — no irritation, no photosensitivity, no adjustment period. Particularly relevant for tropical climates with year-round UV exposure.
How does GHK-Cu work with BPC-157?
Mechanistically complementary, no overlap. BPC-157 works via VEGFR2 angiogenesis, FAK-paxillin cell migration and ERK1/2 proliferation — inflammatory clearance and vascularisation. GHK-Cu works via gene activation of collagen synthesis, elastin, angiogenesis (VEGF/bFGF) and antioxidant defence. BPC-157 clears the inflammatory barrier that prevents GHK-Cu's collagen synthesis from proceeding. Together they are the foundation of both the GLOW Stack and the Wolverine Stack.
What is GHK-Cu's regulatory status in 2026?
On February 27, 2026, HHS Secretary Kennedy announced GHK-Cu is among approximately 14 peptides expected to return to Category 1 compounding status. As of April 22, 2026, the injectable form was formally withdrawn from the Category 2 banned list, with standard 503A/503B pharmacy regulations now applying — the most favourable regulatory position of any major research peptide. All ACE Peptides products are for research purposes only.
Can I buy GHK-Cu in the Philippines?
ACE Peptides supplies GHK-Cu as a research compound across the Philippines — Manila, Cebu, Davao, Siargao and all major cities. Enquiries via WhatsApp, discreet nationwide shipping. All products are for research purposes only.
How do I calculate my dose?
Use the free ACE Peptides reconstitution calculator. Enter your vial size (100mg), how much BAC water you added, and your desired dose in mg. The calculator gives you the exact syringe mark instantly.
References

Research sources

Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PMID: 29986520
Kim et al. GHK-Cu cream RCT — 60 women, 12 weeks, 31% wrinkle reduction, 28% elasticity improvement, 15.6% collagen density increase. 2024.
Li et al. Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (n=456): GHK-Cu wrinkle reduction SMD −0.72 (95% CI −1.02 to −0.42; p<0.001). 2025.
Park et al. GHK-Cu serum RCT (n=50, androgenetic alopecia): 22% hair count increase vs 8% minoxidil, 15% anagen prolongation. 2022.
Lee et al. GHK-Cu upregulates β-catenin 40% in ex vivo follicles — rivals valproic acid. 2024.
Chen et al. Diabetic ulcer RCT (n=72): 85% wound closure with GHK-Cu dressings vs 55% control. OR 4.2. 2021.
Hosokawa et al. Phase II trial (n=40): 0.5% GHK-Cu gel reduced post-surgical scar volume 35% at 3 months, 2.5× fibroblast proliferation. 2023.
Wang et al. Porcine study: 50% faster re-epithelialization via EGFR activation. 2026.
GHK-Cu ulcerative colitis: 60% disease severity reduction after 12 weeks local treatment. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2025.
Arul et al. GHK-Cu wound matrices: accelerated closure, increased VEGF and bFGF expression. J Burn Care Res. 2005. PMID: 15640738
HHS Secretary Kennedy announcement: GHK-Cu among 14 peptides expected to return to Category 1. February 27, 2026. Category 2 withdrawal April 22, 2026.
Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis: GHK-Cu modulates 4,192 human genes. Referenced in Pickart & Margolina 2018 and multiple 2026 reviews.
Complete your protocol

Works well with

💊
BPC-157
GLOW Stack + Wolverine Stack foundation — clears inflammatory barrier for GHK-Cu collagen synthesis
⚡
TB-500
Complete the Wolverine Stack — BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu for full-phase tissue repair
☀️
Melanotan II
Complete the GLOW Stack — add UV-independent melanogenesis to GHK-Cu's collagen and BPC-157's healing