GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a skin & anti-aging peptide. Typical research dosing is daily (injectable) or 2x daily (topical), and the body of supporting research is preclinical + cosmetic use.
What is GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human blood plasma, urine, and saliva. Levels of GHK-Cu decline with age — from approximately 200ng/ml at age 20 to 80ng/ml by age 60 — which correlates with the age-related decline in skin integrity and wound healing capacity. Browse the full peptide library for related anti-aging compounds.
It is known as "the glow peptide" in biohacking circles for its remarkable effects on skin quality, collagen production, and wound healing. For topical anti-wrinkle effects, consider combining with SNAP-8. GHK-Cu is one of the most studied peptides in dermatology and has been used in cosmetic formulations for decades.
Beyond cosmetics, injectable GHK-Cu has shown systemic anti-aging effects in research — activating over 4,000 genes involved in regeneration while suppressing over 2,000 genes associated with inflammation, cancer progression, and tissue destruction. For systemic healing and recovery, it stacks well with BPC-157.
How it works
Collagen Synthesis: GHK-Cu strongly stimulates collagen production in skin fibroblasts. Collagen is the structural protein responsible for skin firmness, elasticity, and the reduction of wrinkles.
Antioxidant Activity: The copper component (Cu) enables GHK-Cu to act as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that accelerate skin aging.
Gene Regulation: GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes — activating regenerative pathways and suppressing inflammatory and degenerative ones. This is what makes it uniquely systemic in its anti-aging effects.
Wound Healing: GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing by attracting immune cells, promoting blood vessel growth, and activating stem cells in the skin.
GHK-Cu in the Philippines: Aesthetic Clinic Routes & Sourcing Reality
GHK-Cu has zero presence on Mercury Drug or Watsons shelves in the Philippines. It is not registered as a pharmaceutical product with FDA Philippines — it lives entirely in the cosmetic ingredient and research-chemical lanes. For topical use, GHK-Cu shows up in luxury serums sold through Rustan's, SM Beauty counters, and aesthetic-clinic dispensaries in Makati and BGC, typically at premium markups.
Injectable GHK-Cu is a different story. No licensed compounding pharmacy in Metro Manila will mix it on an outpatient basis without a dermatologist or wellness-clinic protocol — and even those routes are rare. Most local users in the Salcedo Village, Legazpi Village, and BGC wellness clusters source research-grade vials directly and self-inject after a one-time consult with an integrative medicine doctor or aesthetic dermatologist who is comfortable with peptide protocols.
COA verification matters more for GHK-Cu than for most peptides because copper-peptide complexes are easy to fake — pure GHK without the copper coordination produces none of the gene-regulation effects the studies describe. Always verify the supplier provides HPLC purity (≥98%) and confirms copper coordination (the vial should reconstitute to a deep blue solution; if it's clear or pale, the copper is missing or dissociated).
Hospitals worth knowing
Makati Medical Center — Dermatology · Makati
Aesthetic dermatology consults; peptide protocols rare but possible with senior dermatologists.
St. Luke's BGC — Aesthetic Center · BGC, Taguig
Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation services; PRP and mesotherapy more common than peptide injection.
The Medical City — Dermatology · Pasig
Cosmetic dermatology with research-leaning physicians; ask for integrative medicine referral.
Asian Hospital — Skin & Wellness · Alabang, Muntinlupa
South Metro option for aesthetic consults; quieter wellness-side practice.
Pharmacy stock — what we've seen
Rustan's Beauty Department · Makati / BGC
Premium GHK-Cu cosmetic serums (typically blended formulas, not pure peptide). PHP 3,500–6,000 per 30ml.
SM Beauty / Beauty Bar · Metro Manila
Mid-tier copper-peptide serums; verify GHK-Cu is in top 5 ingredients, not trace.
Aesthetic Clinic Dispensaries · Salcedo / Legazpi / BGC
Higher-strength topical GHK-Cu (compounded) — clinic-only; PHP 4,000–8,000 per bottle.
What this actually costs in the Philippines
| Item | PHP | USD | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic GHK-Cu serum (retail) | ₱3,500–6,000 | $62–107 | Rustan's / Beauty Bar — blended formula |
| Clinic-compounded topical | ₱4,000–8,000 | $71–143 | Aesthetic clinic dispensary, higher concentration |
| Research-grade vial (50mg) | ₱1,600–2,500 | $28–45 | International supplier — verify deep blue on reconstitution |
| Aesthetic dermatologist consult | ₱3,500–6,500 | $62–116 | Makati / BGC aesthetic clinic |
| Mesotherapy session (clinic) | ₱6,500–14,000 | $116–250 | Aesthetic clinic, peptide-blend injection |
Customs & import reality
Research-grade GHK-Cu vials shipped from international labs typically clear Bureau of Customs without issue when declared as "cosmetic ingredient sample" or "research chemical, non-pharmaceutical." FDA Philippines does not list GHK-Cu as a controlled or regulated pharmaceutical, but blue copper solutions sometimes get flagged at inspection — keep COA documentation accessible.
Reported benefits
- Dramatically improved skin texture, tone, and elasticity
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis
- Hair follicle activation and hair thickening
- Wound healing acceleration
- Systemic anti-inflammatory effects (injectable)
- Potential anti-cancer gene suppression
- Liver cell protection
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable | 1–2mg | Once daily SC | 4–8 weeks |
| Topical (face) | 2–3 drops | 2x daily after cleansing | Ongoing |
| Topical (scalp) | 5–10 drops | Once daily | 3+ months |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Side effects
Common
- Topical: mild redness or irritation in first week (skin adapting)
- Injectable: injection site discoloration (temporary blue-gray from copper)
- Skin "purging" in first 2 weeks (old skin cells clearing)
Rare
- Allergic reaction to copper (very rare)
- Overuse can cause skin copper accumulation with orange tint (avoid >2mg/day injectable)
Who should not use GHK-Cu
What to expect
Week 1–2
Skin may experience a "purge" as cell turnover increases. Some redness with topical. Injectable users may see minor discoloration at injection site.
Week 3–6
Skin texture noticeably smoother. Tone more even. Fine lines beginning to reduce. Hair users may notice reduced shedding.
Month 2–3
Significant collagen visually apparent — skin firmer and more youthful. Hair thickening evident. Most dramatic results period.
Month 4+
Results plateau but maintain with continued use. Many use GHK-Cu indefinitely as part of skin maintenance.
FAQ
Injectable vs topical GHK-Cu — which is better?
Can I use GHK-Cu serum on my face daily?
Does GHK-Cu work for hair loss?
Where to get GHK-Cu in the Philippines
See our community-verified supplier list with COA verification and cold-chain shipping to the Philippines.
Primary sources
Citations supporting the clinical claims on this page. Each entry links to the primary record.
- [01]
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018.
ReviewInt J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987 - [02]
Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008.
ReviewJ Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969–88.
DOI: 10.1163/156856208784909435 - [03]
Maquart FX, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988.
MechanismFEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343–6.
DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x - [04]
Trumbo P, et al. Skin remodeling and wound-healing properties of GHK-Cu peptides. Cosmet Toilet. 2015.
ReviewCosmetics & Toiletries Magazine. 2015;130(6).
Source - [05]
Uno H, Kurata S. Chemical agents and peptides affect hair growth (GHK-Cu in hair follicle stimulation). J Invest Dermatol. 1993.
MechanismJ Invest Dermatol. 1993;101(1 Suppl):143S–147S.
PMID: 8326146
Risk · Disclosure · Editorial Status
This page is editorial information for adults researching peptide therapy. It is not medical advice, not a prescription, and not an endorsement of any specific product, supplier, or protocol. Side effects can be serious and individual response varies. Talk to a licensed physician — ideally one with peptide-specific clinical experience — before starting any compound, adjusting a dose, or discontinuing therapy.
In the Philippines, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only under FDA Philippines regulation. Research-grade peptides occupy a regulatory gray area: import for personal research use is generally tolerated, but the Bureau of Customs reserves the right to inspect and detain shipments. Do not import for resale.
Editorial Status
Independent · Non-clinical
Affiliation
Not a clinic · Not a pharmacy
Last Updated
May 7, 2026