GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

Topical cream / serum; injectable availableAvailable in all 50 states

Marketing purposes only. Actual medications, if prescribed, are dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.

skin · regenerative peptide

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that binds copper. Endogenous levels drop ~60% from age 20 to age 60. It's the most-studied copper peptide for skin remodeling, hair-follicle support, and wound healing.

Stimulates fibroblasts and collagen synthesis

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in skin

Supports hair-follicle regeneration in animal/in-vitro models

Decades of dermatological research; well-tolerated topically

No commitment · HSA/FSA eligibleNo commitment · HSA/FSA eligible

How it works

Mechanism of action

GHK binds copper ions with high affinity and acts as a carrier that delivers copper to cells. The GHK-Cu complex modulates gene expression: published microarray data shows up- or down-regulation of more than 30% of human genes implicated in tissue remodeling, antioxidant defense, and stem-cell function.

Topically, it stimulates fibroblast proliferation, increases types I and III collagen, and improves dermal density in published controlled trials. Injectable and intranasal protocols are also described in the literature, with more limited human data.

The baseline panel.

Every Marek client receives this baseline panel before a provider review. Your provider may add additional biomarkers based on your health history, symptoms, and goals, pulling from 1,000+ available markers. See more biomarkers →

Hormone Profile

12 markers

Sex hormones

Total TestosteroneLC/MS
Free TestosteroneEquilibrium Dialysis
Estradiol, Sensitive / UltrasensitiveLC/MS
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
ProgesteroneLC/MSFemale panel
Prolactin
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
hCG, Total, QuantitativeFemale panel, pre-menopause

Adrenals & neurosteroids

Cortisol
DHEA-S

Growth hormone / IGF-1

Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1)

Thyroid Status

3 markers

Thyroid hormones

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Free T4
Free T3

Heart Health

9 markers

Cardiovascular health

Total Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
LDL:HDL Ratio
VLDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Apolipoprotein-B (ApoB)
C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hsCRP)
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))

Metabolism

3 markers

Insulin sensitivity

Blood Glucose
Fasting Insulin
HbA1c

Organ Function

26 markers

Liver & pancreas

AST
ALT
Bilirubin, Total
γ-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

Kidney function

BUN
Creatinine w/ eGFR

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Glucose
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Creatinine
eGFR
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Carbon Dioxide, Total
Calcium
Protein, Total
Albumin
Globulin, Total
Albumin/Globulin (A/G) Ratio
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
AST
ALT

Prostate health

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)Male panel
Free PSAMale panel
% Free PSAMale panel

Nutrient Status

31 markers

Vitamins & minerals

Vitamin D, 25-OHD (25-Hydroxy)
Magnesium, RBC

Iron status

Iron
Iron Saturation
TIBC
UIBC
Ferritin

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

White Blood Count (WBC)
Red Blood Count (RBC)
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
Hematocrit (HCT)
MCV
MCH
MCHC
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
Platelets
Neutrophils
Neutrophils (Absolute)
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes (Absolute)
Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio
Monocytes
Monocytes (Absolute)
Eosinophils
Eosinophils (Absolute)
Basophils
Basophils (Absolute)
Immature Cells
Immature Granulocytes
Immature Granulocytes (Absolute)
NRBC, w/ Reflex for Immature Cells

Clinical evidence

The research behind GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

GHK-Cu peptide and skin remodeling: clinical and biochemical review

BioMed Research International (2018)

Detailed review of GHK-Cu's effects on fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and clinical skin outcomes. Summarizes controlled human trials of topical formulations.

Read study →

Tripeptide-copper complex improves dermal density in older women

Journal of Cosmetic Science (2007)

12-week split-face trial of topical GHK-Cu in 67 women aged 50 to 69. Significant improvements in dermal thickness, fine-line depth, and clinical appearance vs. vehicle control.

Read study →

Safety profile

Monitoring & safety information.

Commonly reported side effects

Topical: mild skin irritation
Topical: localized redness (uncommon)
Injectable: injection-site discomfort

Less common but serious risks

Allergic contact dermatitis (rare)
Long-term systemic copper-load risk has not been characterized for injectable protocols

Generally not appropriate for

Known copper allergy or sensitivity
Wilson's disease (copper-overload disorder)
Active infection at application site
Pregnancy / breastfeeding (insufficient data for injectable)

Typical monitoring

Clinical response, photos, dermal density (when available)
Serum copper and ceruloplasmin for sustained injectable protocols
Symptom assessment

FAQ

Quick answers.

Eligibility, route (topical vs. injectable), and dose are determined by a partnered licensed medical provider based on your goals, history, and any prior protocols. A prescription is not guaranteed.

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide that modulates gene expression involved in skin remodeling, antioxidant defense, and tissue repair. It's most commonly used topically for skin and hair support.

Topical formulations have the strongest human data for skin outcomes and are the first-line approach. Injectable protocols are described in the literature for broader tissue applications, but human data is more limited, your provider will weigh route and goals.

Topical GHK-Cu is generally very well-tolerated; mild irritation is the most commonly reported effect. Injectable protocols add injection-site discomfort. Allergic reactions are rare.

View all FAQs

See all FAQs

Eligibility, route (topical vs. injectable), and dose are determined by a partnered licensed medical provider based on your goals, history, and any prior protocols. A prescription is not guaranteed.

Treatments are dependent on licensed clinical prescription. Client costs vary based on individual labs and panel in treatments and services.