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wound · healing

GHK

Also known as: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, GHK tripeptide, Liver cell growth factor
FDA: Not FDA-approved as a drug WADA: Not listed

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. It is found at ~200 ng/mL in young adult plasma, declining to ~80 ng/mL by age 60. GHK is the free-form peptide; when chelated with copper(II) ions it forms GHK-Cu, which has distinct and enhanced biological activity. GHK has been shown to modulate expression of over 4,000 human genes -- approximately 6% of the genome -- with broad effects on wound healing, inflammation, collagen synthesis, and tissue remodeling. The Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis revealed that GHK's gene expression signature opposes aggressive cancer,

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 341.41 Da
Half-life ~2 hours estimated
CAS number —
Route Topical · Subcutaneous · Intradermal topical preferred
02

Mechanism

Naturally occurring tripeptide that activates wound healing genes, stimulates collagen/elastin synthesis, promotes fibroblast migration, and remodels extracellular matrix. Distinct from GHK-Cu (copper-bound form) -- GHK is the free peptide without chelated copper.

03

Dosing

DOSE RANGE 200–500 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 4-12 weeks

Most commonly used topically in serums (0.01-0.1% concentration). Injectable dosing less standardized. GHK-Cu (copper-bound) is more common than free GHK in clinical practice.

04

Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration Gene expression analysis / Review (Broad Connectivity Map analysis) 2015 GHK-Cu modulates expression of 4,665 human genes at 1 micromolar concentration
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data Review (gene data analysis) 2018 GHK-Cu's gene expression effects support regenerative healing over scar formation
Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review Comprehensive review 2025 GHK-based formulations enhance fibroblast migration, ECM remodeling, collagen/elastin synthesis
GHK Tripeptide Gene Regulation and Biological Activity Research article 2025 GHK modulates expression of thousands of human genes
GHK-Cu Hydrogel Wound Healing Study Preclinical 2026 GHK-Cu-loaded hydrogels enhance wound healing in animal models
The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging review 2012 GHK-Cu levels decline with aging from 200 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL
GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health review 2014 GHK reverses gene expression signatures associated with COPD
Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved miniaturized hair follicles and hair density clinical trial 2007 GHK-Cu stimulated hair growth in alopecia patients
GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration review 2015 GHK-Cu modulates expression of over 4,000 genes
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for Acute Wound Healing — — —
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Stacking & interactions

Comprehensive wound healing and tissue repair

Angiogenesis and tissue remodeling

Mitochondrial support alongside ECM repair

Copper-bound form for enhanced metalloproteinase activity

06

Sourcing

Current prices

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100mg

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200mg

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What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
DURING CYCLE
  • CMP (if extended use)
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved as a drug. Used in cosmetic formulations and compounding.
WADA STATUS Not listed

Regulatory status for GHK may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHK?
GHK is a wound healing compound. Naturally occurring tripeptide that activates wound healing genes, stimulates collagen/elastin synthesis, promotes fibroblast migration, and remodels extracellular matrix.
How does GHK work?
GHK operates through multiple interconnected pathways: 1. Extracellular matrix remodeling: Activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for controlled ECM turnover while simultaneously upregulating collagen I, collagen III, elastin, and decorin synthesis (PMID: 41209547) 2. Fibroblast activation: Promotes fibroblast migration, proliferation, and differentiation; stimulates production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) including hyaluronic acid 3.
How is GHK dosed?
Serums: 0. 01-0. 1% GHK or GHK-Cu concentration; Apply 1-2x daily to clean skin; Can be combined with other active ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid); No reconstitution needed for commercial preparations. These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is GHK FDA-approved?
FDA: Not approved as a drug. Not regulated as a drug when used in cosmetic formulations.
What does the research on GHK show?
Cosmetic studies: Multiple clinical trials of GHK-containing topical formulations demonstrate improved skin firmness, reduced wrinkles, and increased collagen density in photoaged skin; Wound healing review (PMID: 41209547): Comprehensive 2025 review confirmed GHK-based formulations (nanoparticle conjugates, hydrogels, TriHex/TriHex 2. 0) enhance fibroblast migration, ECM remodeling, collagen and elastin synthesis, and wound closure while providing antimicrobial activity; TriHex technology: Clinical dermatology products containing GHK demonstrate accelerated post-procedure healing in laser resurfacing and microneedling patients; No large-scale RCTs: Human evidence is primarily from small cosmetic trials and case series; no Phase 3 drug trials for injectable GHK; GHK accelerated wound closure in murine models by 40-60% compared to controls; Protective effects in lung fibrosis, liver fibrosis, and bone healing models; Gene expression profiling in animal tissues confirms broad genomic activation pattern; GHK-Cu-loaded hydrogels showed enhanced wound healing in diabetic mouse models (Yang X et al., Macromol Biosci, 2022. PMID: 35598070).

References

  1. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International (2015). PMID: 26236730
  2. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018). PMID: 29986520
  3. Adnan SB, Maarof M, Fauzi MB, Fadilah NIM. Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Medical Sciences (2025). PMID: 41209547
  4. Multiple authors. GHK Tripeptide Gene Regulation and Biological Activity. Various (2025). PMID: 41462712
  5. Multiple authors. GHK-Cu Hydrogel Wound Healing Study. Various (2026). PMID: 41859865
  6. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2012). PMID: 26236730
  7. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.. GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. BioMed Research International (2014). PMID: 22937864
  8. Pyo, H.K., Yoo, H.G., Won, C.H. et al.. Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved miniaturized hair follicles and hair density. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2007). PMID: 17728937
  9. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International (2015). PMID: 26236730
  10. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for Acute Wound Healing.