Can GHK-Cu be absorbed through skin?

Author: Mr. Elliot Lueilwitz  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

While glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper (GHK-Cu) has a variety of biological functions, it is not easily absorbed by skin directly, which along with several contraindications, greatly limit its clinical use.

Can copper be absorbed through your skin?

Skin may be a route of entry of metals after contact with metallic items. Dermal absorption of Beryllium (Be) and Copper (Cu) may cause skin sensitization and toxicity in humans. After the deposition of eyeglass temple tips on the skin, Be and Cu can penetrate and permeate this cutaneous membrane.

Do copper peptides work on skin?

Yes! In fact, we recommend it! Copper peptides work synergistically with vitamin C to trap moisture and improve the skin's texture. Try combining them with moisturizing products that are rich in a gentle form of vitamin C, such as our Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer or Vitamin C Rose Oil.

How to use GHK-Cu topical?

The injectable GHK-Cu suggested dosage is 0.2 mL delivered subcutaneously. This is meant to be given once per day. The topical foam is meant to be applied once each night. Around 2-3 pumps of the foam should be applied.

Can you take too much GHK-Cu?

Copper Overload: GHK-Cu contains copper, which is an essential trace element in the body. However, excessive copper intake can lead to copper toxicity. To avoid this, it's important to use GHK-Cu products as directed and within safe concentrations.

All About GHK-Cu Peptide | More Than Just Cosmetic

How long does it take for GHK-Cu to work?

Some people may see results within a few weeks, while it may take several months for others. It is important to be consistent with the use of GHK-Cu and to follow the recommended usage instructions.

What are the side effects of copper peptides for skin?

Possible Side Effects of Copper Peptides

While copper peptides are a low-risk skincare ingredient, they can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itchy or burning skin, and redness. Sensitive skin types are more prone to reactions.

How to mix GHK-Cu powder?

Prepare the Base: Add 100 ml of distilled water or hydrosol in a glass mixing bowl. Add GHK-Cu Powder: Weigh 1 gram of GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Blue Powder using a precision scale. Slowly add this to the water while constantly stirring to ensure it dissolves completely.

Do peptides actually penetrate skin?

Anti-wrinkle peptides, like other peptides, suffer from insufficient skin permeability, while most of them must penetrate deep in the skin to present their efficacy.

Do topical creams enter the bloodstream?

So, can skincare be absorbed into the bloodstream? Most skincare formulas are designed to work on the top layers of the skin, or penetrate to slightly deeper layers, but that doesn't mean absorption into the bloodstream isn't possible, however, it's pretty unlikely.

What not to mix with peptides?

For that reason, mixing peptides and glycolic acid is not recommended. Why shouldn't these acids be mixed with peptides? The reason peptides and salicylic acid as well as peptides and glycolic acid aren't efficacious ingredient combinations is because peptides are susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to acids.

Do copper peptides cause sagging?

Regular use of copper peptides can lead to a noticeable reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a result skin is left smoother and more refined. They can also enhance skin elasticity and firmness. This helps combat the sagging that often accompanies skin aging.

Can you absorb copper by wearing it?

There is also no confirmation that people can absorb copper through the skin from a solid piece of jewelry.

What is the best absorbed form of copper supplement?

Thorne Copper Bisglycinate is a well-absorbed form of copper which is essential for collagen, nerve, blood vessel, and heart health. If you are taking a high amount of zinc, you may develop a copper deficiency.

How to use GHK-Cu peptide?

Exact directions may vary depending on the product you choose, but generally, a GHK-Cu serum should be applied directly to your dry or damp scalp once daily, massaged evenly and thoroughly, and not rinsed out. Serums are very concentrated, and you typically only need to use a drop or two at a time.

Does GHK-Cu activate stem cells?

DOES GHK-CU ACTIVATE STEM CELLS? GHK-Cu has been found to influence stem cell behavior by increasing their proliferation rate while maintaining their pluripotency status. A study showed that treatment with GHK-Cu significantly increased human mesenchymal stem cell migration without affecting differentiation potential.

What not to mix with copper peptides?

As a word of caution, it is generally not recommended to copper peptides with retinol and AHA/BHA, as these ingredients may reduce the overall effectiveness of copper peptides.

Does GHK-Cu tighten skin?

These placebo-controlled studies demonstrated that GHK-Cu skin creams had the following effects: Tighten loose skin and improve elasticity. Improve skin density and firmness. Reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Does GHK-Cu regrow hair?

Research suggests that GHK-Cu promotes hair follicle growth, extends the hair growth phase (anagen phase), and enhances hair thickness. By providing essential nutrients and signaling molecules to the hair follicles, GHK-Cu injections hold promise as a potential treatment for various forms of alopecia.

Can you overuse copper peptides?

Some skin types may be sensitive to copper, and there's a chance that overusing copper skincare products could be detrimental to your skin health. That's why I use non-copper peptides, like the ones you'll find in my Hydration Peptide Cream.

Does GHK-Cu lower blood pressure?

GHK-Cu does lower blood pressure, but the LD50 (Lethal Dose for 50% of mice) for such effects would be about a single dosage of 23,000 mgs of GHK-Cu in a 70 kg human.

What does copper do to your skin?

Copper not only looks good on your skin, but do you know that it is also good for your skin: It is needed for a wide range of biological functions that play an important role in improving skin health, namely skin tone, wound healing, and ultraviolet (UV) protection.

What is the difference between AHK CU and GHK-Cu?

A: As I understand it, ghk-cu is used for skin, joints, scars.... akh-cu is used for nails and hair growth. they interfere with each other, so must used separatelly. Also, any lotion they are added to must not have any form of ascorbate acid that neutralizes their potency.

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