GHK-Cu.
GHK-Cu is a peptide your body already makes. It signals your skin to produce collagen and elastin on its own. At 0.5% concentration, this is the version that works at the level the research supports.
*Clinician-prescribed. Ships from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.
The formulation.
| Peptide | GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) |
| Concentration | 0.5% |
| Format | 30 g Bottle |
| Route | Topical |
| Fragrance | None |
| Pharmacy | Licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy |
Most retail copper peptide serums contain 0.01% GHK-Cu or less. This formulation is 0.5%, compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy. That is 50 times the concentration of what you will find on a shelf. The research that demonstrated collagen and elastin synthesis used concentrations in this range. Anything less is marketing.
The mechanism
GHK-Cu Recruits Your Skin's Own Repair Cells
GHK-Cu doesn't add something foreign to your skin. It reactivates what your skin already does. When applied topically, it recruits your body's own repair cells to the application site and signals them to produce collagen, elastin, and the structural compounds that keep skin firm, hydrated, and resilient. One peptide. One signal. Your biology does the rest.
How it works at the cellular level
GHK-Cu binds to copper ions and delivers them directly to skin cells. Once bound, it upregulates genes involved in collagen I, collagen III, and elastin production. It simultaneously recruits capillary endothelial cells, mast cells, and macrophages to the application site.
This cascade does three things: it increases structural protein synthesis, it clears damaged tissue through controlled inflammation, and it restores blood supply to the treated area. The result is denser, more resilient skin built from the inside out.
Published research (Maquart et al., FEBS Letters; Pickart, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology) documents these mechanisms across in vitro and in vivo models over five decades.
Complete your intake
Async telehealth. No appointments. No waiting rooms.
Your prescription ships
Compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy. Cold-shipped.
Run the course
Follow your provider's dosing schedule. One vial, one course.
Your routine
Where it fits.
Apply GHK-Cu as the first active layer on clean, dry skin. It absorbs in under 60 seconds.
AM
- Cleanse
- GHK-Cu Facial Serum
- Vitamin C serum (optional)
- Moisturizer
- SPF
PM
- Cleanse
- GHK-Cu Facial Serum
- Retinol (if tolerated)
- Moisturizer
Safety
What to expect+
GHK-Cu Facial Serum is generally well-tolerated. No serious side effects have been documented in over 50 years of published research.
Some individuals may experience mild, temporary redness at the application site during the first few days. This typically resolves as skin adjusts.
Conduct a patch test on a small area before regular use. Discontinue and consult your provider if redness, hives, or itchiness persist.
Who should not use this+
Do not use if you have a known allergy to copper or copper-containing compounds.
Safety has not been established for pediatric use.
Limited data exists for use during pregnancy and lactation. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new protocol.
Regulatory context+
GHK-Cu Facial Serum is a compounded formulation prepared under section 503A/503B in a licensed U.S. compounding pharmacy. It requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Frequently asked
What is GHK-Cu?+
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide (tripeptide-copper complex) found in human plasma. It was first identified in 1973 and has been studied for its role in wound healing, tissue repair, and skin regeneration.
How does GHK-Cu differ from other skincare peptides?+
GHK-Cu works by recruiting your skin's own repair cells: capillary cells, mast cells, and macrophages. Rather than introducing an external active, it coordinates your body's existing repair mechanisms to support collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production.
What concentration is this serum?+
This formulation contains GHK-Cu at 0.5% concentration in a 30 g bottle. For reference, many retail copper peptide serums contain as little as 0.01% GHK-Cu. This formulation is 50x that concentration, compounded by a licensed pharmacy.
How should I apply it?+
Apply to clean, dry skin before other serums and moisturizers. GHK-Cu works best as the first active layer in your routine. Conduct a patch test on a small area before regular use to check for any sensitivity. Follow all directions from your prescribing provider.
Are there any side effects?+
GHK-Cu is generally well-tolerated. Some individuals may experience mild redness, hives, or itchiness. Discontinue use if any allergic reaction occurs and consult your provider.
How should I store the serum?+
Store at room temperature, 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C), in the original container. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Can I use this with other skincare products?+
GHK-Cu is generally compatible with common skincare actives including retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. For best results, apply GHK-Cu to clean skin as the first active layer in your routine, then follow with your other serums and moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and won't interfere with layering. As with any prescription product, consult your prescribing provider if you have questions about your specific combination.
Do I need a prescription?+
Yes. GHK-Cu Facial Serum is a compounded formulation that requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Is this the same GHK-Cu used in injections?+
GHK-Cu is the same peptide compound, but this is a topical formulation designed for facial application. The concentration and delivery method differ from injectable GHK-Cu protocols. If you are interested in systemic GHK-Cu protocols at injectable concentrations, explore our GHK-Cu Injectable.
How long before I see results?+
Results vary by individual, but most users report smoother skin texture within the first 2-4 weeks of consistent daily application. Firmness and fine-line improvement tend to build gradually over weeks 4 through 12. GHK-Cu works by restarting a biological process, not by coating the surface, so the results compound the longer you use it. Consistency matters more than quantity.
Stack your protocol.
Systemic GHK-Cu supports tissue repair body-wide while the serum targets facial skin directly.
Glutathione neutralizes oxidative stress that degrades the collagen GHK-Cu is rebuilding.
One peptide. Fifty years of research. Your skin already knows what to do with it.
$199.00 · Clinician-prescribed · Ships from a licensed U.S. pharmacyThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online consultation with a licensed provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.
